The space between us and millions like us
January 30, 2009
Note: From Jun 07
“The space between us” by Thrity Umrigar
Rating: 3.5/5
Final recommendation: a good read
This book revolves around two women in Mumbai. One called Sera, an upper-middle class widow, another is called Bheema, her maid. While one faces the hidden brutality of her husband while he was alive, the other silently suffers through her husband’s treachery and children’s loss. Both women comfort each other, yet never crossing the line of class that divides them. When Sera’s daughter and her son-in-law comes to live with her, both women see their love as something they wished for. Sera supports Bheema’s family through tough times – Bheema’s husband’s accident, daughter’s death and grand daughter’s education. Yet she cannot get herself to treat Bheema at equal level. She feels guilty about it, chastises herself but can’t break the society’s bonds.
It reminds me of us at a certain level. The bit of hypocrisy which is inherent in all of us but we never let go of it. This book is sad. Pessimist to major extent, but then again, that’s what life is, unfair.
Entry Filed under: Books. Tags: Fiction, Indian Authors, Old Reviews, Review.
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