The Space Between Us: A Novel (P.S.) by Thrity Umrigar
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Book Reviews of The Space Between Us: A Novel (P.S.)
Book Review: This could happen in my home in Mumbai
Summary: 5 Stars
I am from Mumbai though I have been studying and living in NYC for the past 2 years. My biggest grouse with West-based authors writing about India is that they are too removed from reality and are busy depicting a stereotypical India that is very changed today.
This book and the author surprise me by how accurate it is. We had a "bai" or a maid like Bhima in my home when I was growing up and some of the interactions between Sera and Bhima are very close to conversations in my own home. And though Sera's choice in the end is terrible, I am humbled to accept that inspite of my education and "modern" thinking, I can understand why Sera chose to stick with her family.
The more striking thing about the book that it is not only about India as it is not about "caste" which are sub-portions of the Hindu religion but rather about "class" which is more wealth and social stature driven. This story could well be set in a white household with a colored servant and would probably be the same. I think it is this universal appeal of the book that makes me give it 5 stars.
Definitely a must read.
Book Review: An Accurate, Yet Bleak Portrayal of Modern Indian Life
Summary: 5 Stars
The divide between the rich and poor is portrayed wonderfully in this brilliant novel.
Written through the eyes of an elderly servant living in the slums of Bombay, and an upper middle class Parsi woman, the past and the present of borth women are interwoven as the story unfolds.
Through the novel, the trials and tribulations of the past, present, and future of both women come to light. The fact that the author manages to make seamless transitions into flashbacks that offer an adequate background into what these two women have experienced. This helps the reader better understand the two women and how their current states of mind were sculpted. It also shows how talented this author truly is.
This book was certainly a page turner, and the ending adds realism to what is really a tragic portrayal of how punishing life can be.
This was recommended to me by my mother, who is a Parsi, and I was delighted to see that her name shows up as one of the characters in the book. It offered a nice tutorial on the Parsi culture as well, for those who are interested.
Book Review: A BREATHTAKING NOVEL
Summary: 5 Stars
Ms. Umrigar has written a truly universal book. The story centers around a wealthy Indian woman and her housekeeper. The very poor housekeeper, who lives in the slums of Bombay, and her employer have developed a symbiotic relationship over many years. Each has become involved with the other's family, problems, dreams and disappointments. The housekeeper's 18 year old grandaughter has become pregnant by an unknown man. The wealthy woman as well as her own daughter and son-in-law become involved in trying to obtain an abortion for this very intelligent and underprivileged girl. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and finally teaches us what this class separation really means. Despite their years of friendship, the space between employer and employee is poignantly and devastatingly revealed over the course of the book. It is a breathtaking story, impossible to leave once started. It has humor as well as crying sadness. The ultimate lack of fairness in this world is driven home with cruel accuracy. It has left a permanent scar on my heart.Book Review: Bookclub worthy
Summary: 5 Stars
This book depicts life in India with all it's socially complex aspects, from characters being part of the society of the poorest of the poor, and the much more privileged lifestyle that describes such stark contrast to the life of the underprivileged. The plot will open you up to experience levels of India's multi-level caste system. This is a story of a maid and her family and their hardships, contrasted with her relationship to her employer and sometime friend and is heartfelt, and very complicated. This book will tear your heart out, and make you think. The writing style is beautifully crafted, the story told is nothing that you could ever imagine, the plot is so cleverly written that you cannot second guess the outcome of the story unfolding before you. This book is certainly food for thought and will produce lively discussion at a book club meeting. Lovingly written, achingly heartfelt, giving insight into a society that we Americans cannot possibly imagine.Book Review: Lovely, heart-wrenching and gripping.
Summary: 5 Stars
A beautiful, engrossing book! The author's portrayal of emotions is extremely eloquent and insightful, and her command of language is superb, with beautiful and vivid imagery. I couldn't put the book down and cried many times throughout the book, mainly because the story was so compelling and moving, and partly because I have seen first-hand the raw poverty in India, the ruthless class divisions, the savage oppression of those in positions of power ... and also the largeness of the hearts of those who have so little, the tremendous inner strength of those who survived devastating upheavals, and the beauty of humanity juxtaposed with its ugliness. My life has been profoundly affected and shaped by my own "Bhima" and "Banu" (characters in the book), and I felt a strong affinity with both the story and the protagonists. I highly recommend this book!