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: Beautiful and moving
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Space Between Us" is the story of a middle-class Parsi woman, Sera, and Bhima, her servant. Bhima's home in the slums sharply contrasts Sera's sparkling, large home. The two women have forged a connection through their years together, their families linked inextricably. The story brings into focus the vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots of India, exploring with gorgeous subtlety the meaning of loyalty and of freedom.
Umrigar's language is lush and descriptive but not a word is wasted. She is able to create a detailed world and to place the reader in the shoes of several different characters. A fascinating story carries her timeless message about the need to further question class divisions and the other lines we construct that separate us from each other. A gorgeous novel; highly recommended.
Book Review: Slow to start, but overall a good read.
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a touching read that really demonstrates the differences between classes in India in a way that most people can understand and relate to. I found the characters were realistic and the storyline interesting, despite a slow start. I found myself cheering for Bhima and unable to put the novel down as I moved through the middle to the end of the novel.
Umrigar does a nice job describing the difference between classes and women and weaves a tale that shows that despite differences in backgrounds, income levels and status in society, women experience hardships (many of them timeless--run-ins with mother-in-laws, abusive husbands) and deal with them in different ways.
This isn't a light and breezy read, but it is engrossing and will leave the reader satisfied and wondering what happens next.
Book Review: Wonderful Storytelling......
Summary: 5 Stars
I wasn't sure if I'd like this book when I ordered it, but since I know very little about India and the caste system, etc. I decided to give it a try.
I'm SO happy I did.
Beautifully written prose that just flows along and takes the reader to a culture so different from our own.
But beyond the excellent writing of the slums and Bombay, there is a poignant story of the relationship between two women. One from the upper middle class and the other, her servant.
I felt the story went to the depths of the soul of these two characters. Both strong women, very different in many ways and yet so very much alike.
I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed this authors writing so much that I've ordered her other two books.....Bombay Time and If Today Be Sweet.
Book Review: The Space Between Us
Summary: 5 Stars
The Space Between Us is an engaging, thoughtful and intelligent story. It was such a treat how Dr. Umrigar was able to articulate the feelings and emotions of both working class as well as middle class Indian and Parsi women and the fact that I, a Mexican American, could so deeply understand the emotions, fears and hopes speaks to the fact that this book will be appreciated by those of any culture. At times I felt frustrated with the mistreatment of women, at times I felt anxious to know that the treatment of women throughout the world, despite class, varies greatly, in the end I felt proud to be a member of such a passionate, caring and powerful group. Dr. Umrigar, writes beautifully. Once you become engaged in the story it will be difficult to put down.Book Review: A haunting and realistic tale but ...
Summary: 4 Stars
I read this book in a one sitting, and I still cannot forget it. It is a haunting, mesmerizing tale. This is a great book to read if one wants to get a simultaneous picture of the two Indias: one properous, educated and the other ground under poverty, illiteracy and other ills that come with these.
I also admired the spoken dialog, which had enough of the typical Indian idiosyncracies; but this might be too much of an in joke for those not familiar with India.
But why are most of the men so two dimensional and not "good people". Surely there must be good men somewhere!
Anyway, I recommend you read it. If you like it, you might also want to read Kamla Markyanda's Nectar in a sieve, which talks about the rural poor.