Not knowing much about Indian culture I found the well written story intriguing as well as educational. But more than that I was touched by the tragic stories of the caste system and lack of worth the women suffered. I knew I live a life of freedom and choice but reading the stories of arranged marriage I am eternally grateful and celebrate the privileges I enjoy daily. I am encouraged as I read about many changes that have happened through the generations of this story.
Though I’ve never suffered a miscarriage, someone close to me has. I can’t say I fully understand the loss but I suffered with them like Jaya’s family.
I shared Jaya’s pain when she was unable to communicate with her mother and I understand her inability to talk about the chasm between them. I felt her joy in other seemingly small events.
It is a story that will leave you feeling good about the smallest conveniences we enjoy in a free nation and I hope it touches your heart as it did mine to be kind to others. Like the saying goes; When you can be anything, be kind.
The language is clean and the story flows very well. It is a believable story with a well thought out ending. This novel has some sexual content that is not too descriptive for older teens and adults. I would not be embarrassed to recommend it to my adult daughter or granddaughter. I will most likely share my paper back with them. I do think it’s a book women will love more than men as it is written from Jaya’s point of view. But I think men could benefit from the revelations of what women have experienced differently than men.
This book was recommended and is the topic for a book club I have recently joined. I am pleased to say that I loved it so much that when it came in my Amazon deliveries Friday I could hardly put it down until I finished it late Sunday night. I am eagerly looking forward to the discussions at our next meeting. I am anxious to hear what the other readers gained from it and the questions they may have.
