What I Can Tell You: This is not one of those books you pick up and read it on the fly. You really have to dedicate time to sit and absorb it. As a mom of two young kids, I have to be able to read in little windows. I felt that this took away from the very deep story of a woman and the family she marries into. I really have to give credit to the author, this is a very, smart novel that showcases the differences in traditions and culture. There were many times I was just angry! Especially when Ram allows his mother to remove his and Alice's son as an infant from the home. As hard as Alice tries she is not accepted by Amma.
It is toward the end of the book where I got my greatest lesson. Regardless of the cross-cultural family, these woman share moments that are universal and pure. As different as we are, we are all the same in our hearts. We all want the same things, we all feel the same things. It's all relative to your belief system, life experiences, heritage and culture.
While I loved reading about the Hindu Gods and the role they play in the lives of the people who worship them I kept asking myself, should tradition and heritage take a front seat to kindness and manners? I guess this is were I struggle the most as a live let live, woman. I cannot imagine staying married in a family were I felt that I had no voice.
Very thought provoking book.
Thanks, Maria, for your generous words, and for hosting me today.
ReplyDeleteYes, the custom of "sharing" a child with the entire extended family does rankle western sensibilities. If Amma had been allowed to keep little Sam, he probably wouldn't have grown up to resent his parents for it. In our 'blame the mother' culture, that seems pretty amazing.
Ahhh..the age-old tug of war between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Sounds like a very intriguing book that most can relate to! Great review, Maria.
ReplyDeleteYou constantly amaze, surprise and flatter me. Thank you for mentioning my review. I really connected to this book. It is a great read, like you said, if you can sit and get lost in it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you read the book, and enjoyed it, and what a beautiful and honest review.
P.s
ReplyDeleteBeing a mother is a thankless job, as my hubby says.
(((HUGS)))