"The space between us" by Thrity Umrigar.
Rating: 3.5/5
Final recommendation: a good read
The novel 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.
The book is sad. Pessimist to major extent, but then again, that's what life is, unfair.
Disclaimer: This review has already been posted on my personal blog before. Also, opinions expressed here are mine, no offense meant to anyone :)
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