See this book? It has intimidated me for a long time. Well, more specifically, this author scares the hell out of me. I don’t know what it is but every time I pick up one of his books I feel as if I just won’t “get it” and then put it down again.
However, Care and a handful of other bloggers got the idea to read it together this summer. Not a formal read-along because I don’t do well with those, but an informal one where we read one half, chat about it and then read the other half and chat some more. If I get through this book, I will consider it an accomplishment because I haven’t been able to get through it before. I think most of the discussion will take place on Twitter and you can find the discussions with the new hashtag #SitCatC.
Anyway, wish me luck. I’ve got a lot going on this summer and it is not at all the breezy summer I had hoped it to be, but I’m game. I’ve already read a few chapters and so far, so good.
Welcome to Thrity Thursday, also known as “The Space Between Us” read-along. We’ll be reading the book over the next few weeks. Thanks to Lisa for putting it together and thanks to these other bloggers for joining in on the fun!
My hope is that after this read-along, some of you will get a copy of this book and read it on your own. Since that is my wish, my synopsis isn’t a play-by-play account of what I’ve read, but just a high-level overview of what took place. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. With that said…
In this week’s reading, the father of Maya’s unborn baby is revealed. Bhima’s knowledge of this causes her to question everything around her and presents a whole new set of problems for the woman to endure. As Dinaz’s pregnancy progresses, Maya is left to bitterly mourn her own baby’s fate. As shocked as Bhima is by Maya’s behavior, she can relate to how difficult it will be for Maya once Dinaz has her baby.
In the end, which I will not give away… Umrigar brings things to a close in a satisfying, yet realistic way.
My Thoughts:
As much as I enjoyed reading this book, I found it to be a bit soap opera-ish. This happens, then that happens, then there is a shocking revelation…cue music. It’s very dramatic at times. Part of that I think is due to the fact that it’s set in another country. The use of language is different so the emphasis is different with some words, which to me, makes it sound more dramatic.
For whatever reason, the middle class tends to rhyme their words when speaking in this novel. I can’t remember word for word what was said, but “friends schlends” for example. As they tsk tsk over something…they lapse into rhyming their words. This seemed odd to me. Was this an attempt at being cute? To perhaps lend some lightness to the conversation? I’m not sure, but it happened at least three times (that I can recall) and it made me wonder if they really talk like that in India.
As for the story itself, I liked the way Umrigar balanced what is essentially two parallel stories and brought them together. Her descriptive passages leave nothing to the imagination. Every sight and sound and sometimes even smell is accounted for. The scenes at Chowpatty Beach are so vivid, albeit brief. I was completely wrapped up in that world while reading the book.
Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai
As this is now my second Umrigar book, I have to say that she has a very distinct way of writing and an unfailing sense of who her characters are. I think I enjoyed The Space Between Us a bit more than The Weight of Heaven. It seemed a bit more authentic to me, even with the dramatic undertones. Both would make excellent book club picks.
Book Chatter 