Play Book Tag discussion

The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar - 4 stars - My Review

“She would notice how people’s faces turned slightly upward when they stared at the sea, as if they were straining to see a trace of God or were hearing the silent humming of the universe; she would notice how, at the beach, people’s faces became soft and wistful, reminding her of the expressions on the faces of the sweet old dogs that roamed the streets of Bombay. As if they were all sniffing the salty air for transcendence, for something that would allow them to escape the familiar prisons of their own skin.”

Story of two women living in Bombay. Sera is an upper middle-class widow, and Bhima, is her long-term domestic employee. Sera’s daughter and son-in-law live with her. Bhima lives in a slum with her pregnant teenage granddaughter. The novel tells of their daily lives and the vast differences in class between the relatively wealthy and the poor. The women are connected by a long-standing relationship but separated by ingrained customs regarding treatment of the lower castes.

The book is structured in alternating perspectives between Sera and Bhima, providing their backstories and current situation. Sera and Bhima have both experienced marital problems – Sera was abused, and Bhima was abandoned. The primary story arc involves the granddaughter’s unplanned pregnancy. Bhima is illiterate, and deeply concerned that her granddaughter should continue her education.

The city of Bombay (called Bombay in the book, not Mumbai) plays a large part. We see the many religions, diverse population, and regions of the city – slums, seaside, and affluent areas. It is elegantly written, and the characters are well-developed. This is a well-crafted book from an obviously talented writer. I will definitely be reading more of her works.