Another read

Just finished reading this book. This was a random buy at Borders during one of their 3 books for the price of 2 offers.

I was mainly drawn as the characters narrated are Bengalis who relocated from India to States. I remembered thinking of MH when reading the plot. She is a Bengali who relocated here after marriage too. Throughout our friendship, she has shared with me bits and pieces of her her life back home, their wedding, their visits back home.

I like the book for its colourful descriptions of a heritage and culture. I like the narration of the struggles of its characters in trying their hardest to maintain/distance themselves from a life that had shaped them for most of their lives. The older generation seeks to maintain the ties to a world that is familiar to them. The younger generation seeks to shake it off to be able to pursue their own self identities. It is only at a later stage of life that they can comprehend their parents’ perspectives. Something that is so typical in most relationships with parents everywhere. The theme of family and generation gaps is something I can relate to. 

This book also draws out two of our greatest fears. The fear of losing someone, coupled with regret. Also, the fear of being alone without our loved ones. I think the fear of alone is inherent in all of us, whether we want to admit it or not. Midway through the book, I am reminded that no matter what, family is always my top most priority.