Tuesday, February 17, 2009

29 - If Today Be Sweet; Thrity Umrigar



If Today Be Sweet: A Novel (P.S.) is the second novel that I have read by Thrity Umrigar in 2009. The first being: The Space Between Us: A Novel (P.S.) .
In this story we meet Tehmina, a recent widow from Bombay, who is visiting her only son, his American wife, and her grandson who live in the suburbs of Cleveland. Tehmina is trying to decide if she wants to move from Bombay, the place she and her husband had loved. She is torn as she also wants to be near her son and his family, but she does not want to be a burden. It would also be a big adjustment with culture change alone. Tehmina is amazed at how well her son has adjusted to life in America since he left India to attend Grad school in the US.
If that is not turmoil enough for Tehimina she tries to rescue two young boys in the neighborhood, who she believes are being abused by their mother.

The whole novel seems to take place in a little over a week, from just before Christmas through New Year's Eve. Tehmina must make up her mind rather quickly whether to stay in the US or to return to India as her tourist visa will expire soon. All the while she is communicating with her late husband as she is tries to decide what to do.

I did enjoy this book as Umrigar's writing style again was simply beautiful. A few of the situations that took place in the story did not seem to ring true. In the end a bell seems to go off in Tehmina's head and she is able to make her decision.

RATING - 3.5/5 - COMPLETED - 2/17/09
WHERE FROM: Library


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4 comments:

  1. AnnaFebruary 17, 2009 at 9:23 PM

    I haven't read anything by this author, but I've heard lots of good things about the writing. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  2. Happy ReaderFebruary 18, 2009 at 7:03 PM

    I remember reading this book a long time ago and really liked it. I am glad you felt the same way

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  3. UnknownFebruary 19, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    I haven't read this author. The best books I've read that were about life in India and took place there were 'God of Small Things'(I can't believe I forgot the author) and 'Shantaram' by Gregory Roberts.

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  4. BreeFebruary 20, 2009 at 10:20 AM

    I think I have the first book on my shelf to read. I haven't read much about India and will have to add this to the list.

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