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A House for Happy Mothers
A stunning new novel—full of wit and warmth—from the bestselling author of The Mango Season.
In trendy Silicon Valley, Priya has everything she needs—a loving husband, a career, and a home—but the one thing she wants most is the child she’s unable to have. In a Southern Indian village, Asha doesn’t have much—raising two children in a tiny hut, she and her husband can barely keep a tin roof over their heads—but she wants a better education for her gifted son. Pressured by her family, Asha reluctantly checks into the Happy Mothers House: a baby farm where she can rent her only asset—her womb—to a childless couple overseas. To the dismay of friends and family, Priya places her faith in a woman she’s never met to make her dreams of motherhood come true.
Together, the two women discover the best and the worst that India’s rising surrogacy industry has to offer, bridging continents and cultures to bring a new life into the world—and renewed hope to each other.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2016
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6009 people want to read
About the author
Amulya Malladi
12 books594 followersAmulya Malladi is the bestselling author of eight novels, including The Copenhagen Affair, A House for Happy Mothers, and The Mango Season. Her books have been translated into several languages, including Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Romanian, Serbian, and Tamil. She won a screenwriting award for her work on Ø (Island), a Danish series that aired on Amazon Prime Global and Studio Canal+. Currently living in California, she is a Danish citizen who was born and raised in India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 636 reviews
May 11, 2016
2.5 stars. I kept reading because while I have given some thought to the concept of surrogacy, I wasn't aware of the surrogacy market in India and the book kept me thinking, sometimes very uncomfortably.
**Spoilers Below**
The thing is, the big takeaway I got from this book is that the type of surrogacy portrayed is completely, utterly, disgustingly exploitative. Not to mention heartbreaking. (Note that this is the message I took away from the book. I have not done extensive research into the surrogacy market in India and am not speaking to any reality there.)
And yet, despite that being the big takeaway theme, the book ends (LITERALLY ENDS) with these words:
"Through their social circumstances, their different worlds - they had touched each other in an irrevocable way. Their bond, not something that would be renewed, could nevertheless be broken. [Um...so the client is going to disappear and never speak to the surrogate again, although it is entirely in her power to do so, but that's a bond that can never be broken? Huh?] Their names meant "hope," and they had given hope to each other, and this was what brought them together, closed the gap between them, eliminated the social and class differences, made them sisters, mothers - made them equals."
Seriously? They gave each other hope and so everything is okay despite the fact that the surrogate was left desolate and depressed, because they are equals???? NOPE. The fact that everyone "got something" out of the exchange doesn't change the fact that the surrogate was coerced into this action by her husband, was constantly contacted and bothered by her clients despite wanting no contact, was blackmailed into appearing on television and ended up completely heartbroken when the child she was carrying was inevitably taken away (with very strong implications that because of her economic distress she will likely have to do this again) - how in the fuck is that a message of hope??? And I'm sorry, but there is no equality between someone who has to SELL THE USE OF HER BODY to pay for her child's schooling and a non-lethal place to live and someone who is BUYING THE USE OF A BODY because they have everything they could ever need and have the cash to spare.
**Spoilers Below**
The thing is, the big takeaway I got from this book is that the type of surrogacy portrayed is completely, utterly, disgustingly exploitative. Not to mention heartbreaking. (Note that this is the message I took away from the book. I have not done extensive research into the surrogacy market in India and am not speaking to any reality there.)
And yet, despite that being the big takeaway theme, the book ends (LITERALLY ENDS) with these words:
"Through their social circumstances, their different worlds - they had touched each other in an irrevocable way. Their bond, not something that would be renewed, could nevertheless be broken. [Um...so the client is going to disappear and never speak to the surrogate again, although it is entirely in her power to do so, but that's a bond that can never be broken? Huh?] Their names meant "hope," and they had given hope to each other, and this was what brought them together, closed the gap between them, eliminated the social and class differences, made them sisters, mothers - made them equals."
Seriously? They gave each other hope and so everything is okay despite the fact that the surrogate was left desolate and depressed, because they are equals???? NOPE. The fact that everyone "got something" out of the exchange doesn't change the fact that the surrogate was coerced into this action by her husband, was constantly contacted and bothered by her clients despite wanting no contact, was blackmailed into appearing on television and ended up completely heartbroken when the child she was carrying was inevitably taken away (with very strong implications that because of her economic distress she will likely have to do this again) - how in the fuck is that a message of hope??? And I'm sorry, but there is no equality between someone who has to SELL THE USE OF HER BODY to pay for her child's schooling and a non-lethal place to live and someone who is BUYING THE USE OF A BODY because they have everything they could ever need and have the cash to spare.
January 5, 2018
“If I were asked to define Motherhood. I would have defined it as Love in its purest form. Unconditional Love.”
----Revathi Sankaran
Amulya Malladi, a bestselling Indian author, has penned a thoroughly refreshing and alluring contemporary fiction called, A House for Happy Mothers that surrounds around two women, one wants a baby desperately thus choosing the surrogate route to India away from her posh Silicon valley life with her darling husband and aristocrat friends, and the other is desperate to provide a good schooling and education to her highly intelligent son and also to keep the wolves away from the doorstep of her poor household by selling her womb. A journey that connects two mothers in different yet in emotionally similar ways that is vivid, raw and extremely heart-touching to read about.
Synopsis:
A stunning new novel—full of wit and warmth—from the bestselling author of The Mango Season.
In trendy Silicon Valley, Priya has everything she needs—a loving husband, a career, and a home—but the one thing she wants most is the child she’s unable to have. In a Southern Indian village, Asha doesn’t have much—raising two children in a tiny hut, she and her husband can barely keep a tin roof over their heads—but she wants a better education for her gifted son. Pressured by her family, Asha reluctantly checks into the Happy Mothers House: a baby farm where she can rent her only asset—her womb—to a childless couple overseas. To the dismay of friends and family, Priya places her faith in a woman she’s never met to make her dreams of motherhood come true.
Together, the two women discover the best and the worst that India’s rising surrogacy industry has to offer, bridging continents and cultures to bring a new life into the world—and renewed hope to each other.
Priya, the Indian-American woman, has the perfect life that a woman can ever ask for, a perfect career, a perfect and doting husband, and a great home, and the only thing missing is a child of theirs own. Unfortunately Priya can't get pregnant, after several miscarriages and terrible nightmares, together, Priya and her husband decides to opt for surrogacy service, a borrowed womb to carry their future child. Hence they have to travel all the way to India, to her husband's hometown at Hyderabad to borrow the womb of another woman who is going to give Priya hope of becoming a mother.
Asha, a mother of two and wife of a house-painter, can barely manage to keep her household financially stable, considering her husband's low-paid daily laboring job. And not to mention, she desperately needs money to admit her highly intelligent and gifted son to a proper school where he can excel and get all the guidance. Hence upon the suggestion of her sister, she decides to sell her womb for money by carrying a child of someone else. Two women, one becoming a mother to give her son a proper education and the other is desperate to become a mother to her own child. And when their paths collide through motherhood, it is beyond amazing and emotional to witness such moments between them.
This is the first time that I read any book by this author, and even though I had no idea about her previous books or her writing style, this book simply won my heart. The world of surrogacy isn't that explored or talked about or penned about by the authors and the subject of surrogacy has always been a mystery to me, so the blurb of the book lured me to grab a copy of this book and start reading instantly. And glad I read this book, the author vividly showed me the truth and emotional struggle behind the expensive world of surrogacy.
Penned with evocative feelings that is bound to move the readers deeply all through the tale, this book is an extremely poignant one. The writing style of the author is brilliant and eloquent, laced with deep emotions. The narrative is equally engaging and articulate and sways gently with its free flowing movement. The pacing is smooth as the story is crafted with enough unforeseeable moments that will keep the readers glued to the book. Also the issues addressed by the author, especially the journey of a woman, who is bearing a child which is not her flesh and blood, is very well portrayed by the author with raw emotions and sentiments that will make the readers sympathize with her ordeal.
The author has done her research really well, as she has intricately depicted the reality behind the white washed walls covered with promising and glossy family pictures of any surrogate centers of the country. But the author's focus primarily remained on the lives of the two women, where one is pregnant and the other is eagerly and happily looking after the other one's family. And surrogacy can bring two families with no blood ties closer than one can ever imagine and that is wonderfully captured by the author into this book.
The characters are really well developed by the author, as they depict realism, honesty and emotions that are highly relatable to the eyes of the readers. Priya is a complex woman, but why wouldn't she be, considering the challenges she has faced in life and also she has many layers to her personality. Asha is a simple housewife, a mother and a wife with only one dream to give proper education to her son and her determination is the driving point of this story, as she goes through an emotional upheaval, yet holds tight to her promise of delivering and giving away the child she is carrying in her womb. The secondary characters are also very interestingly penned, especially the husbands of both the women.
In a nutshell, this is a must read book about motherhood and compassion, for all contemporary fiction readers.
Verdict: Poignant and captivating to its very core.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Westland Publications for the review copy of this book.
----Revathi Sankaran
Amulya Malladi, a bestselling Indian author, has penned a thoroughly refreshing and alluring contemporary fiction called, A House for Happy Mothers that surrounds around two women, one wants a baby desperately thus choosing the surrogate route to India away from her posh Silicon valley life with her darling husband and aristocrat friends, and the other is desperate to provide a good schooling and education to her highly intelligent son and also to keep the wolves away from the doorstep of her poor household by selling her womb. A journey that connects two mothers in different yet in emotionally similar ways that is vivid, raw and extremely heart-touching to read about.
Synopsis:
A stunning new novel—full of wit and warmth—from the bestselling author of The Mango Season.
In trendy Silicon Valley, Priya has everything she needs—a loving husband, a career, and a home—but the one thing she wants most is the child she’s unable to have. In a Southern Indian village, Asha doesn’t have much—raising two children in a tiny hut, she and her husband can barely keep a tin roof over their heads—but she wants a better education for her gifted son. Pressured by her family, Asha reluctantly checks into the Happy Mothers House: a baby farm where she can rent her only asset—her womb—to a childless couple overseas. To the dismay of friends and family, Priya places her faith in a woman she’s never met to make her dreams of motherhood come true.
Together, the two women discover the best and the worst that India’s rising surrogacy industry has to offer, bridging continents and cultures to bring a new life into the world—and renewed hope to each other.
Priya, the Indian-American woman, has the perfect life that a woman can ever ask for, a perfect career, a perfect and doting husband, and a great home, and the only thing missing is a child of theirs own. Unfortunately Priya can't get pregnant, after several miscarriages and terrible nightmares, together, Priya and her husband decides to opt for surrogacy service, a borrowed womb to carry their future child. Hence they have to travel all the way to India, to her husband's hometown at Hyderabad to borrow the womb of another woman who is going to give Priya hope of becoming a mother.
Asha, a mother of two and wife of a house-painter, can barely manage to keep her household financially stable, considering her husband's low-paid daily laboring job. And not to mention, she desperately needs money to admit her highly intelligent and gifted son to a proper school where he can excel and get all the guidance. Hence upon the suggestion of her sister, she decides to sell her womb for money by carrying a child of someone else. Two women, one becoming a mother to give her son a proper education and the other is desperate to become a mother to her own child. And when their paths collide through motherhood, it is beyond amazing and emotional to witness such moments between them.
This is the first time that I read any book by this author, and even though I had no idea about her previous books or her writing style, this book simply won my heart. The world of surrogacy isn't that explored or talked about or penned about by the authors and the subject of surrogacy has always been a mystery to me, so the blurb of the book lured me to grab a copy of this book and start reading instantly. And glad I read this book, the author vividly showed me the truth and emotional struggle behind the expensive world of surrogacy.
Penned with evocative feelings that is bound to move the readers deeply all through the tale, this book is an extremely poignant one. The writing style of the author is brilliant and eloquent, laced with deep emotions. The narrative is equally engaging and articulate and sways gently with its free flowing movement. The pacing is smooth as the story is crafted with enough unforeseeable moments that will keep the readers glued to the book. Also the issues addressed by the author, especially the journey of a woman, who is bearing a child which is not her flesh and blood, is very well portrayed by the author with raw emotions and sentiments that will make the readers sympathize with her ordeal.
The author has done her research really well, as she has intricately depicted the reality behind the white washed walls covered with promising and glossy family pictures of any surrogate centers of the country. But the author's focus primarily remained on the lives of the two women, where one is pregnant and the other is eagerly and happily looking after the other one's family. And surrogacy can bring two families with no blood ties closer than one can ever imagine and that is wonderfully captured by the author into this book.
The characters are really well developed by the author, as they depict realism, honesty and emotions that are highly relatable to the eyes of the readers. Priya is a complex woman, but why wouldn't she be, considering the challenges she has faced in life and also she has many layers to her personality. Asha is a simple housewife, a mother and a wife with only one dream to give proper education to her son and her determination is the driving point of this story, as she goes through an emotional upheaval, yet holds tight to her promise of delivering and giving away the child she is carrying in her womb. The secondary characters are also very interestingly penned, especially the husbands of both the women.
In a nutshell, this is a must read book about motherhood and compassion, for all contemporary fiction readers.
Verdict: Poignant and captivating to its very core.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Westland Publications for the review copy of this book.
June 11, 2016
In America, one SF Bay area family, Madhu and Priya, husband and wife, childless, multiple miscarriages, hearts broken, breaking over their multiple losses. Madhu was born in India, Priya’s mother is Indian, her father “American.” Priya can’t imagine a life without a child, so she investigates what options there are left to her.
In India, one family, Pratap and Asha, husband and wife, their two children, Manoj and Mohini, son and daughter. Born into poverty, and knowing that their son Manoj is very advanced for his very young age, Asha feels the need to find a better education for her son. A better education means money, which they don’t have. Pratap’s sister-in-law found an “easy” way to make money, becoming a surrogate for a “rich” American couple, and now he thinks his wife should do the same thing for their family.
No one’s motives are completely pure in this story, this isn’t a “happy” story in any real or traditional sense. While there is some degree of happiness, perhaps, for some of those involved, it ends up somewhat tainted all the way around.
Pub Date: 1 June 2016
Many thanks to Lake Union Publications, NetGalley and to author Amulya Malladi for providing me with an advanced copy for reading and review.
In India, one family, Pratap and Asha, husband and wife, their two children, Manoj and Mohini, son and daughter. Born into poverty, and knowing that their son Manoj is very advanced for his very young age, Asha feels the need to find a better education for her son. A better education means money, which they don’t have. Pratap’s sister-in-law found an “easy” way to make money, becoming a surrogate for a “rich” American couple, and now he thinks his wife should do the same thing for their family.
No one’s motives are completely pure in this story, this isn’t a “happy” story in any real or traditional sense. While there is some degree of happiness, perhaps, for some of those involved, it ends up somewhat tainted all the way around.
Pub Date: 1 June 2016
Many thanks to Lake Union Publications, NetGalley and to author Amulya Malladi for providing me with an advanced copy for reading and review.
May 6, 2016
There are so many underlying themes in this book from the desire to have a baby, family dynamics, the economics of the poor, the ethics of surrogacy and privilege. The heart of the story belongs to Priya who desperately wants a baby. She has been trying and trying; she’s suffered several miscarriages and failed IVF treatments. She is OVERWHELMED with wanting to have a baby. Her husband supports her but he’d be fine with or without and it’s leading to strains in their marriage. Priya learns of a program where underprivileged women in India will act as surrogates and she sees this as the answer to her prayers. Others around her aren’t so sure.
Asha is a poor woman in India with two children. Her son is academically advanced and he is completely bored in his current school but she and her husband cannot afford to send him to a better school. Her husband wants out of the tiny village where they live and into the city. He encourages her to become a surrogate for the money – to him it’s no big deal. Then they can buy a flat and he can find a better job. He gives absolutely NO consideration to the emotional toll it will take on her. He also does not think spending the money on their son’s education should be a priority. He is more concerned with his ego.
The House for Happy Mothers is where Priya’s world and Asha’s worlds come together and each woman learns that what they thought about the other’s life is not necessarily true. Nor is the house full of happy mothers.
This was a very interesting book for so many reasons. It is so far off of my radar for reading genre and in regards to my life in general but something about it intrigued me. I’m glad I took the chance on it. It’s not perfect, I think it could have goon even deeper into some of the issues – but perhaps the author chose not to intentionally. It could be she wanted to leave the book on the lighter side. Is it ok for a rich woman to pay a poor woman to carry her child? Is it exploitation or is it helping that woman climb out of poverty? In a patriarchal society is the woman really making the decision or is she being pressured into it by a husband? Lots of very interesting questions arise.
The book is well written. Most characters are well developed and the storyline was fascinating to me. I’ve never had that baby lust that drives the plot but I was still turning the pages to see how everything played out. It’s a book that makes you think and I was still thinking long after I had turned the last page.
Asha is a poor woman in India with two children. Her son is academically advanced and he is completely bored in his current school but she and her husband cannot afford to send him to a better school. Her husband wants out of the tiny village where they live and into the city. He encourages her to become a surrogate for the money – to him it’s no big deal. Then they can buy a flat and he can find a better job. He gives absolutely NO consideration to the emotional toll it will take on her. He also does not think spending the money on their son’s education should be a priority. He is more concerned with his ego.
The House for Happy Mothers is where Priya’s world and Asha’s worlds come together and each woman learns that what they thought about the other’s life is not necessarily true. Nor is the house full of happy mothers.
This was a very interesting book for so many reasons. It is so far off of my radar for reading genre and in regards to my life in general but something about it intrigued me. I’m glad I took the chance on it. It’s not perfect, I think it could have goon even deeper into some of the issues – but perhaps the author chose not to intentionally. It could be she wanted to leave the book on the lighter side. Is it ok for a rich woman to pay a poor woman to carry her child? Is it exploitation or is it helping that woman climb out of poverty? In a patriarchal society is the woman really making the decision or is she being pressured into it by a husband? Lots of very interesting questions arise.
The book is well written. Most characters are well developed and the storyline was fascinating to me. I’ve never had that baby lust that drives the plot but I was still turning the pages to see how everything played out. It’s a book that makes you think and I was still thinking long after I had turned the last page.
June 30, 2016
What is interesting about this book is the moral questions that arise about surrogacy. In this story, Priya and her husband Madha, who live in America, tried to have a child the natural way three times, but each time ended in miscarriage. While adoption is an option, Priya has a friend who went through a service that uses impoverished woman in India to act as a surrogates, so Priya convinces her husband (who would be just fine with not having a child at all) to go the surrogacy route.
The book shifts from Priya’s point of view to the surrogate mother’s point of view. Asha already has two children when she becomes a surrogate for Priya and Madha. She and her husband need money for their exceptionally smart son to go to a good school and for a dowry to “marry off” their daughter. Also, it would be nice for them to own their own home. When Asha bleeds part way through the pregnancy, she has to leave her family to live with the other surrogate mothers under strict medical scrutiny. At the surrogacy house, the women get fancy things like toilets that have seats and fruit they otherwise could not afford. Even so, Asha does not like have her body being farmed out, but she was taught not to argue with her husband, so for the most part, she just does her best to voice her opinion that the money should be spent to improve the lives of their children and not on frivolous things.
While it’s intriguing to learn about very different lives and the ethical concerns of surrogacy, the story gets very repetitive: Priya and Madha endlessly have conversations about whether they are doing something good—helping Asha and her family financially—or if what they are doing is morally wrong. Also, they’re constantly having conversations about whether something bad might happen to their baby before it’s born plus all the other worries first-time parents have.
I became emotionally invested in both women’s stories, but the repetition made this book only so-so in my opinion.
The book shifts from Priya’s point of view to the surrogate mother’s point of view. Asha already has two children when she becomes a surrogate for Priya and Madha. She and her husband need money for their exceptionally smart son to go to a good school and for a dowry to “marry off” their daughter. Also, it would be nice for them to own their own home. When Asha bleeds part way through the pregnancy, she has to leave her family to live with the other surrogate mothers under strict medical scrutiny. At the surrogacy house, the women get fancy things like toilets that have seats and fruit they otherwise could not afford. Even so, Asha does not like have her body being farmed out, but she was taught not to argue with her husband, so for the most part, she just does her best to voice her opinion that the money should be spent to improve the lives of their children and not on frivolous things.
While it’s intriguing to learn about very different lives and the ethical concerns of surrogacy, the story gets very repetitive: Priya and Madha endlessly have conversations about whether they are doing something good—helping Asha and her family financially—or if what they are doing is morally wrong. Also, they’re constantly having conversations about whether something bad might happen to their baby before it’s born plus all the other worries first-time parents have.
I became emotionally invested in both women’s stories, but the repetition made this book only so-so in my opinion.
May 4, 2016
I read this novel as a Kindle first and found the book to be instantly compelling. The characters felt believable and the issue of surrogacy against the backdrop of modern India makes for a rich story that is thought provoking and revealing. I especially loved the characters especially Asha and the way she put her son's educational needs and then a desire for a flat in such realistic perspective. As a parent I always think about what sort of legacy I want to create for my daughter and truth is at the center of what matters to me most. I liked the honesty of the characters and the way each looked at the issue of surrogacy. The author did a beautiful job of weaving this novel together and I would recommend it highly.
January 4, 2019
This story deals with the issue of surrogacy.
The problems faced by surrogate mothers and the donor mothers ..and their spouses and close family.
The discrepancy between rich and poor lives..
This was an emotional rollercoaster ride lasting 9 months with occasional flashbacks into their lives.
Was an interesting topic, compasisonately told.
The problems faced by surrogate mothers and the donor mothers ..and their spouses and close family.
The discrepancy between rich and poor lives..
This was an emotional rollercoaster ride lasting 9 months with occasional flashbacks into their lives.
Was an interesting topic, compasisonately told.
June 29, 2025
Rarely you come across a book that grips you not because there are a lot of twists and turns, but because it grips you emotionally. I finished this book over 2 days and just could not get myself to put it down.
I could totally relate to the story as it is against an Indian backdrop and the idiosyncrasies that come with Indians back in India as well as those living in the US. I can imagine myself becoming baby-crazy like Priya if and when comes the time.
I really loved the relationship between Priya and Madhu. It's not black and white, its not perfect as neither are marriages/relationships perfect. But they support each other, go through the journey of becoming pregnant together. What i loved the most is they understood the drama that comes along with being married, relatives and having indian parents!
In summary, this is a really simple emotion filled story. But opinions may differ depending on the mindset that you are in when reading the book
I could totally relate to the story as it is against an Indian backdrop and the idiosyncrasies that come with Indians back in India as well as those living in the US. I can imagine myself becoming baby-crazy like Priya if and when comes the time.
"Priya had always believed happy couples agreed on everything, but now she realized that healthy couples learned to respect even when they disagreed. It wasn’t how much you fought; it was about how good you were at making up. It was about trusting each other and the relationship to have that fight, to get it out there and have the love to heal the wound, temper the argument, and laugh about it."
I really loved the relationship between Priya and Madhu. It's not black and white, its not perfect as neither are marriages/relationships perfect. But they support each other, go through the journey of becoming pregnant together. What i loved the most is they understood the drama that comes along with being married, relatives and having indian parents!
"I learned many things these past months. And one very important thing I learned is that you and I, we’re family. Complete. Our child . . . makes our family bigger, changes the dynamic, but doesn’t change the core of it."
In summary, this is a really simple emotion filled story. But opinions may differ depending on the mindset that you are in when reading the book
April 21, 2017
The concept is intriguing: an Indian couple in America cannot have children, so they turn to a surrogate in India. The book follows their different backgrounds and motivations.
This book could have been a great exploration of the surrogacy market in India, the emotional toll it takes on both families, cultural differences, etc. Instead it is a collection of trite conversations and terrible parties where people keep judging each other and talk about materialistic things. I always hated those parties.
After too much of the irritating whining about everyone's frustration about too much or too little money, too many or too few kids, never having a good enough job, always wanting something they could not have, even though many were well off, with good jobs - I said, I am going home from this terrible party and read a good book.
This book could have been a great exploration of the surrogacy market in India, the emotional toll it takes on both families, cultural differences, etc. Instead it is a collection of trite conversations and terrible parties where people keep judging each other and talk about materialistic things. I always hated those parties.
After too much of the irritating whining about everyone's frustration about too much or too little money, too many or too few kids, never having a good enough job, always wanting something they could not have, even though many were well off, with good jobs - I said, I am going home from this terrible party and read a good book.
November 5, 2016
The surrogacy market is thriving in India, or at least was before the government started talking about shutting it down as they deemed it was an exploitation of Indian women.
I've watched quite a few documentaries on the subject and it's heart breaking, even if it can be a win-win situation for both the couples that can't have children, and for the mothers, who can improve their normal lives due to the money they get as surrogates. And I say it "can" be, as how can we know if we're not in that situation?
Priya and Madhu are a well-off Indian American couple who have gone through several miscarriages. Asha and Pratap have 2 children and live in poverty. They've seen how having another couple's baby can improve lives, as their sister in law has been a surrogate. Their son is almost a genius, and Asha wants him to go to the best school he can.
Although both couples have misgivings about surrogacy, they will do it, as it's the means to an end they all want.
This is a well written book, but I felt it lacked depth. It's more a description of what happens than the feelings that go with it. And, here appears my feminist side, there's the situation of Manoj, who seems to be a brilliant boy, and sending him to school, but never of finding out if the little girl is as intelligent as her brother (she seems to be very young) and sending her to school too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I've watched quite a few documentaries on the subject and it's heart breaking, even if it can be a win-win situation for both the couples that can't have children, and for the mothers, who can improve their normal lives due to the money they get as surrogates. And I say it "can" be, as how can we know if we're not in that situation?
Priya and Madhu are a well-off Indian American couple who have gone through several miscarriages. Asha and Pratap have 2 children and live in poverty. They've seen how having another couple's baby can improve lives, as their sister in law has been a surrogate. Their son is almost a genius, and Asha wants him to go to the best school he can.
Although both couples have misgivings about surrogacy, they will do it, as it's the means to an end they all want.
This is a well written book, but I felt it lacked depth. It's more a description of what happens than the feelings that go with it. And, here appears my feminist side, there's the situation of Manoj, who seems to be a brilliant boy, and sending him to school, but never of finding out if the little girl is as intelligent as her brother (she seems to be very young) and sending her to school too.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 10, 2016
Priya and Madhu are a well-to-do, Indian-American couple from Silicon Valley. Though they lack for nothing, they struggle to have a baby. After several miscarriages, Priya opts for a surrogate mother. In a small village of India, Asha and Pratap and their two children live in a hut. When neccesssity arises, Asha decides to become a surrogate but not without reservations. Thus, when Asha is chosen as Priya´s surrogate, both women embark on a difficult and emotinal journey.
Having previously read a novel by Malladi, I became intrigued by her most recent release. The topic is most certainly eye-catching. Surrogacy is a complex topic as it involves so many moral and ethical concerns, especially when in comes to the poor women of India. India is known as the "surrogacy hub" of the world. A booming market or exploitation of women in need? That is what this novel explores. The cover is vibrant and the word "happy" is in the title but the novel is neither. The tone hovers between uncertainty and hopefulness. Beyond the financial gain (for the surrogate), the cost is high. I really wish this novel would have had a deeper emotional context, a more extensive study of the mental toil. At times, Priya came off as shallow. Having said that, the interactions, at least, felt honest. As a whole, the book was an easy read and thought-provocking. Though, I really think, it could have greatly benefitted from an afteward, an addition as to how both couples fared. Still, this was a worthy read.
Having previously read a novel by Malladi, I became intrigued by her most recent release. The topic is most certainly eye-catching. Surrogacy is a complex topic as it involves so many moral and ethical concerns, especially when in comes to the poor women of India. India is known as the "surrogacy hub" of the world. A booming market or exploitation of women in need? That is what this novel explores. The cover is vibrant and the word "happy" is in the title but the novel is neither. The tone hovers between uncertainty and hopefulness. Beyond the financial gain (for the surrogate), the cost is high. I really wish this novel would have had a deeper emotional context, a more extensive study of the mental toil. At times, Priya came off as shallow. Having said that, the interactions, at least, felt honest. As a whole, the book was an easy read and thought-provocking. Though, I really think, it could have greatly benefitted from an afteward, an addition as to how both couples fared. Still, this was a worthy read.
July 3, 2017
I'm picky, and seldom give a five star review, unless it's meaningful. And I can't waste anymore time reading this book. There is too much detail...he said, she said, he felt, I felt....which, for me, diluted anything worth telling. It's another book with a good story line, but it NEVER delivered.
First of all, I take umbrage with the crude words and expressions which the author casually sprinkles through-out the conversations of her main characters. This language is not what I've heard, nor expect, from the gentle, kindly, Indian people I've known...coming across as crass, and not the kind of people I can relate to, or want to know.
Complain...complain...complain....me...me...me. Blah...blah...blah... gossipy, self-centered, judgemental and oblivious to the feelings of others. I simply didn't like Priya, her husband, or her friends. No, it did not show the emotional bonding of two women, but instead depicted Priya, and her friends, as shallow, self-involved, ugly Americans, who took advantage of the surrogate's naiveté, lack of education, and poverty.
I stayed with "A House for Happy Mothers" until I found myself falling asleep while reading.
Later, I may come back and read the ending...but right now, I just don't care enough to continue.
First of all, I take umbrage with the crude words and expressions which the author casually sprinkles through-out the conversations of her main characters. This language is not what I've heard, nor expect, from the gentle, kindly, Indian people I've known...coming across as crass, and not the kind of people I can relate to, or want to know.
Complain...complain...complain....me...me...me. Blah...blah...blah... gossipy, self-centered, judgemental and oblivious to the feelings of others. I simply didn't like Priya, her husband, or her friends. No, it did not show the emotional bonding of two women, but instead depicted Priya, and her friends, as shallow, self-involved, ugly Americans, who took advantage of the surrogate's naiveté, lack of education, and poverty.
I stayed with "A House for Happy Mothers" until I found myself falling asleep while reading.
Later, I may come back and read the ending...but right now, I just don't care enough to continue.
June 29, 2016
“Even though they had all the creature comforts they could dream of, none of the women in the Happy Mothers House was happy. Asha saw it everywhere. The frustration of being away from their families, the humiliation of lying to everyone about their pregnancy, the conflict of having a baby inside them they mustn’t bond with –these were definitely not Happy Mothers.”
The best part about reading diversely, is that occasionally I come across books that teach me something new about things I think I know. I knew about the surrogacy market in India, or so I thought, until I read Amulya Malladi’s A House For Happy Mothers.
Priyasha (Priya; ethnically half-Indian, but culturally fully American) and Madhu are a Silicon Valley couple who have been trying unsuccessfully to start a family. When Priya hears from some friends about surrogacy as an option, she convinces Madhu that they must try it. The surrogate who carries their baby is Asha, an uneducated housewife from a small village in Andhra Pradesh, India. A House For Happy Mothers tells the stories of both these women who will go to great lengths for their child–Priya, for the baby she craves and Asha for the gifted child she wants to ensure an education for.
I have to mention at this point that parts of this book may be triggering for women who are struggling to start a family, or have had miscarriages.
Going beyond the surrogacy, the novel also explores other themes like poverty, mother-daughter relationship, and the relationships between these women and their husbands. Personally, I enjoyed exploring the contrast between the city bred, progressive Madhu, versus Pratap, Asha’s husband, who is still caught up in the patriarchal mindset which allows him to make the decisions for his wife.Seeing how this experience affects both these marriages was thought-provoking. Malladi’s observations on Indian societal expectations are spot on and I could relate to them completely.
In simple prose, free of embellishments, these characters and their stories become three-dimensional. Malladi doesn’t take sides or become judgmental. Alternating between Priya’s and Asha’s POV she offers glimpses of both these worlds, generating empathy for both.
A House For Happy Mothers asks all the ethical and moral questions, but offers answers to none. It only shows us these two worlds and leaves the decisions to the reader, because ultimately happiness is never what we think it is.
FTC disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
Author Bio: http://www.amazon.com/Amulya-Malladi/...
The best part about reading diversely, is that occasionally I come across books that teach me something new about things I think I know. I knew about the surrogacy market in India, or so I thought, until I read Amulya Malladi’s A House For Happy Mothers.
Priyasha (Priya; ethnically half-Indian, but culturally fully American) and Madhu are a Silicon Valley couple who have been trying unsuccessfully to start a family. When Priya hears from some friends about surrogacy as an option, she convinces Madhu that they must try it. The surrogate who carries their baby is Asha, an uneducated housewife from a small village in Andhra Pradesh, India. A House For Happy Mothers tells the stories of both these women who will go to great lengths for their child–Priya, for the baby she craves and Asha for the gifted child she wants to ensure an education for.
I have to mention at this point that parts of this book may be triggering for women who are struggling to start a family, or have had miscarriages.
Going beyond the surrogacy, the novel also explores other themes like poverty, mother-daughter relationship, and the relationships between these women and their husbands. Personally, I enjoyed exploring the contrast between the city bred, progressive Madhu, versus Pratap, Asha’s husband, who is still caught up in the patriarchal mindset which allows him to make the decisions for his wife.Seeing how this experience affects both these marriages was thought-provoking. Malladi’s observations on Indian societal expectations are spot on and I could relate to them completely.
In simple prose, free of embellishments, these characters and their stories become three-dimensional. Malladi doesn’t take sides or become judgmental. Alternating between Priya’s and Asha’s POV she offers glimpses of both these worlds, generating empathy for both.
A House For Happy Mothers asks all the ethical and moral questions, but offers answers to none. It only shows us these two worlds and leaves the decisions to the reader, because ultimately happiness is never what we think it is.
FTC disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
Author Bio: http://www.amazon.com/Amulya-Malladi/...
February 14, 2017
If you had the opportunity to give another woman a precious gift of life, would you? This story tells the role of each woman; their issues, financial status, their family and so forth. The major difference is one woman can't have children and the other can. The surrogate mother lives in India and needs the money to find a place to lve and better schooling for her son.
Each woman deals with the hardship of pregnancy from different perspectives. Priya keeps having miscarriages but wants a baby so bad, she's willing to put it before her marriage. Asha doesn't want to be a surrogate but due to their financial situation, she does it to survive.
The issues in-between have to deal with greed and manipulation. From the doctor to Asha's family (the family was in dire need). I enjoyed this book and I'm glad I finished the story. It touches a woman to see the plight of another woman and her desire for a child she can't conceive.
Each woman deals with the hardship of pregnancy from different perspectives. Priya keeps having miscarriages but wants a baby so bad, she's willing to put it before her marriage. Asha doesn't want to be a surrogate but due to their financial situation, she does it to survive.
The issues in-between have to deal with greed and manipulation. From the doctor to Asha's family (the family was in dire need). I enjoyed this book and I'm glad I finished the story. It touches a woman to see the plight of another woman and her desire for a child she can't conceive.
May 19, 2016
Well, I got this book free as Kindle first through my Prime Amazon account and read it before its release date and happy that I've got to read this book! As a new mom, this topic was especially interesting and challenging for me. Basically, the story talks about a family using surrogate mother in India to have a baby and all moral and social attitude of families are well described over here. It was a good surprise to me to know about this business in India, its impact on families and developmental areas. The language of the book is so smooth and natural; I really enjoyed dialogues between Mahdu and Priya, Priya and Sush, and Priya with her friends. Will come back to Amulya's other novels soon. Thank you.
May 17, 2024
"A House for Happy Mothers" tells the compelling story of motherhood journeys between two women from two different backgrounds who are united to bring hope to each other.
Priya is an affluent woman from California who desperately wants to become a parent but struggles to get pregnant. She suffered with several miscarriages and failed IVF treatment.
Meanwhile, Asha comes from a poor family who lives in a hut at the village in Srirampuram. Her life as a woman was completed with a caring husband and two bright and beautiful children. However, her small family was struggle with financial problems.
These women crossed paths by surrogacy. Asha had agreed to be a surrogate mother for Priya and her husband. Hence, Happy Mothers House where a place for all surrogates mothers stay throughout their pregnancy until they give birth was where Priya and Asha met.
This novel portrays many underlying themes; motherhood and identity, economic disparities and exploitation, cultural clash and globalization, female agency and empowerment, emotional and ethical complexities of surrogacy, family and sacrifice, as well as hope and desperation.
This novel also reminds me of a Netflix movie, "Mimi" which delves into the complex and emotionally charged world of surrogacy.
Priya is an affluent woman from California who desperately wants to become a parent but struggles to get pregnant. She suffered with several miscarriages and failed IVF treatment.
Meanwhile, Asha comes from a poor family who lives in a hut at the village in Srirampuram. Her life as a woman was completed with a caring husband and two bright and beautiful children. However, her small family was struggle with financial problems.
These women crossed paths by surrogacy. Asha had agreed to be a surrogate mother for Priya and her husband. Hence, Happy Mothers House where a place for all surrogates mothers stay throughout their pregnancy until they give birth was where Priya and Asha met.
This novel portrays many underlying themes; motherhood and identity, economic disparities and exploitation, cultural clash and globalization, female agency and empowerment, emotional and ethical complexities of surrogacy, family and sacrifice, as well as hope and desperation.
This novel also reminds me of a Netflix movie, "Mimi" which delves into the complex and emotionally charged world of surrogacy.
July 3, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars -- If you were really desperate for a baby, what would you do to get one? Is there really hope after a series of miscarriages and barrenness?
That question is at the heart of this contemporary fiction novel that begs for debate and discussion. In this case, a surrogate is hired in India to carry the baby that a US couple, Priya and Madhu want so badly. In the awkwardness of the encounters between the surrogate and the natural parents are the twins angst and doubt. Who is using whom? For Asha and Pratap, the opportunity to grow this baby will provide much needed money to give their brilliant son a chance to attend a good school or for the family to buy a real home. For the donor couple, a bit embarrassed by the whole ordeal of secret surrogacy, the use of a host mother gives them the baby that Priya feels she NEEDS in order to create a family. Is this a moral dilemma? And if you don't have children, are you really a "family?"
Segregated away in India at a special clinic in the House for Happy Mothers, Asha waits anxiously for the delivery of this child. She is in the company of other women who are doing the same thing as she -- and those women display a variety of emotions and rationalizations. Asha feels the baby move inside her and questions her own motives. Will she be able to give this infant up after carrying it for 9 months? Her husband, son, and daughter visit her faithfully but they don't understand the sacrifice involved here. Asha is no longer in control of her own body.
These two couples undergo extreme examination of conscience. As they attempt to explain to others their reasons for choosing this route, both women especially have to look deep inside to analyze their motives to explain their choices. Families are divided, the verdict is in question--was this the right way to do it? Is it OK to use the baby farm? Are there winners and losers?
As always, this author creates characters that could be you or me. She puts us in the position of having to evaluate our own set of beliefs and values. There is no right or wrong here, or is there?
Personally I can't imagine hiring a surrogate, but then again, I was never desperate enough to have a child to have to think about this option. I do know women who would do this in a heartbeat. I don't allow myself to pass sentence. It was quite interesting to see the different points of view of these two women characters and how they handled this situation. Their families were both supportive and judgmental -- but isn't that like real life?? My only complaint about the book was the overly sentimental happy ending for everyone -- but hey, isn't that what we all wish for? At times very sad, but with a touch of humor, Amulya Malladi gets it -- life is really complicated! The inner thoughts of women are complex!
Thank you to the author and to the publishers for this e-book ARC to review.
That question is at the heart of this contemporary fiction novel that begs for debate and discussion. In this case, a surrogate is hired in India to carry the baby that a US couple, Priya and Madhu want so badly. In the awkwardness of the encounters between the surrogate and the natural parents are the twins angst and doubt. Who is using whom? For Asha and Pratap, the opportunity to grow this baby will provide much needed money to give their brilliant son a chance to attend a good school or for the family to buy a real home. For the donor couple, a bit embarrassed by the whole ordeal of secret surrogacy, the use of a host mother gives them the baby that Priya feels she NEEDS in order to create a family. Is this a moral dilemma? And if you don't have children, are you really a "family?"
Segregated away in India at a special clinic in the House for Happy Mothers, Asha waits anxiously for the delivery of this child. She is in the company of other women who are doing the same thing as she -- and those women display a variety of emotions and rationalizations. Asha feels the baby move inside her and questions her own motives. Will she be able to give this infant up after carrying it for 9 months? Her husband, son, and daughter visit her faithfully but they don't understand the sacrifice involved here. Asha is no longer in control of her own body.
These two couples undergo extreme examination of conscience. As they attempt to explain to others their reasons for choosing this route, both women especially have to look deep inside to analyze their motives to explain their choices. Families are divided, the verdict is in question--was this the right way to do it? Is it OK to use the baby farm? Are there winners and losers?
As always, this author creates characters that could be you or me. She puts us in the position of having to evaluate our own set of beliefs and values. There is no right or wrong here, or is there?
Personally I can't imagine hiring a surrogate, but then again, I was never desperate enough to have a child to have to think about this option. I do know women who would do this in a heartbeat. I don't allow myself to pass sentence. It was quite interesting to see the different points of view of these two women characters and how they handled this situation. Their families were both supportive and judgmental -- but isn't that like real life?? My only complaint about the book was the overly sentimental happy ending for everyone -- but hey, isn't that what we all wish for? At times very sad, but with a touch of humor, Amulya Malladi gets it -- life is really complicated! The inner thoughts of women are complex!
Thank you to the author and to the publishers for this e-book ARC to review.
March 20, 2017
Ich habe bislang noch kein Buch zum Thema Leihmutterschaft gelesen und war von daher sehr gespannt, wie die Autorin mit der Thematik umgegangen ist und wie sie umgesetzt wurde. Da das Thema Leihmutterschaft in vielen Ländern nach wie vor ein Tabuthema ist, habe ich hier zunächst befürchtet, dass die Autorin die Geschichte zu sehr mit erhobenen Zeigefinger schreiben würde, allerdings war dies hier nicht der Fall.
Das Thema wird gut erzählt, man lernt unterschiedliche und interessante Figuren kennen und besonders die Gefühle, speziell die Ängste der Figuren, werden sehr gut beschrieben. Dadurch, dass die Geschichte abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Priya und Asha beschrieben wird, erhält man gleichzeitig einen guten Einblick in ihre Gefühlswelt, sodass ich mich zumindest teilweise in die Figuren hineinversetzen konnte. Am Schreibstil ist lediglich zu kritisieren, dass dieser manchmal zu langatmig ist und sich an Kleinigkeiten aufgehalten wird, die für die Geschichte nicht zwingend wichtig sind.
Erzählt wird hier die Geschichte zweier Frauen, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein können. Während Priya nahezu alles besitzt, eine gute Beziehung führt und erfolgreich im Job ist, lebt Asha in Indien unter ärmlichsten Verhältnissen mit ihrer Familie in einem kleinen Dorf, wo sie täglich ums Überleben kämpfen müssen. Während Asha bereits zwei Kinder hat und für sie nur das Beste, sprich eine gute Ausbildung möchte, hat Priya damit zu kämpfen, dass ihr der größte Wunsch verwehrt bleibt, denn sie selbst kann keine Kinder bekommen.
Asha kann dagegen noch sehr wohl Kinder bekommen, allerdings nicht für sich selbst, sondern für andere, denn sie entschließt sich, in das sogenannte "Haus der glücklichen Mütter" zu gehen, um dort als Leihmutter anderen kinderlosen Paaren zu helfen. Dass es dabei das ein oder andere Mal zu einem Gewissenskonflikt und kritischen Gesprächen kommt, dürfte nicht überraschen...
Das Cover ist traumhaft schön und hat mich direkt angesprochen, sodass ich direkt einen näheren Blick auf das Buch werfen wollte. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung weiß durchaus zu überzeugen. Ich finde zwar, dass diese bereits zu viel verrät, allerdings hat diese insgesamt mein Interesse geweckt.
Kurz gesagt: "Das Haus der glücklichen Mütter" ist aufgrund des Themas "Leihmutterschaft" mal etwas ganz anderes, konnte mich aber dennoch gut unterhalten und zum Nachdenken anregen, sodass ich hier eine interessante und emotionale Geschichte für verregnete Nachmittage vorgefunden habe.
Das Thema wird gut erzählt, man lernt unterschiedliche und interessante Figuren kennen und besonders die Gefühle, speziell die Ängste der Figuren, werden sehr gut beschrieben. Dadurch, dass die Geschichte abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Priya und Asha beschrieben wird, erhält man gleichzeitig einen guten Einblick in ihre Gefühlswelt, sodass ich mich zumindest teilweise in die Figuren hineinversetzen konnte. Am Schreibstil ist lediglich zu kritisieren, dass dieser manchmal zu langatmig ist und sich an Kleinigkeiten aufgehalten wird, die für die Geschichte nicht zwingend wichtig sind.
Erzählt wird hier die Geschichte zweier Frauen, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein können. Während Priya nahezu alles besitzt, eine gute Beziehung führt und erfolgreich im Job ist, lebt Asha in Indien unter ärmlichsten Verhältnissen mit ihrer Familie in einem kleinen Dorf, wo sie täglich ums Überleben kämpfen müssen. Während Asha bereits zwei Kinder hat und für sie nur das Beste, sprich eine gute Ausbildung möchte, hat Priya damit zu kämpfen, dass ihr der größte Wunsch verwehrt bleibt, denn sie selbst kann keine Kinder bekommen.
Asha kann dagegen noch sehr wohl Kinder bekommen, allerdings nicht für sich selbst, sondern für andere, denn sie entschließt sich, in das sogenannte "Haus der glücklichen Mütter" zu gehen, um dort als Leihmutter anderen kinderlosen Paaren zu helfen. Dass es dabei das ein oder andere Mal zu einem Gewissenskonflikt und kritischen Gesprächen kommt, dürfte nicht überraschen...
Das Cover ist traumhaft schön und hat mich direkt angesprochen, sodass ich direkt einen näheren Blick auf das Buch werfen wollte. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung weiß durchaus zu überzeugen. Ich finde zwar, dass diese bereits zu viel verrät, allerdings hat diese insgesamt mein Interesse geweckt.
Kurz gesagt: "Das Haus der glücklichen Mütter" ist aufgrund des Themas "Leihmutterschaft" mal etwas ganz anderes, konnte mich aber dennoch gut unterhalten und zum Nachdenken anregen, sodass ich hier eine interessante und emotionale Geschichte für verregnete Nachmittage vorgefunden habe.
September 1, 2017
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ! 3.75 stars. It's a basic story of two couples one couple who can't have children and another couple that can. We have Priya and Madhu in America who are Indian but live in California. Priya has suffered a few miscarriages and turns out she won't be able to carry her baby to term so they go through a surrogacy outfit in India and another woman Asha becomes a surrogate.
The story is about what it's like to have to do things because you want a better life for your family and Asha has 2 children and one of them is 'mensa' smart and she wants hi to go to a better school. But her husband wants to buy a flat. They only get a certain amount of money. We get to see the intricacies of a marriage where the man usually has the last word.
We also witness Priya and how she loses her job and how she is so determined to have a baby that she puts her husband second.
But the bulk of the story is about what it's like to have a baby for someone else. Do you get attached? do you have negative thoughts about the rich mother who can afford to do this. Do you fantasize about running away with the baby that you have grown to feel as your own.
This was a good story but I felt it ended to quickly. It was too tidy at the end. But worth reading if you're interested in surrogacy.
The story is about what it's like to have to do things because you want a better life for your family and Asha has 2 children and one of them is 'mensa' smart and she wants hi to go to a better school. But her husband wants to buy a flat. They only get a certain amount of money. We get to see the intricacies of a marriage where the man usually has the last word.
We also witness Priya and how she loses her job and how she is so determined to have a baby that she puts her husband second.
But the bulk of the story is about what it's like to have a baby for someone else. Do you get attached? do you have negative thoughts about the rich mother who can afford to do this. Do you fantasize about running away with the baby that you have grown to feel as your own.
This was a good story but I felt it ended to quickly. It was too tidy at the end. But worth reading if you're interested in surrogacy.
May 15, 2016
Perhaps it was the heading on the product page describing this book as ‘full of wit and warmth’ that led me to believe that it would be an uplifting choice.
Unfortunately, I found it to be such a sad story with no offsetting levity. Surrogacy is such an emotional issue for both the parents as well as the surrogate mother and the setting amidst the poverty of India makes it even more heartrending.
On the plus side, it was interesting to learn more about the Indian culture at the various levels and this detail was well presented.
However, there was so much repetition in both dialogue and narrative when it came to describing the feeling of the characters about the process itself as well as the impact on their marriages and families. It may be that the author just wanted to drive home the conflicting sentiments but the sad redundancies were a definite negative for me.
Poverty is a depressing subject and combining it with an emotional subject does not make for entertaining reading. This book is well written and enlightening but it left me feeling sad and hollow.
Unfortunately, I found it to be such a sad story with no offsetting levity. Surrogacy is such an emotional issue for both the parents as well as the surrogate mother and the setting amidst the poverty of India makes it even more heartrending.
On the plus side, it was interesting to learn more about the Indian culture at the various levels and this detail was well presented.
However, there was so much repetition in both dialogue and narrative when it came to describing the feeling of the characters about the process itself as well as the impact on their marriages and families. It may be that the author just wanted to drive home the conflicting sentiments but the sad redundancies were a definite negative for me.
Poverty is a depressing subject and combining it with an emotional subject does not make for entertaining reading. This book is well written and enlightening but it left me feeling sad and hollow.
May 19, 2016
Readers who loved "A Breath of Fresh Air" will find this a significantly different read. It reads much lighter than "Breath" and does not feel formulaic in topic or writing style.
An American-Indian woman is infertile; an Indian woman is trying to build a future for her children. Each gives what they can in order to achieve their goals. Priya and her husband pay Asha to be their surrogate, and Asha plans to use the payment to pursue her son's education. Ethical questions arise as we see the sacrifices Asha must make and the pain that infertility has brought to Priya.
An American-Indian woman is infertile; an Indian woman is trying to build a future for her children. Each gives what they can in order to achieve their goals. Priya and her husband pay Asha to be their surrogate, and Asha plans to use the payment to pursue her son's education. Ethical questions arise as we see the sacrifices Asha must make and the pain that infertility has brought to Priya.
May 8, 2016
What a great story! I felt it really showed the cultural issues of both women very well. I got this book as an Amazon First read and very glad to pick this book. Nice book to read on Mother's Day! Happy Mothers is the name of a surrogate clinic in India (It is not really so happy for the surrogates)! Would recommend this story!
June 8, 2016
“Gangamma, like Asha, wondered if she was going against the wishes of God by giving a barren woman a baby. “If she can’t have a child, it’s because God doesn’t want her to have one,” Gangamma said. “Don’t you think we’re doing something wrong here?” “And if God gives us cancer, we still get treated, don’t we? We don’t sit around and think this is God’s will,” Keertana said. “This is the same thing.”” A HOUSE for HAPPY MOTHERS (Lake Union Publishing)
Amulya Malladi’s novel, A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS takes us on an emotional journey of surrogacy, experiencing the heart-wrenching terrain encountered by mothers in first and third worlds. The culturally different roles women play in these societies are highlighted in what used to be warm, private family experiences, that some might argue now have become “rent-a-womb” business transactions.
Priya is the daughter of a Caucasian father and an Indian mother. She lives in Silicon Valley and has everything she could want, a wonderful husband, house, career, but she’s unable to have a baby. Asha lives in a small tin roof hut in an Indian Village, half-way around the world with her husband and two children. They struggle to eat and keep a roof over their heads, but Asha is desperate to afford an education for her gifted son.
Asha knows of the Happy Mothers House, essentially a “baby farm” for wealthy childless couples overseas. It’s not her first choice to make money, but after her family pressures her, she checks in. Priya’s friends and family are surprised she is willing to tap into India’s rising surrogacy industry, wondering if she’s exploiting Asha.
A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS is a thought-provoking novel that will work well in book-clubs. The story alternates between Priya and Asha perspectives, from Silicon Valley back to the small Indian Village. Priya frequents late night internet surrogate message boards. Asha is part of a traditionally arranged marriage, and must obey her husband, also worrying if her husband will squander the money they make. “Womb-renting” is frowned upon in the Village, so many women hide, emerging nine-months later saying they “lost” the baby.
Amulya uses subtle nuances to bridge the two women’s stories over two continents and cultures without making any judgements and leaves readers are to decide for themselves.
*****************************************
REALITY CHECK:
It’s interesting to note that in October 2015, the Indian Government banned all surrogate services for foreigners and ordered all fertility clinics in India to stop hiring Indian women from bearing children for them. The government argues they are protecting poor Indian women from exploitation. But the women argue that they could never earn the money they make from being surrogates and want the government to “get out of their private lives.”
The Indian Government has also instructed Indian Embassies abroad, to stop granting “reproductive tourism” visas. (yes, that’s what they are called.)
The surrogacy issue remains in the Indian Supreme Court.
Amulya Malladi’s novel, A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS takes us on an emotional journey of surrogacy, experiencing the heart-wrenching terrain encountered by mothers in first and third worlds. The culturally different roles women play in these societies are highlighted in what used to be warm, private family experiences, that some might argue now have become “rent-a-womb” business transactions.
Priya is the daughter of a Caucasian father and an Indian mother. She lives in Silicon Valley and has everything she could want, a wonderful husband, house, career, but she’s unable to have a baby. Asha lives in a small tin roof hut in an Indian Village, half-way around the world with her husband and two children. They struggle to eat and keep a roof over their heads, but Asha is desperate to afford an education for her gifted son.
Asha knows of the Happy Mothers House, essentially a “baby farm” for wealthy childless couples overseas. It’s not her first choice to make money, but after her family pressures her, she checks in. Priya’s friends and family are surprised she is willing to tap into India’s rising surrogacy industry, wondering if she’s exploiting Asha.
A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS is a thought-provoking novel that will work well in book-clubs. The story alternates between Priya and Asha perspectives, from Silicon Valley back to the small Indian Village. Priya frequents late night internet surrogate message boards. Asha is part of a traditionally arranged marriage, and must obey her husband, also worrying if her husband will squander the money they make. “Womb-renting” is frowned upon in the Village, so many women hide, emerging nine-months later saying they “lost” the baby.
Amulya uses subtle nuances to bridge the two women’s stories over two continents and cultures without making any judgements and leaves readers are to decide for themselves.
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REALITY CHECK:
It’s interesting to note that in October 2015, the Indian Government banned all surrogate services for foreigners and ordered all fertility clinics in India to stop hiring Indian women from bearing children for them. The government argues they are protecting poor Indian women from exploitation. But the women argue that they could never earn the money they make from being surrogates and want the government to “get out of their private lives.”
The Indian Government has also instructed Indian Embassies abroad, to stop granting “reproductive tourism” visas. (yes, that’s what they are called.)
The surrogacy issue remains in the Indian Supreme Court.
May 14, 2016
Yet another 3.5 stars if I could. Thought provoking, but too neatly wrapped up. Author spends a lot of time telling how everyone feels but not a lot on showing it. TONS of background info dumping at the start, and then randomly interrupting the story later on (like she'll mention - as a totally made up example - "the time we had that cat that we loved, and then it ran away, and now every time I see cats I'm sad." And then flash back to now detail the story of the cat and its outcome that was already laid out nicely in that one sentence of conversation).
I have personal experience with surrogacy (I attempted to be a surrogate, but was unsuccessful at getting pregnant after multiple tries) and met in person and online lots of intended parents via surrogacy and surrogates, and though my experiences were all of surrogacy in America, there were some universal things that I felt the author definitely got right. I also think there are some that were unique to the situation of having a language and cultural divide that were nicely explored here. There was also some examination over motherhood choices, but not as many or as deeply explored as I would have expected.
I found the ending of the novel was too abrupt, and if there ever were a case where I'd want an afterword relating the characters' lives a year or two down the road, this was it.
This was my May Kindle First freebie of the month.
I have personal experience with surrogacy (I attempted to be a surrogate, but was unsuccessful at getting pregnant after multiple tries) and met in person and online lots of intended parents via surrogacy and surrogates, and though my experiences were all of surrogacy in America, there were some universal things that I felt the author definitely got right. I also think there are some that were unique to the situation of having a language and cultural divide that were nicely explored here. There was also some examination over motherhood choices, but not as many or as deeply explored as I would have expected.
I found the ending of the novel was too abrupt, and if there ever were a case where I'd want an afterword relating the characters' lives a year or two down the road, this was it.
This was my May Kindle First freebie of the month.
May 14, 2016
This is the first Kindle First Read book I’ve actually read and I think I came into it not really knowing what to expect other than that it was about international surrogacy. Having finished, I can only say WOW. There were a lot of ideas and opinions presented here and, while I don’t think I’ve left this book with a clear thought of yay or nay in terms of 1st world parents using third world surrogates, I think the ideas and conflicts explored here will really stick with me. The narrative is shared by the American woman who is half-Indian and cannot have children (and her larger family, friends, etc.) and a poor woman in India who has signed up to be her surrogate. I think this book did a great job exploring the ever-changing emotions of both women but also digging into the deeper issues of exploitation, economic injustice, and even concepts of motherhood. It was an uncomfortable read in parts but I really think that was a great strength of the writing – that from one chapter to the next I could never settle on a definitive opinion on the morality of “outsourcing” childbearing to a country where it is both a great economic opportunity AND pretty crass exploitation. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the cultures or circumstances described here but this book pulled off a pretty neat trick – being both thought-provoking and highly readable.
June 11, 2016
A House for Happy Mothers showcased the hope, love and lengths mothers will go to for the sake of their children. Both Priya's and Asha's stories are compelling, but what makes A House for Happy Mothers is the ethical and social perspectives that are brought to our attention in surrogacy and exploitation of the poor. I think this would be a particularly interesting discussion for a mom's book club.
For my full review and a free printable of book club discussion questions, see my blog at Mom's Small Victories.This review was originally posted on Mom's Small Victories
For my full review and a free printable of book club discussion questions, see my blog at Mom's Small Victories.This review was originally posted on Mom's Small Victories
June 15, 2016
A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS takes us on a fictional couple’s journey from infertility into surrogacy. What makes the novel work are the strong central characters: a wife desperate for a child, a husband not sharing her desperation, and the surrogate mother with mixed feelings but taking part for the financial wellbeing of her economically challenged family in India. I didn’t feel like an onlooker; I felt like a participant in this true to life drama. (My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review…)
May 5, 2016
I can highly recommend this book. It is a realistic look into the mind of surrogate mothers and the people that are compelled to use their services. I could hardly put it down as there was no way if predicting how the story would end. Wonderful character development and being set in India one understands a little more if what propels people to decide to allow someone else's baby to grow in their womb.
July 21, 2017
This was fascinating and heart-felt. At times the writing felt rushed like the author wanted to get to the next big conflict and couldn't wait. However, it's solid and really opened my eyes to surrogacy. Obviously, this isn't the end all be all, but I never read anything about just that it's a way for a family to have a child. It was interesting to see the conflict on both sides. 3.5 bumped up to 4.
Want to read
May 2, 2016A kindle first book for May, it will be delivered 6/1/16, it's publication date.
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