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Whispers of the Heart: a memoir
Susila encouraged her husband to do his part in the war. But after he is captured, she wonders how she cansurvive without him.Susila encouraged Rao, her husband and a physician, to do his part for India during World War II, but after he is captured and held prisoner in a Japanese internment camp, she wonders how she can survive without him. “Can I do it alone?” She’s not sure.As a child bride, and now a young woman with two small daughters, her identity is wrapped around her husband and her role asa wife. Now, even though she and her girls have moved in with her parents, she is distraught without Rao and fears constantly for his safety. How long can the war drag on? And when Rao returns, what will he be like? What will their life together be like?
- GenresMemoir
312 pages, Paperback
Published February 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 29, 2020
Whispers of the Heart brings a new perspective of WWII, that of daily life in India for Susila who lived in privilege with her two little girls while suffering the ache of longing and anxious fear for her physician husband held by the Japanese as a prisoner of war. Based on memories and brief letters her mother saved, the author conveys the colorful culture of India in this era while capturing her mother's inner turmoil for the four years she waited with desperate hope for her husband's safe return. I appreciated the inclusion of historic moments and events to give a fuller picture to this story that is mostly about the lives of women and children on the homefront during wartime and one woman's deep love for her husband. Misplaced commas can be distracting but overall this memoir is a fascinating look at city life in British-held India during WWII and a warm story of undying love and perseverence.
March 20, 2021
Whispers of the Heart is a cute and nostalgia-inducing memoir. It reminded me of summertime with the grandparents and I could not help but feel myself getting more and more invested in the lives of the characters, just because I could identify with their lifestyles and their world so much thanks to the author's vivid descriptions.
But after a point, the story began to read like an essay that ran for far too long. As much as I liked the descriptions and world-building, the writing was below average. The sentence structure was quite off and there were times when I was confused about what was being said. I love a good story with a non-linear timeline but in this case, the abrupt timeline changes were more baffling than artistic. I cringe to draw this connection but halfway through the book, I got major Twilight: New Moon vibes. A lot of descriptive pining that I just could not bring myself to read.
In closing, I started off with a soft spot for this book since the perspectives were so novel! But eventually could not finish. DNF.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
But after a point, the story began to read like an essay that ran for far too long. As much as I liked the descriptions and world-building, the writing was below average. The sentence structure was quite off and there were times when I was confused about what was being said. I love a good story with a non-linear timeline but in this case, the abrupt timeline changes were more baffling than artistic. I cringe to draw this connection but halfway through the book, I got major Twilight: New Moon vibes. A lot of descriptive pining that I just could not bring myself to read.
In closing, I started off with a soft spot for this book since the perspectives were so novel! But eventually could not finish. DNF.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
April 1, 2020
“Whispers of the Heart: A Memoir” by Uma Eachempati, is the story of the author’s parents: her mother, Susila and father, Rao. The story highlights the 4 years they spent apart while Rao served for India during WWII. Part history, part memoir, part love story, the author has created a moving and touching tribute to her parents and an important historical tome for the family.
The first part of the book takes place during the war. When Rao asks for Susila’s support by backing up his decision to do his part for India during WWII, Susila knows she cannot stand in his way. But at 26 years old, left behind to raise two small children, Susila has no idea how she will make it through this time without him. Little did she know they would be separated four long years, and she certainly never imagined he would be captured and taken as a prisoner of war. With the support of her family, Susila focuses on her children Uma and Leela, and somehow manages to get through the years. But her heart is heavy, and as she longs for her husband, she urges him on with her love and support through the course of many letters. The second part of the book is about the ending of the war, Rao’s return home and the adjustments the family goes through when life returns to “normal.”
“Whispers of the Heart” is a tender, bittersweet story of love, war, loss and finally, the reuniting of a family separated by war. The journey through the lives of this family is full of love, fear, uncertainty and everything in between. The author does a nice job recounting so many stories from the family’s day to day lives as they navigate life without Rao. It reminded me of the stories my grandmother used to tell about our family. It’s such a significant gesture to keep family stories alive. I have often wished I had documented my grandmother’s story before she passed and I commend Uma Eachempati for undergoing such a labor of love.
I also enjoyed the way the author used the letters between Susila and Rao to provide both a history of what was going on with the war and to honor the declaration of love and commitment the couple had for each other. There are so many historical nuggets in these letters – I had not known very much about India’s function in WWII so I found it educational regarding the role India served in the war and the impact it had on the country as a whole.
“Whispers of the Heart” by Uma Eachempati is a touching story – one that will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs as well as those interested in India and its function in WWII.
The first part of the book takes place during the war. When Rao asks for Susila’s support by backing up his decision to do his part for India during WWII, Susila knows she cannot stand in his way. But at 26 years old, left behind to raise two small children, Susila has no idea how she will make it through this time without him. Little did she know they would be separated four long years, and she certainly never imagined he would be captured and taken as a prisoner of war. With the support of her family, Susila focuses on her children Uma and Leela, and somehow manages to get through the years. But her heart is heavy, and as she longs for her husband, she urges him on with her love and support through the course of many letters. The second part of the book is about the ending of the war, Rao’s return home and the adjustments the family goes through when life returns to “normal.”
“Whispers of the Heart” is a tender, bittersweet story of love, war, loss and finally, the reuniting of a family separated by war. The journey through the lives of this family is full of love, fear, uncertainty and everything in between. The author does a nice job recounting so many stories from the family’s day to day lives as they navigate life without Rao. It reminded me of the stories my grandmother used to tell about our family. It’s such a significant gesture to keep family stories alive. I have often wished I had documented my grandmother’s story before she passed and I commend Uma Eachempati for undergoing such a labor of love.
I also enjoyed the way the author used the letters between Susila and Rao to provide both a history of what was going on with the war and to honor the declaration of love and commitment the couple had for each other. There are so many historical nuggets in these letters – I had not known very much about India’s function in WWII so I found it educational regarding the role India served in the war and the impact it had on the country as a whole.
“Whispers of the Heart” by Uma Eachempati is a touching story – one that will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs as well as those interested in India and its function in WWII.
December 23, 2020
Depiction- 4.5/5
Characters- 4/5
Writing Style- 4.5/5
Captivating Factor- 4/5
‘Whispers of the Heart’ by Uma Eachempati is a crate full of emotions, stories, events, and an unending flow of compassion and warmth. It is a memoir written from the heart with excellent penmanship.
‘Whispers of the Heart’ is a real-life story of the author’s parents, set against the backdrop of World War II, the book beautifully depicts the lives of a married couple separated by the wrath of a global war. It is set in a typical Indian cultural society and does a fantastic job of exhibiting the essence of it.
In a time full of fantasy romances, this book reverts to the actual challenges of marriage and the ups and downs of a happily ever after. Life is not a bed of roses, and this book does the perfect job of proving so.
Another factor to look forward to if you are picking up this book is the presence of a lot of characters with individual identities. What I personally liked is how the story is not built around the importance of one character. It trails ahead with a real-life pace free from any major time jumps.
The book itself is written in understandable and beautiful language. The inclusion of text from the real letters that were exchanged between Rao and Susila make the read more personal and wholesome.
You can read this book if you are looking for an emotional and family-orientated read. If you are searching for a wartime read, ‘Whispers of the Heart’ would be a perfect choice.
This is the perfect book for those who enjoy old-school love. Don’t pick this one if you are into fantasy love stories, humor, or modern-era tales.
Characters- 4/5
Writing Style- 4.5/5
Captivating Factor- 4/5
‘Whispers of the Heart’ by Uma Eachempati is a crate full of emotions, stories, events, and an unending flow of compassion and warmth. It is a memoir written from the heart with excellent penmanship.
‘Whispers of the Heart’ is a real-life story of the author’s parents, set against the backdrop of World War II, the book beautifully depicts the lives of a married couple separated by the wrath of a global war. It is set in a typical Indian cultural society and does a fantastic job of exhibiting the essence of it.
In a time full of fantasy romances, this book reverts to the actual challenges of marriage and the ups and downs of a happily ever after. Life is not a bed of roses, and this book does the perfect job of proving so.
Another factor to look forward to if you are picking up this book is the presence of a lot of characters with individual identities. What I personally liked is how the story is not built around the importance of one character. It trails ahead with a real-life pace free from any major time jumps.
The book itself is written in understandable and beautiful language. The inclusion of text from the real letters that were exchanged between Rao and Susila make the read more personal and wholesome.
You can read this book if you are looking for an emotional and family-orientated read. If you are searching for a wartime read, ‘Whispers of the Heart’ would be a perfect choice.
This is the perfect book for those who enjoy old-school love. Don’t pick this one if you are into fantasy love stories, humor, or modern-era tales.
May 1, 2021
"Whispers of the Heart" is a beautifully written memoir! Set in India and told from the perspective of the authors mother, Susila, this book captures a unique perspective of life during WWII. We are given a glimpse of what life was like for the families when the men were away at war. The author shares about her family's customs, daily activities and rituals in a way that bring the story to life. I loved reading the original letters that were sent between Susila and her husband Roa. The immense love they shared was the common thread that flowed throughout the book. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who wants a unique outlook on life in India during the second world war.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews