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Saree
Nila wasn’t born beautiful and is destined to go through life unnoticed… until she becomes a saree maker. As she works, Nila weaves into the silk a pattern of love, hope and devotion, which will prove to be invaluable to more lives than her own.
From the lush beauty of Sri Lanka, ravaged by bloody civil war, to India and its eventual resting place in Australia, this is the story of a precious saree and the lives it changes forever. Nila must find peace, Mahinda yearns for his true calling, Pilar is haunted by a terrible choice, Sarojini doubts her ability to love, Madhav is a holy fraud and Marion’s understanding of the very meaning of love is challenged and transformed. Each teeters between joy and pain, and each is touched by the power and beauty of the saree.
A breathtaking story of beauty, oppression and freedom… and of an enduring love that can never be broken.
From the lush beauty of Sri Lanka, ravaged by bloody civil war, to India and its eventual resting place in Australia, this is the story of a precious saree and the lives it changes forever. Nila must find peace, Mahinda yearns for his true calling, Pilar is haunted by a terrible choice, Sarojini doubts her ability to love, Madhav is a holy fraud and Marion’s understanding of the very meaning of love is challenged and transformed. Each teeters between joy and pain, and each is touched by the power and beauty of the saree.
A breathtaking story of beauty, oppression and freedom… and of an enduring love that can never be broken.
560 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
26 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Su Dharmapala
2 books24 followersSu Dharmapala is social media commentator, writer and blogger.
She was born in Singapore and grew up between Singapore and Sri Lanka before immigrating to Australia in 1989. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (majoring in French and German) and Bachelor of Science at Monash University in 1997.
After graduating from University, Su worked in technology for some of Australia’s Fortune 500 companies.
Su took a two year break from her professional career after her son was born and it was during this time her love for writing was re-ignited. Su blogs on all things mothering and her posts are often syndicated on kidspot.com.au.
When she is not writing or mothering, she is an avid watcher of that bad reality TV show that is Australian politics while cooking scrumptious feasts for friends and family.
She was born in Singapore and grew up between Singapore and Sri Lanka before immigrating to Australia in 1989. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (majoring in French and German) and Bachelor of Science at Monash University in 1997.
After graduating from University, Su worked in technology for some of Australia’s Fortune 500 companies.
Su took a two year break from her professional career after her son was born and it was during this time her love for writing was re-ignited. Su blogs on all things mothering and her posts are often syndicated on kidspot.com.au.
When she is not writing or mothering, she is an avid watcher of that bad reality TV show that is Australian politics while cooking scrumptious feasts for friends and family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 10, 2016
Six stories, three countries all connected by one magnificent saree. A beautiful read set in the background of Lanka-Tamil problems, gives a lovely peak in the life of weavers and deals with many complex emotions. Really enjoyed reading this one inspite of the daunting 540 pages length
December 31, 2017
Cinderzena reviewed Saree on her blog and I just had to get it. I have Sinhalese and Burgher roots on my mother’s side of the family but due to being educated in international and German schools, I don’t know much about the history of Sri Lanka. That’s what I like about historical fiction, you gain an insight into history while reading fiction. You have to be careful that you don’t believe everything that’s written though, as it is fiction.
It’s #ownvoices.
The Good
I’m not a huge fan of books that span over decades/centuries and follow one family through generations. I thought that the saree would be handed down. That’s not what this story was like though. The book follows the stories of six different people (different genders and ethnicities) over the course of 30 years. They are connected to each other through the art of saree making and the one special saree. The author threads the stories together and manages to create fascinating connections between the main characters.
The writing was superb. I loved how the author wove the saree theme into the story. There are six stories that each follow a different main character and somehow even though the events take place in different places and at different times, Su Dharmapala manages to write a solid story with a beginning and an end. My favourite story was about Nila as I was able to learn a lot about saree making through it. Nevertheless, I think all of the stories were perfect.
There are several ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, four of which were mentioned and three groups with named representatives. Other than the description of the tensions between the various ethnic groups, there are plotlines that discuss mental health, colorism, dwarfism, mutism and scarring. I enjoyed that the book was very intersectional and didn’t paint the characters as one-dimensional people.
Otters are mentioned in this book, which is most probably something only I find great. They’re one of my favourite animals and I studied them for quite some time. Also my uncle’s first name and my mother’s maiden name were mentioned in the book!
The Bad
One of the characters said that lesbians are unnatural. Obviously, I know that there are homoantagonistic people in the real world, thus describing such a character in the book is not the problem. Nevertheless, Edit: I feel like the character should have been called out for their comment. It would also have been great if the story had included a character that was openly queer to balance out this comment.
The characters use quite a few ableist words, and this is not called out.
Amazing quotes
I usually don’t showcase my favourite quotes, however I really liked these and find they apply to the real world as well:
“I sometimes think that it is easy to be honest only when your stomach is not cramping of hunger, or to hold on to your integrity if you don’t have to send your children to work as servants in someone’s kitchen.”
“And he drummed it into me that the average Sinhala person was no more responsible for the government’s discriminatory policies than an average Tamil person was responsible for the acts of terrorism in Colombo.”
All in all
I love Saree. I was quite emotional while reading it and very invested in the story. It’s a book that covers different types of discrimination: gender, religion, ethnic, skin colour, etc. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a diverse read, as it is also intersectional.
Edit: Changed the rating to 4 stars due to some ableist words.
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, physical abuse, terminal illness.
It’s #ownvoices.
The Good
I’m not a huge fan of books that span over decades/centuries and follow one family through generations. I thought that the saree would be handed down. That’s not what this story was like though. The book follows the stories of six different people (different genders and ethnicities) over the course of 30 years. They are connected to each other through the art of saree making and the one special saree. The author threads the stories together and manages to create fascinating connections between the main characters.
The writing was superb. I loved how the author wove the saree theme into the story. There are six stories that each follow a different main character and somehow even though the events take place in different places and at different times, Su Dharmapala manages to write a solid story with a beginning and an end. My favourite story was about Nila as I was able to learn a lot about saree making through it. Nevertheless, I think all of the stories were perfect.
There are several ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, four of which were mentioned and three groups with named representatives. Other than the description of the tensions between the various ethnic groups, there are plotlines that discuss mental health, colorism, dwarfism, mutism and scarring. I enjoyed that the book was very intersectional and didn’t paint the characters as one-dimensional people.
Otters are mentioned in this book, which is most probably something only I find great. They’re one of my favourite animals and I studied them for quite some time. Also my uncle’s first name and my mother’s maiden name were mentioned in the book!
The Bad
One of the characters said that lesbians are unnatural. Obviously, I know that there are homoantagonistic people in the real world, thus describing such a character in the book is not the problem. Nevertheless, Edit: I feel like the character should have been called out for their comment. It would also have been great if the story had included a character that was openly queer to balance out this comment.
The characters use quite a few ableist words, and this is not called out.
Amazing quotes
I usually don’t showcase my favourite quotes, however I really liked these and find they apply to the real world as well:
“I sometimes think that it is easy to be honest only when your stomach is not cramping of hunger, or to hold on to your integrity if you don’t have to send your children to work as servants in someone’s kitchen.”
“And he drummed it into me that the average Sinhala person was no more responsible for the government’s discriminatory policies than an average Tamil person was responsible for the acts of terrorism in Colombo.”
All in all
I love Saree. I was quite emotional while reading it and very invested in the story. It’s a book that covers different types of discrimination: gender, religion, ethnic, skin colour, etc. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a diverse read, as it is also intersectional.
Edit: Changed the rating to 4 stars due to some ableist words.
Trigger warnings: rape, murder, physical abuse, terminal illness.
September 27, 2019
Ever felt that you are not beautiful? Ever felt that no one in your family loves you or accepts you? Well, Nila has felt all of them and to add to that she is also dark-skinned. Not something to be proud of when you are from a country like Sri Lanka which gives way more preference to skin whitening cream and whitening products than any other country. She is a person who has never has anyone believe in herself but as she goes through self-awakening she finds confidence to be herself and accept herself. She goes from a woman who drapes her saree with "ignorance and fear" to a woman who radiates confidence.
I loved the character of Nila from the very beginning being a dark skinned girl. I felt I could resonate with her character. Sarees have been a part of my life and learning so much about it made me appreciate it more.
I loved the way the author has written the book in such away that each part, each character compliments another. I would compare this writing style to that of Rushdie's in Midnight's Children although, I would like to say that I liked this book more than Rushdie's.
I loved it, simply loved it. I ordered The Wedding Season already.
I loved the character of Nila from the very beginning being a dark skinned girl. I felt I could resonate with her character. Sarees have been a part of my life and learning so much about it made me appreciate it more.
I loved the way the author has written the book in such away that each part, each character compliments another. I would compare this writing style to that of Rushdie's in Midnight's Children although, I would like to say that I liked this book more than Rushdie's.
I loved it, simply loved it. I ordered The Wedding Season already.
April 7, 2016
Six stories that appear separate- even how they are written is vastly different – told from 1st to 3rd person, changing tense and the gender of the narrator – but connect to become one book.
Set in Sri Lanka and India, and also a small part in Australia we read about a culture that many books don’t focus on – It is a heavy read in places – Quiet a few of the words are written in their original language – I found it a lot easier to comprehend once I referenced the glossary at the back of the book – as it became apparent they had more meaning than names, so couldn’t really be skimmed over.
This book took a while for me to read – after each of the 6 stories I found I didn’t start the next directly – but instead reflected on what I had just read.
I loved this book – and plan on reading it again in a few months– I feel I will gain even more from a 2nd reading
Id recommend this book to everyone – with the warning of don’t give up on it – it is an amazing read and Id be surprised to hear of anyone that completes the book not thinking it was worth it.
Set in Sri Lanka and India, and also a small part in Australia we read about a culture that many books don’t focus on – It is a heavy read in places – Quiet a few of the words are written in their original language – I found it a lot easier to comprehend once I referenced the glossary at the back of the book – as it became apparent they had more meaning than names, so couldn’t really be skimmed over.
This book took a while for me to read – after each of the 6 stories I found I didn’t start the next directly – but instead reflected on what I had just read.
I loved this book – and plan on reading it again in a few months– I feel I will gain even more from a 2nd reading
Id recommend this book to everyone – with the warning of don’t give up on it – it is an amazing read and Id be surprised to hear of anyone that completes the book not thinking it was worth it.
Read
October 22, 2019I chose to read this book because of the Sri Lanka link, what a lovely book. Loved the pigeon english section, knowing a few Sri Lankan people, I could relate to the language. I have been to Sri Lanka three times and could visualise the places and the people. I have also been to the Melbourne area and could relate to that as well.
I was concerned at the end of the first story that a conclusion would not be reached, but my concerns were unfounded and was pleased with the ending.
It gave you an insight of the designing and making of a sari.
A real page turner.
Highly recommended
I was concerned at the end of the first story that a conclusion would not be reached, but my concerns were unfounded and was pleased with the ending.
It gave you an insight of the designing and making of a sari.
A real page turner.
Highly recommended
September 14, 2019
Loved this beautiful, sad, poignant book
February 2, 2018
This book held a lot of promise but was very weak in places. I enjoyed the 1st story and the final story, but the ones in-between were not as strong or enjoyable to read. The endings to all stories were neatly tied up and it was a satisfactory ending, but it was also a struggle to get there. The majority of the characters were well-written but, at times, the plot got bogged down. Not a bad read, but not one I will re-read.
May 29, 2017
The story starts with Nila, a young woman many think is ugly, especially compared to her sister. You go through multiple stories threaded together like the sarees themselves. My only complaint is it was sometimes hard to keep track of all the names!
June 18, 2016
Enthralling read. Review to come shortly. Pls check in on my blog https://cinderzena.wordpress.com/
June 3, 2018
Saree is rather ambitious, attempting to combine six stories together to create common ending. The first story is probably the best - a young girl from a poor, cruel family has hidden talents as a sari maker but is struck down with some unfortunate events, but it's almost too much of a 'cinderella' story to be considered groundbreaking or original.
The remainder of the stories are either rushed, poorly composed, or not interesting. I admit to skipping through a few chapters because I couldn't stand the way they were written. There was an attempt to really immerse the reader into particular characters narrative, but I just couldn't follow along.
So when you have so many different narratives in one book it needs to be balanced in such a way that characters remain familiar throughout the process. With the passing of time in the book and the many characters you need to try and keep track of, Saree didn't manage the balance. By the end of it you're really trying to connect the dots and determine why exactly we should be investing in the last few characters we are introduced to.
I can't say that I can recommend it, but I was pleased enough with the final chapters to give it a three instead of a 2.
The remainder of the stories are either rushed, poorly composed, or not interesting. I admit to skipping through a few chapters because I couldn't stand the way they were written. There was an attempt to really immerse the reader into particular characters narrative, but I just couldn't follow along.
So when you have so many different narratives in one book it needs to be balanced in such a way that characters remain familiar throughout the process. With the passing of time in the book and the many characters you need to try and keep track of, Saree didn't manage the balance. By the end of it you're really trying to connect the dots and determine why exactly we should be investing in the last few characters we are introduced to.
I can't say that I can recommend it, but I was pleased enough with the final chapters to give it a three instead of a 2.
July 19, 2018
I started to read this because a) the cover is dazzling, but mostly b) I don't think I've ever read anything by a Sri Lankan author before, with a good part of the setting in Sri Lanka as well. The names of these places! So familiar! The food! The context, too - kind of relevant. I have come to understand, however, that I am really quite far from being an actual Sri Lankan; the familiarity remained consistently vague. Distant. Sad. But. What to do?
So at the beginning, I confess that in terms of the characters and plot, I was not that excited. It read a little like a Cinderella story, and I was not in the mood for a Cinderella story. But I'll admit, it has grown on me. I like the... scope... of the tale, how it stretches from place to place, country to county, generation to generation, and it all comes together nicely. Okay, maybe a little too nice, maybe a little cheesy. But not altogether unpleasant. There is something a little classic about it, perhaps we can call it an Indian subcontinental fairy-tale. And sometimes you're in the mood for just that.
So at the beginning, I confess that in terms of the characters and plot, I was not that excited. It read a little like a Cinderella story, and I was not in the mood for a Cinderella story. But I'll admit, it has grown on me. I like the... scope... of the tale, how it stretches from place to place, country to county, generation to generation, and it all comes together nicely. Okay, maybe a little too nice, maybe a little cheesy. But not altogether unpleasant. There is something a little classic about it, perhaps we can call it an Indian subcontinental fairy-tale. And sometimes you're in the mood for just that.
November 3, 2017
BOOK NAME - Saree
AUTHOR - Su Dharamapala
PUBLICATION - Simon & Schuster UK
PAGES - 580
COST - Rs 350/-
TYPE - Paperback
RATING - 4.5/5
I bought this book at the Delhi Airport just before boarding the flight back home. I love saree & the name caught my attention. I assumed this book to have 6 stories not related to each other with saree as the common element. But, each story is connected & so beautifully.
Covering a span of 20 years, the author takes you through an amazing journey of love, hatred, jealousy, kindness - every emotion you can experience. Its also a great window to the political history of SriLanka & Tamil Nadu. Once you reach the 3rd story, the connection of the characters starts to form.
The language used is easily relatable with few tamil, sinhalese & hindi words. I loved reading it 😊
AUTHOR - Su Dharamapala
PUBLICATION - Simon & Schuster UK
PAGES - 580
COST - Rs 350/-
TYPE - Paperback
RATING - 4.5/5
I bought this book at the Delhi Airport just before boarding the flight back home. I love saree & the name caught my attention. I assumed this book to have 6 stories not related to each other with saree as the common element. But, each story is connected & so beautifully.
Covering a span of 20 years, the author takes you through an amazing journey of love, hatred, jealousy, kindness - every emotion you can experience. Its also a great window to the political history of SriLanka & Tamil Nadu. Once you reach the 3rd story, the connection of the characters starts to form.
The language used is easily relatable with few tamil, sinhalese & hindi words. I loved reading it 😊
January 28, 2015
I was given a copy of this paperback book some months ago and kept putting off reading it because of the sheer size and weight of it, although only 579 pages! I really loved this book. I loved the intertwining of the stories and the cover description says it for me "six lives, six loves and a precious garment that binds them all". It was wonderful to learn about the saree making process in what was clearly a prestigious factory. The book follows the lives, loves and disappointments of those involved in the making of saree from idea and design through to fabric making and the finished garment. The journey of the saree was magical and a little spiritual in places. Great read, not just good read!
December 22, 2015
Re-Read December 2015.
I really enjoyed all the different stories a lot more in my second reading. Given that I knew how the story ended, I was able to enjoy the details and the small threads that made up the larger story.
I loved this book! I especially loved how the saree making process was described and I loved how all the thread came together in the end. I thought that there were a few bits that were a little abrupt. I would have enjoyed them more if they were brought about a little more slowly rather than being blurted out randomly. Overall thought, I loved this book and I can't wait to get my hands on more books by this author!
I really enjoyed all the different stories a lot more in my second reading. Given that I knew how the story ended, I was able to enjoy the details and the small threads that made up the larger story.
I loved this book! I especially loved how the saree making process was described and I loved how all the thread came together in the end. I thought that there were a few bits that were a little abrupt. I would have enjoyed them more if they were brought about a little more slowly rather than being blurted out randomly. Overall thought, I loved this book and I can't wait to get my hands on more books by this author!
September 20, 2020
March 2016 - I was casually browsing through book shelves that were hidden. I stumbled upon Saree and at the time I wasn't able to purchase it. 2 months later I find the exact copy at my favourite charity shop. This was destined to be read.
Saree captures the essence of Tamil and Sinhalese culture so well that I honestly felt like I was apart of Nila's journey. She is a character that will forever be close to my heart. I have learned a lot alongside that the author really deserves full praise. A gem of a book.
Unfortunately I can't seem to find The Wedding Season in the UK. However I hope Su decides to continue writing.
Highly recommend
Saree captures the essence of Tamil and Sinhalese culture so well that I honestly felt like I was apart of Nila's journey. She is a character that will forever be close to my heart. I have learned a lot alongside that the author really deserves full praise. A gem of a book.
Unfortunately I can't seem to find The Wedding Season in the UK. However I hope Su decides to continue writing.
Highly recommend
March 10, 2016
First the negative points: There are so many characters that it gets hard to keep up with who everyone is. A list of characters and their connections at the front of the book would help immensely. Also, there are a lot of Indian and Sri Lankan words throughout the book. I was almost 2/3 of the way through before I realised there was a glossary at the back of the book. However, this is such a such a magical tale. Six seemingly unconnected stories that come together at the end. All the stories are woven together as intricately as the incredible saree at the heart of the story.
May 29, 2014
I felt the stories became a little too predictable & with all of the names being thrown around it was difficult to remember who came from which thread of short story until the writer jogs your memory.
All in all, an intriguing build up of stories around one major romance floating between India/Sri Lanka and Melbourne.
Quite good for someone interested in both India/Sri Lanka modern history AND romance, the writer captures culture beautifully; easy to let your imagination fly with the words.
All in all, an intriguing build up of stories around one major romance floating between India/Sri Lanka and Melbourne.
Quite good for someone interested in both India/Sri Lanka modern history AND romance, the writer captures culture beautifully; easy to let your imagination fly with the words.
April 28, 2016
I enjoyed this to a point.. I've read a lot of novels set in India & I always struggle with the corruption & injustice that appears to have gone on (still does?). This starts in the early 1980s & ends in 2010... There are 5 or 6 little mini stories that somehow all come together in the end. I found some parts a bit confusing & difficult to keep up with, but overall, it's a fairly pleasant read...
March 9, 2017
At times the story line gets rather confusing, and the prose somewhat clumsy. But overall I enjoyed the story a lot - I read it within 3 days. The sheer number of coincidences was distracting, although in fairness the idea of the book is that the goddess Saraswati is engineering everything. So nothing is, in fact, coincidental. For fans of this book I can highly recommend The Time Traveller's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger, and The Shadow of the Wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
August 6, 2017
Set against the beauty and tragedy of Sri Lanka and the violence between Sinhalese and Tamils. A hand weaving silk saree factory takes apprentices, amongst them Nila, whose talent and tragedy lead to the creation of a saree of great love and inspiration. Following cruel violence and separation the story moves to India and then Australia.
Some of the instances of karma are based on the writer's own family experience.
Some of the instances of karma are based on the writer's own family experience.
March 17, 2015
Stories set in India, Sri Lanka & Australia, radiating out from the story of Nila who becomes a great sari maker and artist. Some of the characters were rather one dimensional, but it was a captivating, intriguing read which gave insight into the culture and history of modern India & Sri Lanka and the sari making process. An enjoyable read.
April 3, 2015
I enjoyed 'Saree'.
I like the way Su Dharmapala deftly interwove the stories of Raju, Neela, Mahinda, Pilar, Sarojini, Lakshman and others into the novel, their lives all linked (even though they may have not known it) by the Saree.
The author's strong sense of social justice and feeling for the underprivileged is evident in her writing.
All in all, an enjoyable read
I like the way Su Dharmapala deftly interwove the stories of Raju, Neela, Mahinda, Pilar, Sarojini, Lakshman and others into the novel, their lives all linked (even though they may have not known it) by the Saree.
The author's strong sense of social justice and feeling for the underprivileged is evident in her writing.
All in all, an enjoyable read
December 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, it wasn't perfect and there were a number of typos (or spellos?), but it kept me reading when I should have been sleeping! Some seemingly separate stories all weave together in the end. Perhaps a bit predictable finally, but plenty along the way to keep you interested, with loads of tragedy, some humour, and happiness. And of course, a very beautiful garment.
Read
June 29, 2015i wasn't sure about this book at first but really got into it as i went. i couldnt believe the ending of the first part and only slowly realised that all parts were linked. i think a diagram of who was connected and how would be great. maybe like a cheat sheet online. don't really know enough about this whole part of history.
March 26, 2016
A startling book in so many ways. I was lured into the easy prose and evocative style, never expecting the sting in tale. On the surface this book is a saga in the style of Vikram Seth, a weaving of characters through time. At a deeper level the stories that comprise Saree reveal the deep rifts and scars left by the civil war in Sri Lanka at a very human level. An enormously enjoyable read.
July 21, 2014
An enthralling book centering around an almost magical saree and the different people who come into contact with it. The author tied up all the stories into a happy ending after much sadness. Well worth a read.
October 30, 2014
Sum is not as good as its parts. Some parts are so well written and then narrative loses its strength. Too many things happening and too many coincidences. A book with lot of potential but lost in the mess.
December 21, 2014
Fabulously enjoyable. Entertwining of six different characters that all come together in the final two chapters. Can be difficult with the Indian names and places but push through and you'll be lost in the tale. Predictable ending but still a great tale.
March 7, 2015
I thought this book was so clever in the way each of the six, seemingly unrelated, stories, came together. It is worth the read, especially as it is all woven together in the second half. I am sure if I was to read it again I would recognise more of the gems in saree and enjoy it even more.
May 26, 2014
The fist half of the book was pretty grim reading and I contemplated stopping reading, but I'm glad I persevered as the second half gradually wove together all the stories into a clever ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews