The Space Between Us discussion

A friend of mine asked me to read this book and help with the glossary of Hindi words used by the author. I loved this book. In my opinion this book is the story of all middle class/ upper middle class families in India. How the life of the family and the help they have is so intertwined.

Two strong female characters who, on the surface, come together as mistress and servant yet each is aware of the profound suffering experienced by each at the hands of the men in their lives. Neither can overcome the shackles of class which keep them apart yet they experience a closeness, an affection and loyalty. It is once again a man who causes havoc in both their lives, ultimately driving them apart, but in doing so allowing Bhima to find the freedom she deserves.

Yes, Barbara. Good review. And yes, it is a first rate book.

I think it illustrates how easily ones loyalty can be broken. Sari chose her family over Bhima without even looking into the evidence or giving her the shadow of a doubt. It would have been to hard for her to face that her son-in-law did what he did.It may even break up her family. So Sari chose the easy way by tossing away Bhima who had done so much for her.

Can anyone provide a link to glossary's for the Hindi words used in this book? Thanks in advance. I think the read will be so much richer with a tool to understand those unfamiliar words.

The encouraging thing about the story was that the psychic damage for Bhima was so much less than expected, and the irony was that Sari was made so unhappy about her decision. It`s gratifying to know that the manipulative upper class suffered more in terms of pyschological health from its corrupt class society. It`s a shame that it had to happen to Sari, who we, as readers, have grown to like immensely, and not to the bastard son-in-law

This is a wonderful book. I read this shortly after I read "The Help", and couldn't help but notice many parallels. Ruling class vs. servant class transcends many cultures.

i just finished this book and it is haunting me .i wish the author could write a sequel .i cannot get Bhima out of my thoughts .i desperately want to know what happens to her and Maya ,as well as Sera and her daughter.It is such a beautifully written story .I found myself crying many times .So many poetic descriptions of loss and struggles .Such true depictions of poverty and class distinctions .Though Bhima is uneducated ,she is the deepest soul i have ever read about .I have not found myself so close to a character since Harry Potter.I look forward to reading other selections .