Thrity Umrigar’s The Space Between Us was probably my favorite read from 2009. So I was excited to learn about The Weight of Heaven and thrilled to participate in an on-air chat with Umrigar. And, equally disappointed to learn it has been postponed. (It had been set for tonight.)
I had planned to save my review for after the discussion, but since I’m not sure when it will be rescheduled, I just can’t wait.
The Weight of Heaven returns readers to India, this time with a young American couple who recently lost a child to a sudden illness. After their son’s death, Ellie convinces Frank to accept a job transfer to a location in India where his company, HerbalSolutions, has discovered a native tree that produces a uniquely effective treatment for diabetes. Soon after arriving, Frank develops a fairly obvious pseudo-son relationship with their cook and housekeeper’s son, Ramesh.
First, let me cop to the political agenda that Umrigar obviously has regarding American imperialism. Frank’s American company is portrayed as the rich getting richer off of a local commodity, all the while stripping former laborers of their source of income. Somehow, she works in a few Bush-bashing references to the Iraqi war. I won’t take the time to list all the counter-arguments, let’s just leave it as, I disagree. 😉
That said, this story is a poignant description of the heart ache, pain, blame, guilt and regret a couple faces when they lose a young child. The prologue begins, “A few days after Benny’s death, Ellie and Frank Benton broke into separate people.”
From there she describes how when two people become three, it is nearly impossible to go back to being two. Just beautiful writing. Go here to read the first part, and tell me you’re not hooked. I don’t have children, but I could absolutely feel the brokenness portrayed.
But, on a scale of 1-10 (1 being lightest, 10 being darkest) how DARK was it? (I think you ought to start doing a "darkness" scale for every book!) 🙂
I loved this book as well; she is a terrific author.
@Bunny – It really isn't THAT dark. If Middlesex & Perfume are a "10" I'd say this is a 7. I'd say more, but I don't want to give too much away. I think you'd like it, Bunny.
Oh no. My TBR pile just grew.
-Stacie
Yes, Stacie – you should read both of these!
I think I will have to read this book.