52 pages 1 hour read

Thrity Umrigar

The Space Between Us

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar follows the intertwined lives of Sera Dubash, a wealthy Parsi woman, and Bhima, her older domestic worker, in Mumbai. Despite their socio-economic differences, both women contend with personal struggles and past traumas, illuminating the complexities of class, caste, and gender in India. The narrative explores the bonds formed and fractured by their respective experiences, touching on themes such as education, societal expectations, and the power dynamics within their relationship. The book addresses themes related to trauma and abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar receives praise for its poignant exploration of class and female friendship in modern India. Critics laud the rich character development and evocative prose. However, some note occasional melodrama. Overall, it's a compelling narrative with deep emotional resonance, balancing societal critique with personal stories.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Space Between Us?

Readers who enjoy The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar typically appreciate poignant narratives centered on complex female relationships, social class, and cultural tensions. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns or Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things would find this novel similarly compelling.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Indian Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Relationships

Poverty

Class

Themes

Identity: Gender

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Relationships: Marriage

Period

Asian Literature