A review by bookishnookish
Honor by Thrity Umrigar

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This book has shattered my heart. I finished it and can't stop crying, not only because of how sad it is, but because no matter how hard I want this to be mere fiction, this is a reality. Gender biases, classism, casteism, corruption - show up time and again. So many of us are lucky to have been raised in cities, moved to more modern countries, but when you read Honor, your heart will ache because some of these ills have touched your life too and yet you are the lucky one. 

I grew up in a Hindu household that acknowledged and accepted all other religions. We went to church on Sunday with my grandparents, who were Christian, we celebrated Eid with my parents' Muslim friends, we celebrated every festival, spoke 4 languages, and for the longest time, I thought the entire world was like that, multicultura and accepting. I quickly grew up to see reality, but I staunchly remained as open minded as I could. I married a Catholic, mixed race man, who is a wonderful human being, but not once can I forget that I get to make this choice now because we were lucky and because of the life our parents made for us, the privileges and opportunities provided to us. So many of my countrymen and especially women do not have this choice. 

I applaud Thrity Umrigar for shedding light on a very difficult topic. I am sure this book is going to have its naysayers, but there is a lot of love in this book too. I was reminded of all the places, people, and foods I love and for that, I am so thankful. 
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