Everyone who reads this site knows of my minor (ok, major) obsession with Indian fiction. Thus, I was thrilled when I received Sisters of the Sari by Brenda Baker to review. Also, our friends at Penguin Group are nice enough to offer 2 copies of Sisters of the Sari as a giveaway to lucky Great Thoughts’ readers.
While catering to my Indian addiction, this novel really is the story of the relationship of Kiria, a U.S. CEO, and Santoshi, and very disadvantaged Indian woman. Kiria visits India on vacation and becomes obsessed with the idea of improving women’s conditions there by opening a shelter for homeless women. Kiria doesn’t realize that she has to learn new local customs in order to achieve her goal. Santoshi helps her learn that lesson.
Baker’s writing is descriptive, funny and poignant. You will cheer with Santoshi has to teach Kiria the CEO the ways of her world. The sisterhood created through all of the women in the book is one that is easily relatable, regardless of location or culture.
A subplot of the book emerges when Kiria’s long lost son who she put up for adoption years before contacts her. The email correspondence between Kiria and her son are so realistic that you feel their relationship developing.
I highly recommend Sisters of the Sari! If you would like to win a copy of this book, please comment here to enter,
Penguin Group provided a review copy of this book for this post. All opinions are my own. Penguin Group is also providing two free copies as giveaways.
What are you reading and where are you going?
I MUST read this book. I was never really interested in this area of the world until we read Dressmanker with SITS. I’m adding this book to my list!
I took a trip to India last May and too have become enthralled with India. The interesting part of this tour ocurred when coming back to delhi their was a political protest and the roads were not driveable due to rocks. The bus was forced to take backroads and I saw the poverty Indians live with and alarming to me the lack of water. Many small villages found men laying on beds of wood while the women were workling hard. The women and children wanved and were so glad to see the bus while the man showed no signs of interest. In fairness this was not crop season. women walkling for water, women washing clothes in dirty puddles and the dung drying for fuel. Indians of l ower status live difficult lives and medical access is lilmited. Shortly after coming back I read about the world water shortage. This was a lifechanging experience for me.
I visited India for the first time last year and love anything India related – also love a good book so thinks sounds like the perfect combination…!
I too love India based books, and this sounds like a very captivating book…I would love to win a copy. Fingers crossed!
I added this book to my to-read list after reading your review, so I’d love a copy!
Would love to read this. I, too, enjoy reading about India where my cousin has lived for almost 50 years working to bring medical care to the poor.
Your Comments
Since I do know your obsession with Indian fiction, I was looking through your fantastic site for one of your personal recommendation. Hence – Sisters of the Sari
A section in the book that Baker does such a good job with is the excitiment and visually detail when Kiria goes to purchase her first Sari. The discrption is perfect! The colors and fabrics will take your breath away – and you become obsessed.
Here I am, a girl from Dallas, that had to buy not one or two, but 5!! I ask – where would I wear these, and how do I even put them on??
After reading this book, I ran to my closet and got my 5 Saris, found a tailor and had them fitted. I just picked one of the 5. It is so beautiful, I feel like a princess.
Now I just need to find a place to wear them.
xoxo
Faith, you r the best!! Can I come over and try them on?