I thought this would be a story about the bond of a friendship between women. How it can stand the test of time and through a caste system that says one woman is above another because of money. I thought it would be about 2 women who know the ugly sides of each other's marriage and the connection and affection they would have.

But this was NOT that book. It's an introspective look at the interesting bond that DOES form between two women, but it's also the story of their families and how they grow and change based on the expectations of the culture. It's also how their lives are shaped by the cruelties they've experienced.

It wasn't a bad book, it was just a very sad story and one that was hard to be happy about. ( )

A deeply affecting novel and a real page turner.

This book has been on my TBR list for some time and I finally downloaded it on my kindle as I am trying to get a few older books off my list and what a lovely reading surprise this was.

Set in Bombay, [b:The Space Between Us|218357|The Space Between Us|Thrity Umrigar|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386925898l/218357._SX50_.jpg|1183462] tells the story of a wealthy widow and her maid, who form a bond across the gulfs of class and status in modern day Bombay. It’s a story of women, endurance, heartbreak and the family ties that bind.

I really enjoyed this novel, it’s beautifully written, I loved the characters and felt I formed a bond with them by the end if the novel. An easy read but a deeply moving story that readers can identify with on many levels. This author has a real talent for story telling and creates a terrific sense of time and place. I was a slightly disappointed with the ending until I realised that the book does have a sequel and I can happily continue my journey with Bhima.
A really enjoyable novel and a new author for my real life bookshelf. This would also make a good bookclub discussion book.

I think readers who enjoy authors such as [a:Diane Chamberlain|93345|Diane Chamberlain|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1564952664p2/93345.jpg] or [a:Kristin Hannah|54493|Kristin Hannah|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517255843p2/54493.jpg] may well enjoy this novel. ( )

This heartbreaking book is about two women who must deal with the consequences of caste and class separation and inequality in modern India. An insight into urban Indian life. Recommended to anyone thinking of traveling there. This book can be compared to The Red Tent, The Kite Runner, and A Thousand Splendid Suns. ( )

There's a lot in this book: gender, class, poverty and India's socio-economic-cultural-family-power structure and how the lives of two women in opposite sides of this spectrum unfold over a period of 20/30 years.

It's an uncomfortable read. There are difficult issues that all women will probably relate to, even if they are worlds apart from India.

I thought the ending was disappointing. Hope didn't fit in the story line. ( )