The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar’s

In Thrity Umrigar’s The Space Between Us, the narrative treads surely and engagingly between the lives of two women – Sera, an upper middle-class housewife, and Bhima, her spirited, affectionate maid. Years of shared joys and sorrows have made the two women friends, though their relationship is mapped by lines of class, prejudice and money. The novel moves back and forth in time, tracing the many shades of betrayal that have coloured the women’s lives. The small betrayals pile up, till finally, a larger, more dreadful breach of trust is revealed.

The book opens with Bhima’s anger at her granddaughter Maya’s pregnancy. Bhima’s hopes of her completing her college education and moving on to a better life are dashed. The combination of rage, shame and gut-stirring love that Bhima feels leaves both of them weary. It impacts Sera’s household too, and the family offers as much help as it can. Sera gives moral support and money, and her son-in-law recommends a good doctor. A date is set for the abortion and a ‘difficult’ Maya insists that Sera, whose daughter Dinaz is also pregnant, accompany her to the clinic.

Umrigar’s work pays tribute to Bombay with its many kinds of existence. She manages to examine the anatomy of despair closely, while celebrating life and living in this city. Her characters and situations are deftly drawn, with skilful, often humorous, touches. At times though, Umrigar tries to pack in too many elements, leaving her narrative a little frazzled. Though the book is not a classic, it is refreshing and leaves one grateful for its serious, enjoyable writing. Its small flaws (some overwritten bits, and an end which though realistic, might feel like a let-down) don’t detract much. Its real strength, though, lies in Umrigar’s willingness to plunge herself into the squalor, the joy and the thirst of being alive.

Harper Collins Publishers India

(Anita Vachharajani © Timeout)