The Secrets Between Us: A Novel

Not quite knowing what to expect, the story instantly brought me to Bhima as she is continuing her journey to find a place in the world that is fulfilling and her own, despite the slums that surround her, the challenges, and the never ending list of things to do, get, or overcome. The one constant in Bhima’s day is the challenges, and these range from simple: earning enough for food and a roof over her head, to the struggle to provide for her granddaughter so she will finish university and move on to greater challenges with larger potential upsides. Throughout the changing face (and fortunes) of India, all is affecting outcomes for the ‘least’ of society: the poor and constantly downtrodden who have struggled to grab a place of insecure security. When Bhima loses her long-time position as a housekeeper, she’s determined to keep her granddaughter moving toward that degree: one step in front of another she epitomizes the hope, the determination and the struggle, alone and soon with others, to move onto a higher plane of subsistence: one that despite their subjugation as both desperately poor and women that gives this story an outward ‘feel’ of hopeless desperation. But only at first glance: as slowly each woman encountered provides insight, support and examples for the others in their constant daily battles, as they strive for self-determination and independence. Umrigar has crafted a story that feels honest and open in the tale: it’s not a disinfected dialogue on the power of the human spirit, but actual challenges, scenes, and situations that breathe life into the story and it’s characters. Not always an easy read as moments and places are described with such detail as to place you on that corner, in that close room with the heat, scents and ever-present monster of despair as it waits to pounce are palpable, following every turn of the page and causing you to pay attention, see the heroines for what they are, and marvel at their strength, heart and determination to move past their beginnings as they create opportunities for those who are yet to come. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.