Although Divakaruni's collection of short stories draws heavily on her own ethnic background and experiences, one does not need to share that ethnic background to feel a connection to characters. Her stories strike at the heart of women struggling to adapt to environments; women adapting to marriage and relationships; and women adapting their dreams to reality.
"Doors"
This short story focuses on a young woman, Preeti, who has been raised in America. Though her mother warns her that the cultural divide is bigger than she imagines, she falls in love with and marries, a man raised primarily in India. Her marriage is a happy one for the first few years - until her husband's cousin comes to visit. It is then that she realizes that her concept of "doors" and personal space is very different from her husband's, and it may be one that will keep them at a distance forever.
"Silver Pavements, Golden Roofs"
In this story, a soon-to-be graduate student, Jayanti, comes to Chicago, dreaming of its beauty and possibility. She moves in with her aunt before beginning school and witnesses a side of America she had never envisioned: a problematic marriage, struggles to make ends meet, and racial ignorance. Yet even at the end of the story, Jayanti steps onto the apartment balcony, watches the snow falling on her hands, and realizes that good and bad exist together, a realization that give her hope for her future.
"Meeting Mrinal"
Lest one think that all of her stories focus on young women, "Meeting Mrinal" shows Asha, a newly divorced woman with a teenage son, dealing with that life change, and then having to face a meeting with her childhood friend, who has maintained a single, seemingly glamorous lifestyle. Asha fears letting Mrinal see that the life she chose- an early marriage and family as opposed to a more independent, adventurous life- has crumbled around her. Yet in the end, both women see that every life has its struggles, and their friendship is renewed because of this.
A Compelling Read
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's collection, Arranged Marriage, is easy to read and difficult to put down. The characters are real and face common struggles, yet they emerge hopeful and strong, which makes her stories a pleasure and an inspiration to read. Whether or not one shares the ethnic or social background of Divakaruni's characters, any woman can relate to their universal experiences chasing love, maintaining friendships and interacting with family. This is a book worth reading, as well as one that will lead the reader to consider Divakaruni's other novels and collections.
Divakaruni, Chitra Banjeree. Arranged Marriage. New York: Anchor Books, 1996.
Carly Wells - Carly Wells signed on to work for Suite 101 to pursue her lifelong passion of writing and the pursuit of knowledge. After completing a ...
