Gripping…edgy…heartbreaking…shocking…amazing…
These are just a few words to describe Thrity Umrigar's forthcoming novel, The Weight of Heaven, an emotionally charged story about unexpected death, unhealed wounds, and the price one father will pay to protect himself from pain and loss.
Umrigar's previous novel, The Space Between Us, told of the social struggles in modern day India. The book took the literary world by storm and went on to become an international bestseller. It is truly an amazing piece of literature. If you haven't already read it, I strongly recommend it.
The Weight of Heaven takes us into the lives of Frank and Ellie Benton, a young couple who just recently faced a difficult loss in their family…the sudden death of their 7-year-old son. Their son's death not only affects them individually but also impacts the future of their relationship.
In an effort to start their lives anew as well as to save their marriage, they throw caution to the wind and move to India, where Frank has accepted a job running an herbal medical factory. While there, Frank and Ellie befriend a local youth, whom they grow to admire and who also helps fill the void left by the death of their son.
However, Frank becomes very attached to the young boy…almost as a father would be to his own son. Frank comes to the conclusion that the only way to make his family whole again is to adopt the young boy. In doing so, Frank is faced with committing an unthinkable act of desperation.
I absolutely loved this book. I finished it in two days (work and sleep got in the way)! It takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster with a result you would not believe! It makes you question how far you would go to achieve happiness and to build a new world for those you love. Two thumbs-up to Thrity and this wonderful story! I truly hope you add this to your reading list.
-Bobby
This emotional and unique book sounds compelling and special. Thanks for featuring this novel.
Posted by: pearl | March 12, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Bobby, it was your booktalk at ALA Midwinter that got me excited about this book. You were so right!
Posted by: Laura | March 11, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Oh my gosh, I can't wait to read this book! I was lucky enough to get a review copy of Thrity Umrigar's memoir First Darling of the Morning and was blown away by it. My review:
http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/2009/03/first-darling-of-morning-thrity-umrigar.html
Posted by: S. Krishna | March 11, 2009 at 03:41 PM