Helpful Score: 2
This book turned out to be quite good. In the beginning I was not sure where this was going to go, but after the first intro chapters it got better and better and better. I felt as if I was there. The book takes place in San Francisco very close to where I work. Some of the characters lived in areas I could locate for example somewhere near 3rd Street and also the avenues. I read it in a day and I felt happy that I could recommend this book to my friends. This is the third Chitra book that I have read. Sister of my Heart was my first and so far my favorite and then I dove into Mistress of Spices which again is located in a place about three miles from where I live. I will continue on my Chitra reading journey with Queen of Dreams and Arranged Marriages.
I rather enjoyed this novel (in the beginning) and the interesting cultural background. However I have was sorely disappointed in the abrupt and incredibly unsatisfying ending.
In the midst of reading a couple of negative books that were depressing me a goodreads friend suggested something lighter so I picked up this book. It's quite good - the story of nine people who are so centered on their own problems they fail to realize that others have problems too. The nine are trapped together following and earthquake. What they learn about one another and themselves makes for a most interesting story. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an excellent story teller. I shall have to read more of her books.
Great book club read! Allows for lots of discussion.
