Tamarind Woman Author:Anita Rau Badami Growing up in India, Kamini often found herself struggling to be noticed: noticed by her beloved, storytelling father, whose position as a railway officer took him away from home for long stretches of time; and noticed by her distant, distracted mother, Saroja, whose biting remarks earned her the nickname Tamarind Woman -- and whose frequent dis... more »appearances while her husband was away led to whispers of dalliances and affairs.
Now Kamini is grown, living in Canada in a sort of self-imposed exile from her eccentric family and all the turmoil they represent. After her father's death, her mother embarks upon a solo journey across India by train -- because what is the use of a lifetime railway pass if she doesn't use it? The trip brings the past rushing back for Saroja and Kamini -- as both are forced to confront their dreams, disappointments, and long-guarded secrets.« less