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book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
5***** and a ❤
This is an extraordinary book. The novel deals with the struggles to form Pakistan, when Muslims fought Sikhs and Hindus, and with the traditional culture vs the modern expectations. It is also a tale of woman and her place in the world. Roop is just 16 when she becomes the second wife of Sandaji (needed because 1st wife Satya is still barren after 20 years). How Roop grows and matures, how Satya descends to madness with jealousy and hatred are themes that mirror the division of India and Pakistan.
Our book club had chosen it months in advance, but our discussion took place one week after Sept 11, 2001. Couldn't have been more timely.
UPDATE April 2005
I read it again for a different book club, and got even more out of it.
This is an extraordinary book. The novel deals with the struggles to form Pakistan, when Muslims fought Sikhs and Hindus, and with the traditional culture vs the modern expectations. It is also a tale of woman and her place in the world. Roop is just 16 when she becomes the second wife of Sandaji (needed because 1st wife Satya is still barren after 20 years). How Roop grows and matures, how Satya descends to madness with jealousy and hatred are themes that mirror the division of India and Pakistan.
Our book club had chosen it months in advance, but our discussion took place one week after Sept 11, 2001. Couldn't have been more timely.
UPDATE April 2005
I read it again for a different book club, and got even more out of it.
didsreads's review against another edition
4.0
I do not need to understand words to know he is disappointed I am not a boy. Some things need no translation. And I know, because my body remembers without benefit of words, that men who do not welcome girl-babies will not treasure me as I grow to woman --though he call me princess just because the Gurus told him to.
I have come so far, I have borne so much pain and emptiness!
But men have not yet changed.
Every woman has her own kismat.
Oh the perils of being a female, giving birth to one.
During India partition, two women married to the same man.
- because of course, men need sons.
I was fully invested with the drama between the wives, the inside turmoil of Satya, forty years old first wife feel against Roop,16 years old young bride who sees marriage and children are the only thing every woman should ought to have.
Deeply moved by Satya's pain and Roop's naivety.
Served with rich Indian culture.
I have come so far, I have borne so much pain and emptiness!
But men have not yet changed.
Every woman has her own kismat.
Oh the perils of being a female, giving birth to one.
During India partition, two women married to the same man.
- because of course, men need sons.
I was fully invested with the drama between the wives, the inside turmoil of Satya, forty years old first wife feel against Roop,16 years old young bride who sees marriage and children are the only thing every woman should ought to have.
Deeply moved by Satya's pain and Roop's naivety.
Served with rich Indian culture.
reachant's review against another edition
3.0
I learned a lot about the history of India and Pakistan, and found that fascinating. The story of the two women was also engaging. I did find the book got bogged down at times in detail and so I started to lose interest, and some of the language was confusing with the different terms. Overall an enjoyable book
beetree's review against another edition
4.0
The story of a struggle between two women set during the partition of India into India and Pakistan: Satya is less than thrilled when her husband Sardarji takes a second wife who is considerably younger and of poor social class so that he may have an heir.
Beautifully written with gorgeous descriptions. This book really travels, both through the historical backdrop and through the character evolution as they encounter challenge and conflict in their lives.
Beautifully written with gorgeous descriptions. This book really travels, both through the historical backdrop and through the character evolution as they encounter challenge and conflict in their lives.
ewlbuck's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mactammonty's review against another edition
5.0
Roop and Satya introduced me to India and Pakistan's beginnings as countries. A woman's point of view brought the feeling of helplessness much closer.
It was difficult to understand some of the politics at first. Lucky for me a co- worker who grew up in India was able to help with that.
It was difficult to understand some of the politics at first. Lucky for me a co- worker who grew up in India was able to help with that.
bookslovejenna's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookthia's review against another edition
4.0
A lyrical and lengthy reflection on India in the time of the Partition, told through the eyes of people who had almost no influence on India's history during that time -- Sikhs and women.
Sardarji is a wealthy Sikh landowner in Punjab. He is UK-educated as an engineer and rescues his family estates from bankrupcy and inefficiency. His first wife is Satya, an articulate and confident woman with a sharp mind and a sharp tongue. Satya is well-suited to Sardarji, they love and respect each other, but she has not borne children and this is a big deal for Sardarji. Hence, after many years of marriage to Satya, he chooses to marry again in secret. He chooses Roop, a 16-year old girl who has been raised to be obedient and "above all, cause no trouble". Satya is outraged and offended and jealous and treats Roop very poorly. But Roop gives Sardarji his children -- even as Satya claims them as her own. The story explores Roop and Satya and their relationship, both to each other and to Sardarji. Why are women pitted into competitive roles? Why are women more valued if they are obedient? How are women prevented from participating in the history that will define their future?
Alongside the story of the women, is the story of Sardarji himself, a minority Sikh when India is being partitioned between the Moslems and Hindus. How did England's colonialist behaviour contribute to what happened? What happened to Sikhs, even Sikhs with influence? Why were they overlooked? What is their story now?
Baldwin writes with eloquent prose and explores these themes in deep detail. For my personal taste, this book was just a tad too long and occasionally lost my attention in all the detail. If you are looking for a plot-driven novel, this is not the book for you. If you enjoy exploring relationships and histories of people and places, What the Body Remembers is a worthy read with moving and thoughtful reflections.
Sardarji is a wealthy Sikh landowner in Punjab. He is UK-educated as an engineer and rescues his family estates from bankrupcy and inefficiency. His first wife is Satya, an articulate and confident woman with a sharp mind and a sharp tongue. Satya is well-suited to Sardarji, they love and respect each other, but she has not borne children and this is a big deal for Sardarji. Hence, after many years of marriage to Satya, he chooses to marry again in secret. He chooses Roop, a 16-year old girl who has been raised to be obedient and "above all, cause no trouble". Satya is outraged and offended and jealous and treats Roop very poorly. But Roop gives Sardarji his children -- even as Satya claims them as her own. The story explores Roop and Satya and their relationship, both to each other and to Sardarji. Why are women pitted into competitive roles? Why are women more valued if they are obedient? How are women prevented from participating in the history that will define their future?
Alongside the story of the women, is the story of Sardarji himself, a minority Sikh when India is being partitioned between the Moslems and Hindus. How did England's colonialist behaviour contribute to what happened? What happened to Sikhs, even Sikhs with influence? Why were they overlooked? What is their story now?
Baldwin writes with eloquent prose and explores these themes in deep detail. For my personal taste, this book was just a tad too long and occasionally lost my attention in all the detail. If you are looking for a plot-driven novel, this is not the book for you. If you enjoy exploring relationships and histories of people and places, What the Body Remembers is a worthy read with moving and thoughtful reflections.