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mslaura's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. I thought the character development was good, the writing style enjoyable, and the storyline interesting. It is the story of Roop, a naive young Sikh girl who becomes the 2nd wife to Sardarji, much to the dismay of his first wife, Satya. Roop quickly learns that this arrangement is not going to be the bed of roses she had expected it to be. The relationship between the two wives and between Sardarji and each wife is quite complex. The story is told against the backdrop of India's struggle for freedom from English rule and the eventual partitioning of India into India and Pakistan, essentially leaving the Sikhs in no man's land. I didn't know very much about this period of history or the Sikh religion, so I learned a lot. I would definitely recommend this book.
writerlibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Une auteur à découvrir. Elle est née à Montréal mais a grandi aux Indes. Son roman “la mémoire du corps” a reçu en 2000 le prix Commonwealth Writers pour le meilleur roman pour la région Canada/Antilles.
L’Inde au moment de la partition est racontée à travers la vie de deux femmes Satya et Roop. Toutes deux épouses de Sardarji qui lorsque Satya n’a pu lui donner les fils qu’il désirait, a épousé la jeune Roop qui lui donnera trois enfants.
Dépaysement total pour les lecteurs. Shauna Singh Baldwin nous amène dans un monde étranger où les traditions, les mœurs et coutumes nous apparaissent très exotiques et étranges. Elle réussit avec brio à nous montrer cette réalité si éloignée de notre quotidien et à nous entraîner à la suite de Satya qui affronte la fin de son monde tel qu’elle le connaissait.
L’Inde au moment de la partition est racontée à travers la vie de deux femmes Satya et Roop. Toutes deux épouses de Sardarji qui lorsque Satya n’a pu lui donner les fils qu’il désirait, a épousé la jeune Roop qui lui donnera trois enfants.
Dépaysement total pour les lecteurs. Shauna Singh Baldwin nous amène dans un monde étranger où les traditions, les mœurs et coutumes nous apparaissent très exotiques et étranges. Elle réussit avec brio à nous montrer cette réalité si éloignée de notre quotidien et à nous entraîner à la suite de Satya qui affronte la fin de son monde tel qu’elle le connaissait.
antje's review
challenging
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Does this book only deserve three stars? I honestly don't know. For me, someone who has only a basic knowledge of the Indian Partition and never lived on the Indian subcontinent, What The Body Remembers was often difficult to follow. There were many references to cultural aspects and social norms I didn't understand and even past that there were paragraphs I had to read multiple times to comprehend what was being said. But I don't want to blame the author for this. My lack of understanding is after all due to my own ignorance on the subject matter.
But of course this also took some of the reading enjoyment. I struggled at times to get through the 500+ pages and I think others who don't know that much about India, its politics and religions will feel the same way. Still I'm glad to have picked up What the Body Remembers because it discusses important aspects of women and their worth in many societies.
But of course this also took some of the reading enjoyment. I struggled at times to get through the 500+ pages and I think others who don't know that much about India, its politics and religions will feel the same way. Still I'm glad to have picked up What the Body Remembers because it discusses important aspects of women and their worth in many societies.
smhq089030's review against another edition
4.0
A perfect view of political violence taking place in the southern part of the globe. I had to read this for class and then we watched the movie "Earth" to see a resemblance taking place. Both were powerful and understanding how distinction itself becomes a power source and especially for violence.
atsundarsingh's review
3.0
3 stars because it never truly captivated me and i was able to put it down, but overall this book made me think a lot and was crafted so skillfully as a metapor for the plight of India during the era leading up to partition. I can't believe this is the author's first novel. A jewel, but not the crown one. Well written, mostly enjoyed.
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