What really strikes me is how, no matter the regional or cultural differences, there are common threads that run through all of us. My family and I are grateful to be able to travel overseas. Where do you most enjoy traveling to and how have different countries and cultures influenced you?įrom my time in the various regions I have a deep appreciation for the cultures and beliefs that embody the different places. The Storyteller’s Secret focuses on Jaya’s life-changing journey to India. There were no easy answers and they recognized that. I tried to touch on that aspect of the occupation via the conversations between the heroine and Stephen. It was fascinating to read some historians’ perspectives who, without delving into the political ramifications, detail the complicated costs and benefits of both the occupation and eventual liberation. From the mastering of each other’s languages to the interchange of fashion, food and beliefs, they were connected in ways that are still apparent to this day. Yet, you couldn’t avoid how intimately their lives were intertwined. But in the ensuing years, as there was increased tension and strife, it became taboo for the British and Indians to mix. Whole generations of mixed children were born from these unions. For example, in the earlier years, there were many marriages between the British officers and Indian women. There were so many intriguing facets of that time period that I discovered. I spent years researching the book, wanting to make sure I accurately depicted the intricate historical details of the Raj occupation of India. How much research did you conduct for the book? Were you surprised by anything you uncovered? Her loss moved me and the woman she was inspired me. Those who knew her spoke of an incredible woman who was kind and generous to everyone, regardless of their caste, class or gender. Her death led to the break down and fracturing of the family that still resonated generations later. Like the protagonist, my grandmother was also tied to a tree and beaten. She was bitten by a mosquito and her community believed that the encephalitis ravaging her body was a demonic possession. I grew up hearing the story of how my maternal grandmother passed away when my mother was two. The Storyteller’s Secret is a richly imagined novel about love, hardship, resilience and courage. The overlap of struggle and resilience in both women’s lives is poignant and powerful for readers of all backgrounds. If you enjoyed The Storyteller’s Secret, then we recommend checking out The Story Hour: A Novel by Thrity Umrigar or Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, both of which are available today in our online store! Head over to our Brookstore to see our entire selection.Meet Stephen, a Raj officer, that strikes a deal with Amisha to help her realize her dreams. It reignited my desire to travel to India and see for myself this magical place that I now plan to visit in 2020. However, it is a work of fiction, and I found it extremely engaging. I can understand that purists may not be able to see beyond these elements and may not enjoy the book for these reasons alone. Furthermore, the employment of Ravi, labelled an “untouchable” due to his low-caste Hindu status and considered a pollutant to those of higher caste, would not have been accepted on any level as adherence to family and cultural values were of the utmost importance. It is difficult to believe that any personal relationship between Amisha, Jaya’s grandmother and Stephen, a Lieutenant in the British Army with whom she had an intimate relationship would have been allowed to develop. Parts of the story don’t ring true based on what I know about India’s culture and caste system. Guided by a family confidante named Ravi, she learns about the unconventional life of her maternal grandmother uncovering some well-hidden secrets along the way. Eager to explore the family she never knew and connect with the place where her mother was brought up, she delves into the past. Eager to escape a broken marriage and the sadness of losing three babies through miscarriage, she goes to India as her grandfather lays on his deathbed. The primary character, Jaya, a New York journalist, travels to India, her family home. It has me reaching for reference books and maps of India along with explanatory texts relating to the Hindu religion to gain more insight. The Storyteller’s Secret by Sejal Badani did precisely that. 39 “The Storyteller’s Secret” Introduces One to IndiaĪ successful work of fiction is one that introduces me to new concepts, ideals, or cultures that inspire me to dig deeper and explore the facts behind the fiction.
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