Beloved Strangers

Maria Chaudhuri

Physical

In Circulation

On and on we dream, we wish, we love — no matter that the dreams come to an end, the wishes evolve or that love dissipates like dust in the wind. Perhaps, what matters only is that we have lived long enough to dream, hard enough to wish and indisputably enough to love. One of Maria's early memories growing up in Dhaka is of planning to run away with her friend Nadia. Even then, Maria couldn't quite figure out why she longed to escape.

It is not that home is an unhappy place. It is just that in her family, joy is ephemeral. With a mother who yearns for the mountains, the solitude and freedom to pursue her own dreams and career and a charismatic but distant father who finds it difficult to expresses emotion, they are never able to hold on to happiness for very long. Maria studies the Holy Book, says her daily prayers and wonders if God is watching her. She dreams, like her mother, of unstitching the seam of her life. It is her neighbor, Bablu, the Imitator of Frogs, who both excites and repulses Maria by showing her a yellowing pornographic magazine, but it is Mala, a girl her own age who comes to work in their house, whose wise eyes and wicked smile makes her dizzy with longing.

When she moves to New England for university at eighteen Maria meets Yameen, a man who lives in a desperately squalid apartment in Jersey City, woos her with phone calls and a marathon night of drinking in New York bars and is not what he seems… From Dhaka to New York, this is a candid and moving account of growing up and growing away, a meditation on why people leave their homes and why they sometimes find it difficult to return. Beloved Strangers is an unforgettable memoir marking the arrival of a brilliant new voice from Bangladesh.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Personal Journey: Memoirs typically explore the author's personal journey, including significant life events, experiences, and reflections.

  2. Cultural Identity: If the memoir is centered around the author's cultural identity, you can expect insights into their cultural background, heritage, and the impact of this identity on their life.

  3. Family Dynamics: Memoirs often delve into family relationships, dynamics, and the author's interactions with family members. This could include stories about parents, siblings, or extended family.

  4. Migration and Belonging: If migration or displacement is a theme, the book may discuss the challenges and experiences of belonging to different places and cultures.

  5. Struggles and Triumphs: Expect the author to share both the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved. This could include personal struggles, career challenges, or other significant obstacles.

  6. Cultural Reflections: The memoir might include reflections on broader cultural, societal, or historical contexts. This could involve commentary on social issues or significant cultural shifts.

  7. Multicultural Experiences: If applicable, the book may highlight the author's experiences in multicultural environments, exploring the richness and complexity of navigating multiple cultures.

  8. Personal Growth: Memoirs often showcase the author's personal growth and development over time. Look for moments of self-discovery and evolution.

  9. Writing Style: Consider the author's writing style and narrative techniques. Memoirs often provide a unique voice and perspective, and the writing style can significantly contribute to the reader's experience.

  10. Impactful Moments: Look for impactful moments or turning points in the author's life. These moments often shape the narrative and contribute to the overall theme of the memoir.

Language English
ISBN-10 9382951776
ISBN-13 9789382951773
No of pages 208
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Bloomsbury publishing
Published Date 01 Jan 2014

About Author

Author : Maria Chaudhuri

NA

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