Peeking Between the Pages

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Book Review: The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar

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In The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar we are introduced to two people, Ellie and Frank, who are suffering greatly from the loss of their only son Benny to a sudden illness. They are devastated and between withdrawing and placing blame, their relationship is suffering a great deal; something neither of them is familiar with as they had always been so deeply committed to each other. After their son’s death, Frank is offered a job in Girbaug, India managing a HerbalSolutions plant and while he doesn’t want to take the job, Ellie thinks it’s best they do.

They move to Girbaug and Ellie loves it there but Frank is struggling. Ellie’s thoughts of this being the perfect place for them to start over in their lives together doesn’t seem to be happening. Frank is still withdrawn and inclined to bring up blaming Ellie for their son’s death and that only causes them to argue. Frank knows he’s hurting Ellie but he just can’t seem to stop himself; he’s hurting, his world has fallen apart, and he’s taking it out on the person closest to him. Of course it wasn’t Ellie’s fault that Benny had died; the doctors had said so. There was nothing that anybody could have done but that doesn’t seem to ease the pain or anger.

Ellie loves India and being a psychologist she has been spending her time counseling people. Everyone seems to like her and she’s really enjoying her work. Frank on the other hand has ended up with nothing but problems running his plant. It’s an American company and the workers aren’t paid well and they are also angry because HerbalSolutions has taken away the use of the leaves of a tree that the people have used forever for healing purposes. Frank is under a great deal of stress.

The only solace Frank seems to find is in a little boy named Ramesh. He’s the son of the man and women who take care of Frank and Ellie’s home and cook for them. Frank really becomes obsessed with Ramesh’s well being and feels he could give him a much better life than his own parents can and while this may be true, Ramesh still loves his parents. He is like any other normal, young boy though and he is taken with all the gifts he gets from Frank like new clothes, sneakers and even a computer. While Ramesh’s father is grateful for his son to get things he would otherwise not have, he is also fiercely jealous and angry over Frank seeming to want to take his boy from him.

I really liked Ellie in this novel. She was an easy character to like and she seemed very real to me in both her way of dealing with her son’s death and Frank’s behaviors. Frank I didn’t warm up too much although I can’t really pinpoint why. Maybe it was his desperation and his tendency to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. In this story Frank’s desperation leads him down a path that he can never come back from and the repercussions from his actions are devastating both to himself and others.

This is a very well written novel and I found myself turning the pages so fast I’m surprised I was able to absorb them. It’s not often a novel can shock me but the ending of this one did. One thing that Thrity Umrigar can do is draw people into her story. Sometimes I felt I was right in this story as I was feeling and dealing with the emotions of the characters – I truly felt the author had my heart in her hands at times while I was reading this book. It is the mark of a really good novel if it can make you feel that way.

I read The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. You can find other tour stops here and be sure to visit Thrity Umrigar’s website as well. You can buy The Weight of Heaven here in the US and here in Canada.

DarleneMy thanks…to Trish with TLC Book Tours for my review copy of The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar and the opportunity to participate in this tour.

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  1. I can't wait to read this one – or finish reading it, I should say. I've been so anxious I went ahead & read the first 50 pages or so on the Harper Collins website. Book Club Girl is hosting a call in with Umriger about this book on Feb. 23. You should check into it.

  3. Great review, Dar! Umrigar is an author I have been meaning to read… this is going straight to my wish list.

  4. I really loved this book as well, and I think Frank's character flaw is that he does go all the way when he wants something, just look at how he pursued Ellie in the beginning of their relationship.

    This is going on my top books of 2010 list.

  5. I so enjoyed this book, but even better (if that is possible) is The Space Between Us by Umrigar–excellent!

    Great review Dar

  6. I am glad you enjoyed it, but I don't think it is for me. I struggle with books where the child has died. I get far too emotional over them.

  10. I think the general consensus is that Frank is not real likeable. I also have read some comments that the book, while well-written, was also bleak. But it doesn't seem to have affected you in this way, so maybe I shouldn't worry about it. Nice review Dar!

  11. I've been hearing about this one all over the blogsphere and everyone has positive things to say about it. I really need to give this one a try. Great review!

  13. I am reading this one right now for a tour later this month so I skimmed a bit, but I agree… the story is easily absorbed. I'm liking it a lot.

  15. The title of this one got to me immediately. Then I read yor review and think it sounds fabulous. But it's also very sad I'm sure- losing their son and all. Thanks for a terrific review Dar:)

  20. I hsve the Space Between Us on my shelf and need to read it – I hear great things about this author!

  22. What a nice review Dar. When a book like this comes along it can fade into the big hubaloo of some of the others out there. I am glad to hear of this one and will definitely mark it as a future TBR book.

  24. I agree that the ending was a shocker. I didn't see it coming either but had an idea that somehow the ending would not be what I expected. I was so impressed with the depth and strength of Ms. Umrigar's writing. I definitely want to read more of her writing.

  25. Elisabeth, I saw that there is chat with Book Club Girl. I'll have to try and pop in. Thanks.

    Serena, you're right. Frank has a hard time seeing reason when he really wants something.

    Diane, I have The Space Between Us and hope to read it soon.

    Viv, you may not like it then because those parts are sad to read.

    Everyone else, thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate it!

  26. I love your new look Dar. Have you seen mine?

    I have been hearing some great things about this book! It's on my TBR.

    It doesn't look like were going to come to Edmonton this summer. I think were going to stay home and go see Lillith Fair. It's back and coming to Vancouver. With the money we save on gas and hotel we might go on a concert cruise the next winter. Perhaps.

  29. First, I love the new blog design! You probably changed it a long time ago, but I haven't had time to do my blog rounds. 🙁

    Interestingly enough, you're not the first person to not connect with Frank. But I love when an author is able to suck me into the story so much that I'm confused when I finally look up from my book because I'm not quite sure where I am. It sounds like Thrity Umrigar accomplishes this in The Weight of Heaven.

    Thanks for being on this tour, Dar! Great review!

  31. I am so glad you enjoyed this one. I did too. The author has a gift for creating such real characters. Like you, I really liked Ellie. Great review!

  32. I just finished this one as well. I didn't like Frank much either and thought the ending was very shocking and sad. I have read other books by this author and have to say that she has a real gift for characters and plot. Great review, I am really glad that it was such a good read for you. I really liked it a lot as well!