I read (and enjoy) a lot of Indian books. This one was refreshingly different, in that it was set in Canada. The book does an excellent job of portraying the complications of relationships across genders and cultures and manages to paint a very realistic picture of someone torn between wanting to be true to herself, while still feeling beholden to her cultural and familial values. This was a great read, marred only by a few plot details that I couldn't figure out (why was Sunny's family in favor of the marriage, given that Meena was of a lower class? Why didn't Harj appear to want any kind of relationship with Meena, after they were reunited?). I look forward to reading more from this author. With EVERYTHING WAS GOODBYE Gurjinder Basran has written a story whose general theme focuses on the problematic and precarious business of maintaining the delicate balance of residing in what amounts to two different worlds.Her tale of Meena, a young Indian woman who, having grown up in the atmosphere of Western freedom after her family immigrated from India to Vancouver, BC, is torn by the pressures of fulfilling her perceived duty to her family, her community and her culture. Not adhering to these requisites as well as any display of independence can result in being permanently shunned by both family and community. While Meena finds the restrictive rules regarding love and friendship outside the Indian culture suffocating, she is hesitant to go against her cultural family and risk suffering the fate of her older sister Harj who was cast out by their mother and has not been seen for fifteen years. Adapting to losses in her life and dealing with the contradictions and moral choices involved in the clash of cultures are just the tip of the iceberg of obstacles that confront Meena in her search for love and fulfillment.Drawing upon her own background and experiences, the author has produced a soulful and lyrical narrative depicting one woman's struggle for identity in a world where acquiescence to duty and respect for familial obligations are desirable attributes and any individualism or non-conformity is viewed as unacceptable and presents ripe subject matter for gossip in the community.If there is one thing that becomes resoundingly apparent it is that every country, religion and culture has its inbred prejudices, both philosophical and esoteric, and it is this aspect of the book with which most readers will be able to readily identify.
What do You think about Everything Was Goodbye (2000)?
just give me a cup of chai... and I want to forget the ending of this novel :(
—Taz
Good read and the plot moved along quickly.
—sonia
