Thanks to @algonquinbooks for my copy of Honor by Thrity Umrigar, which I read for book club. It follows two women, Smita and Meena, as Smita, a journalist, reports on the trial of Meena’s brothers in rural India. Meena’s family and village turned on her, disfiguring her and murdering her husband because she was Hindu and he was Muslim. Smita, who was born in India but moved to the US at a young age and never planned to return, processes trauma of her past while trying to help Meena. She’s also slowly drawn to Mohan, a friend of a friend who helps her navigate more rural areas and traditions.

I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the descriptions of Mumbai and I learned more about the patriarchal traditions that are still strong in more rural villages. The writing felt non-judgmental of the very different cultural norms of rural India versus more modern Mumbai or western countries, but still was critical of the violence faced by women and other minorities. I appreciated that the romance element added levity and hope but wasn’t the main storyline. I think the ending of this book was a little far fetched but I liked it anyway. I recommend it! It was my first Umrigar but won’t be my last.