Current Book
Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Book Review
In this riveting and immersive novel, bestselling author Thrity Umrigar tells the story of two couples and the sometimes dangerous and heartbreaking challenges of love across a cultural divide.
Indian American journalist Smita has returned to India to cover a story, but reluctantly: long ago she and her family left the country with no intention of ever coming back. As she follows the case of Meena—a Hindu woman attacked by members of her own village and her own family for marrying a Muslim man—Smita comes face to face with a society where tradition carries more weight than one’s own heart, and a story that threatens to unearth the painful secrets of Smita’s own past. While Meena’s fate hangs in the balance, Smita tries in every way she can to right the scales. She also finds herself increasingly drawn to Mohan, an Indian man she meets while on assignment. But the dual love stories of Honor are as different as the cultures of Meena and Smita themselves: Smita realizes she has the freedom to enter into a casual affair, knowing she can decide later how much it means to her.
In this tender and evocative novel about love, hope, familial devotion, betrayal, and sacrifice, Thrity Umrigar shows us two courageous women trying to navigate how to be true to their homelands and themselves at the same time.
Book Nominator
Delitza Fernandez, Member, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Initiative
Reading this book strengthen my desire to continue advocating for those who can't advocate for themselves. It reminded me of how blessed I am for everything I have and the privileges I sometimes take for granted. This book is a great example of the meaning of unconditional love.
Beautifully written, Honor is a powerful and moving book about love, sacrifice, and loss. Honor is one of those books that’s not always easy to read but unquestionably easy to recommend.
Borrow This Book
Orange County Library: E-Book | Audio Book