Questions About The Secrets Between Us

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Answered Questions (6)

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Elena May That's exactly what I was wondering! It's the only inconsistency I noticed in an otherwise perfect book, so I have to wonder if it was on purpose or s…moreThat's exactly what I was wondering! It's the only inconsistency I noticed in an otherwise perfect book, so I have to wonder if it was on purpose or slipped through editing. But you are definitely remembering correctly, I remember the same.

There is just one explanation that comes to my mind. I don't remember how we learned about the letter in The Space Between Us. Was it in Bhima's inner thoughts, or did she tell this to Maya? Perhaps Bhima lied to Maya, not wanting her granddaughter to know she never informed Gopal what happened. But if it's not only in the dialogue and Bhima actually thinks about it, then this explanation doesn't work. I guess I have to go back and look it up, but this one is really bugging me. Everything else in the book is really well done, so it's hard to believe this detail is a mistake.(less)

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I understand that this book is a sequel to "The Space Between Us". Does it stand on its own? I have not read the first book.

Anita It is a stand alone, but I truly believe your experience would be much more rich if you read The Space Between Us first. It would really help to know …moreIt is a stand alone, but I truly believe your experience would be much more rich if you read The Space Between Us first. It would really help to know the back story and all the characters that are referenced.(less)

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I've noticed mostly older women like this book. Is it good for a male in his mid 30's ?

Anita Singh I think that question suggests that "men in their 30s" have a profile of things they would like - I don't believe gender should determine what books p…moreI think that question suggests that "men in their 30s" have a profile of things they would like - I don't believe gender should determine what books people should read - if I did, I would stereotype a in-their-30s man to only like books about motorcycles, guns, sex or sports. None of which this book has.

But, I would like to think that we should be open to experiences and different perspectives - and if you are curious about the hardships and challenges of life and relationships in a city like Bombay for the poor, for women, and for non-dominant communities, this book is excellent. (less)

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I was so sad to reach the end of this story. I've now read all of Thrity Umrigar's books and I don't know where to turn next! Can anyone recommend authors with a similar style as Ms.Umrigar?

Barbara Have you read Rohinton Mistry?

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Does anyone know of a discussion guide for The Secrets Between Us?

Sara I know this is a bit late, however hopefully it helps someone.

1) Why didn't Bhima or her husband try to find one another sooner-especially with their …moreI know this is a bit late, however hopefully it helps someone.

1) Why didn't Bhima or her husband try to find one another sooner-especially with their son?
2) How does Bhima's past fit into her present?
3) Are Bhima's misfortunes her greatest treasures?
4) Are the secrets we carry a unifying element in our relationships?
5) Is holding onto grief the way we legitimize the things we have lost or broken?
6) Do all human beings keep secrets from one another?
7) Is it the special curse of women, to keep other people’s secrets and carry their shame?
8) What would happen, she wonders, if all of them — Parvati, Serabai, Sunitabai — simply put down their loads one day and refused to pick them up again?
9) What does it take to be a woman in our patriarchal society?
10) How can one punish the victim themselves just because they belong to a supposedly weaker gender?
11) Why do women become the first enemy of other women?
12) Why do we all walk around like this, hiding from one another?
13) If you could remove fear from your life, uproot it, who would you be?
14) Why is Bhima the one who has to make this final journey?
15) Is it reasonable that Amit welcomed her back with zero resentment and open arms after decades apart?
16) What did Gopal tell him about why they left?
17) Are Bhimi and Gopal able to forget the past?
18) Will Bhimi and Maya stay or go?
19) What does the future hold for Maya? Will she become a lawyer?
20) Does Maya stick with law or get her grandma out of the slums?
21) Because in a world where you increasingly have more foes than friends, who else is going to always be there?
22) If she has truly been brought so low that she has to second-guess the simple act of sharing a fruit with a woman even more destitute than she, then why not relinquish all claims to human society?
23) Does Dinaz (Sera's daughter) ever find out about her vile husband?
24) Do Maya and Rajeev's son date or get married?
25) Do they go back to Mumbai or leave everything for rural life with newfound family?(less)

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