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Oleander Girl
From the bestselling author of One Amazing Thing, a sweeping, suspenseful, atmospheric coming-of-age novel about a young woman who leaves India for America on a search that will transform her life.
Beloved by critics and readers, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has been hailed by Junot Díaz as a “brilliant storyteller” and by People magazine as a “skilled cartographer of the heart”. Now, Divakaruni returns with her most gripping novel yet.
Orphaned at birth, seventeen-year-old Korobi Roy is the scion of a distinguished Kolkata family and has enjoyed a privileged, sheltered childhood with her adoring grandparents. But she is troubled by the silence that surrounds her parents’ death and clings fiercely to her only inheritance from them: the love note she found hidden in her mother's book of poetry. Korobi dreams of one day finding a love as powerful as her parents', and it seems her wish has come true when she meets the charming Rajat, the only son of a high-profile business family.
But shortly after their engagement, a heart attack kills Korobi's grandfather, revealing serious financial problems and a devastating secret about Korobi's past. Shattered by this discovery and by her grandparents' betrayal, Korobi undertakes a courageous search across post 9/11 America to find her true identity. Her dramatic, often startling journey will, ultimately, thrust her into the most difficult decision of her life.
Beloved by critics and readers, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has been hailed by Junot Díaz as a “brilliant storyteller” and by People magazine as a “skilled cartographer of the heart”. Now, Divakaruni returns with her most gripping novel yet.
Orphaned at birth, seventeen-year-old Korobi Roy is the scion of a distinguished Kolkata family and has enjoyed a privileged, sheltered childhood with her adoring grandparents. But she is troubled by the silence that surrounds her parents’ death and clings fiercely to her only inheritance from them: the love note she found hidden in her mother's book of poetry. Korobi dreams of one day finding a love as powerful as her parents', and it seems her wish has come true when she meets the charming Rajat, the only son of a high-profile business family.
But shortly after their engagement, a heart attack kills Korobi's grandfather, revealing serious financial problems and a devastating secret about Korobi's past. Shattered by this discovery and by her grandparents' betrayal, Korobi undertakes a courageous search across post 9/11 America to find her true identity. Her dramatic, often startling journey will, ultimately, thrust her into the most difficult decision of her life.
289 pages, Hardcover
First published March 19, 2013
244 people are currently reading
6380 people want to read
About the author
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
62 books6,938 followersChitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an award-winning author and poet. Her themes include the Indian experience, contemporary America, women, immigration, history, myth, and the joys and challenges of living in a multicultural world. Her work is widely known, as she has been published in over 50 magazines, including the Atlantic Monthly and The New Yorker, and her writing has been included in over 50 anthologies. Her works have been translated into 29 languages, including Dutch, Hebrew, Hindi and Japanese. Divakaruni also writes for children and young adults.Her novels One Amazing Thing, Oleander Girl, Sister of My Heart and Palace of Illusions are currently in the process of being made into movies. http://www.chitradivakaruni.com/books.... Her newest novel is Before We Visit the Goddess (about 3 generations of women-- grandmother, mother and daughter-- who each examine the question "what does it mean to be a successful woman.") Simon & Schuster.
She was born in India and lived there until 1976, at which point she left Calcutta and came to the United States. She continued her education in the field of English by receiving a Master’s degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.
To earn money for her education, she held many odd jobs, including babysitting, selling merchandise in an Indian boutique, slicing bread in a bakery, and washing instruments in a science lab. At Berkeley, she lived in the International House and worked in the dining hall. She briefly lived in Illinois and Ohio, but has spent much of her life in Northern California, which she often writes about. She now lives in Texas, which has found its way into her upcoming book, Before We Visit the Goddess.
Chitra currently teaches in the nationally ranked Creative Writing program at the Univ. of Houston. She serves on the Advisory board of Maitri in the San Francisco Bay Area and Daya in Houston. Both these are organizations that help South Asian or South Asian American women who find themselves in abusive or domestic violence situations. She is also closely involved with Pratham, an organization that helps educate children (especially those living in urban slums) in India.
She has judged several prestigious awards, such as the National Book Award and the PEN Faulkner Award.
Two of her books, The Mistress of Spices and Sister of My Heart, have been made into movies by filmmakers Gurinder Chadha and Paul Berges (an English film) and Suhasini Mani Ratnam (a Tamil TV serial) respectively. Her novels One Amazing Thing and Palace of Illusions have currently been optioned for movies. Her book Arranged Marriage has been made into a play and performed in the U.S. and (upcoming, May) in Canada. River of Light, an opera about an Indian woman in a bi-cultural marriage, for which she wrote the libretto, has been performed in Texas and California.
She lives in Houston with her husband Murthy. She has two sons, Anand and Abhay (whose names she has used in her children’s novels).
Chitra loves to connect with readers on her Facebook author page, www.facebook.com/chitradivakaruni, and on Twitter, @cdivakaruni.
For more information about her books, please visit http://www.chitradivakaruni.com/, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
She was born in India and lived there until 1976, at which point she left Calcutta and came to the United States. She continued her education in the field of English by receiving a Master’s degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.
To earn money for her education, she held many odd jobs, including babysitting, selling merchandise in an Indian boutique, slicing bread in a bakery, and washing instruments in a science lab. At Berkeley, she lived in the International House and worked in the dining hall. She briefly lived in Illinois and Ohio, but has spent much of her life in Northern California, which she often writes about. She now lives in Texas, which has found its way into her upcoming book, Before We Visit the Goddess.
Chitra currently teaches in the nationally ranked Creative Writing program at the Univ. of Houston. She serves on the Advisory board of Maitri in the San Francisco Bay Area and Daya in Houston. Both these are organizations that help South Asian or South Asian American women who find themselves in abusive or domestic violence situations. She is also closely involved with Pratham, an organization that helps educate children (especially those living in urban slums) in India.
She has judged several prestigious awards, such as the National Book Award and the PEN Faulkner Award.
Two of her books, The Mistress of Spices and Sister of My Heart, have been made into movies by filmmakers Gurinder Chadha and Paul Berges (an English film) and Suhasini Mani Ratnam (a Tamil TV serial) respectively. Her novels One Amazing Thing and Palace of Illusions have currently been optioned for movies. Her book Arranged Marriage has been made into a play and performed in the U.S. and (upcoming, May) in Canada. River of Light, an opera about an Indian woman in a bi-cultural marriage, for which she wrote the libretto, has been performed in Texas and California.
She lives in Houston with her husband Murthy. She has two sons, Anand and Abhay (whose names she has used in her children’s novels).
Chitra loves to connect with readers on her Facebook author page, www.facebook.com/chitradivakaruni, and on Twitter, @cdivakaruni.
For more information about her books, please visit http://www.chitradivakaruni.com/, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 755 reviews
March 17, 2013
There was a phase in my life when I would only read Indian authors. I was an international student in London and I guess read Indian authors was how I dealt with the constant ache for home at that time. It was during this time that I read the book sister of my heart and fell in love with Chitra's style of storytelling. I have read most of her works after that. I won a copy of the oleander girl. I was mildly surprised and very excited to get the book.
The story is amazing and doesn't disappoint you for a second. I can't wait to see what happens next in Korobi's journey. Would come back to this review when I finish the book................
Review after completing the book...
Chitra Banerjee is one of my favorite authors. She is gifted for making the art of storytelling a magical experience. To me, this quality of her books, bring back the sweet memories of childhood where I would sit at my grandfather’s feet with a bunch of cousins and an assortment of kids from the neighborhood and the servant quarters, listening to him spinning a magical world of old Gujarati folktales. The difference is, my grandfather’s stories were mostly from the male perspective and most of Banerjee’s stories bring women to the forefront.
The Oleander Girl too is the story of a young women and her journey to find her identity. Korobi, orphaned at birth, is brought up in a traditional Bengali household by adoring overprotective grandparents. She spends seventeen years sheltered in the ancestral home 26 Tarak Prasad Roy Road which characterizes the old charms of the beautiful city of Kolkata. On the other end of the spectrum is the life style of the rich and famous portrayed by the party boy Rajat and his ex girlfriend, Sonia. It doesn’t seem like they have anything in common and you begin to wonder how these two opposite people can fall in love with each other. But the seemingly simplistic young girl Korobi, is not only beautiful but also intelligent and headstrong. It is her stubbornness to make peace with her past that propels her into a journey across the world to find her father, half of her identity, and puts herself and her loved ones in dangerous circumstances.
As relationships are plagued with uncertainties, the undercurrents of racial divide and post terrorism tensions not only create a vivid backdrop but give the story a thriller effect. Oleander girl becomes a personal journey because of its well developed characters and the seamless flow of narrative between these characters. There is the chauffeur who speaks nothing and hears everything, the exuberant little sister Pia, the grandmother Sarojini, soon to be mother in law Mrs. Bose and even the timid Seema who displays some spirit by standing up to her husband, Mr. Mital the villain.
Families can be torn apart by secrets, young and old can make errors in judgment, betrayal is harsh and the road to true isn’t always smooth. The story captures your heart and is a definite page turner. It does all this with the grace of ballerina.
The Oleander Girl totally lives up to my expectations. You can’t help but fall in love with all the characters. I was there with Korobi every step of the way, experiencing her highs and her lows. The path to my uncle’s house is lined with oleander plants. The leaves of these plants have an elastic quality to them so when you join two of them together and snap them they make sound. As a kid I used to play with these leaves and was always in trouble when an adult caught me because of the danger of poisoning. The toxicity of the oleander plant is aptly symbolized in the book.
The story is amazing and doesn't disappoint you for a second. I can't wait to see what happens next in Korobi's journey. Would come back to this review when I finish the book................
Review after completing the book...
Chitra Banerjee is one of my favorite authors. She is gifted for making the art of storytelling a magical experience. To me, this quality of her books, bring back the sweet memories of childhood where I would sit at my grandfather’s feet with a bunch of cousins and an assortment of kids from the neighborhood and the servant quarters, listening to him spinning a magical world of old Gujarati folktales. The difference is, my grandfather’s stories were mostly from the male perspective and most of Banerjee’s stories bring women to the forefront.
The Oleander Girl too is the story of a young women and her journey to find her identity. Korobi, orphaned at birth, is brought up in a traditional Bengali household by adoring overprotective grandparents. She spends seventeen years sheltered in the ancestral home 26 Tarak Prasad Roy Road which characterizes the old charms of the beautiful city of Kolkata. On the other end of the spectrum is the life style of the rich and famous portrayed by the party boy Rajat and his ex girlfriend, Sonia. It doesn’t seem like they have anything in common and you begin to wonder how these two opposite people can fall in love with each other. But the seemingly simplistic young girl Korobi, is not only beautiful but also intelligent and headstrong. It is her stubbornness to make peace with her past that propels her into a journey across the world to find her father, half of her identity, and puts herself and her loved ones in dangerous circumstances.
As relationships are plagued with uncertainties, the undercurrents of racial divide and post terrorism tensions not only create a vivid backdrop but give the story a thriller effect. Oleander girl becomes a personal journey because of its well developed characters and the seamless flow of narrative between these characters. There is the chauffeur who speaks nothing and hears everything, the exuberant little sister Pia, the grandmother Sarojini, soon to be mother in law Mrs. Bose and even the timid Seema who displays some spirit by standing up to her husband, Mr. Mital the villain.
Families can be torn apart by secrets, young and old can make errors in judgment, betrayal is harsh and the road to true isn’t always smooth. The story captures your heart and is a definite page turner. It does all this with the grace of ballerina.
The Oleander Girl totally lives up to my expectations. You can’t help but fall in love with all the characters. I was there with Korobi every step of the way, experiencing her highs and her lows. The path to my uncle’s house is lined with oleander plants. The leaves of these plants have an elastic quality to them so when you join two of them together and snap them they make sound. As a kid I used to play with these leaves and was always in trouble when an adult caught me because of the danger of poisoning. The toxicity of the oleander plant is aptly symbolized in the book.
February 7, 2017
I wanted so to love this, as One Amazing Thing is one of my 5 star reads of the past. However this one did not touch me in quiet the same way. I am thinking that it was not the story, but rather the main characters whom I did not connect with.
That said, Divakaruni writes beautifully. I was able to get a sense of the culture, the tradition and the pride and sense of family of these characters. I actually enjoyed the secondary characters better than the main couple of this story. Especially Korobi's grandmother and Rajat's father. I work with a woman who is Indian, and hearing her stories and talk of family, tradition and how "modern" her Americanized children are made this story ring true. The modern world does intrude on family and the past generations. Korobi struggled with this and tried to stay true to all that she had been taught while becoming her own person in a much different world. Sometimes it is hard to move forward, but sometimes that is all we can do.
An enjoyable read, and I will read others by this very talented and thoughtful author.
That said, Divakaruni writes beautifully. I was able to get a sense of the culture, the tradition and the pride and sense of family of these characters. I actually enjoyed the secondary characters better than the main couple of this story. Especially Korobi's grandmother and Rajat's father. I work with a woman who is Indian, and hearing her stories and talk of family, tradition and how "modern" her Americanized children are made this story ring true. The modern world does intrude on family and the past generations. Korobi struggled with this and tried to stay true to all that she had been taught while becoming her own person in a much different world. Sometimes it is hard to move forward, but sometimes that is all we can do.
An enjoyable read, and I will read others by this very talented and thoughtful author.
June 14, 2015
Sister of my Heart was a wonderful book and the reason I sought out more by this author.
Oleander Girl was an OK read but nothing like Sister ....
I grew interested in young, headstrong, and naive Korobi and her story, although melodramatic at times. Pia was a little sweetheart. As for the other characters, I think I would have liked more concise character development. Just when I thought I knew one of them, they would start to act suspiciously or in a confusing manner. Emotions ran hot and cold. It may have been the fact that the book takes place in a time when people are breaking with their age-old customs and changing with the times, like it or not.
Even so the story itself held enough intrigue to keep me reading to its satisfying conclusion
Oleander Girl was an OK read but nothing like Sister ....
I grew interested in young, headstrong, and naive Korobi and her story, although melodramatic at times. Pia was a little sweetheart. As for the other characters, I think I would have liked more concise character development. Just when I thought I knew one of them, they would start to act suspiciously or in a confusing manner. Emotions ran hot and cold. It may have been the fact that the book takes place in a time when people are breaking with their age-old customs and changing with the times, like it or not.
Even so the story itself held enough intrigue to keep me reading to its satisfying conclusion
December 18, 2016
I had this book since 2013 and finally picked it up to use towards a challenge. A very good read, alternately set between Kolkata (India) and New York and Northern California. Many facets to this novel - loss, love, will, a search for one's heritage, forgiveness, betrayal - and there was a great deal I learned about the Indian culture. I became a fan of the author ever since I read her book of short stories, Arranged Marriage: Stories, and was her author escort at the LA Times Festival of Books. A very satisfying read!
October 28, 2014
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni returns to her home turf Kolkata with this book and she creates the city, characters and story beautifully in her book.
Oleander girl has mystery, romance, family, history, heritage, emotions, business, politics and scandal but what it has the most is the magic of Chitra Banerjee. The feelings reach a different level when she explains the love, the fights, the misunderstandings, and the understandings between two lovers. Love becomes eternal, beautiful and growing in her books. Its not restrictive and painful - its acceptance and understanding. She shows us love of all different generations with Mr & Mrs Roy, Mr & Mrs Bose and finally Rajat and Karobi.
But the most beautiful thing about her books is that you will see a glimpse of your life in all the characters. The game of love, trust, distance and family between Rajat and Karobi, is not so distant as it reminds the early stage of my own relationship. The loving grandmother of Karobi reminded me of the bond I had with my grandmother. The love of Pia for her poor Muslim driver reminded me of the loving family driver who worked for us, amused us and took care of us when we were kids.
Each nuance of the book is so beautifully woven like weaving crochet with silken thread. That's why I love Chitra's books. They are a part of our soul.
To read more book reviews and about books, visit my blog: Storywala
Oleander girl has mystery, romance, family, history, heritage, emotions, business, politics and scandal but what it has the most is the magic of Chitra Banerjee. The feelings reach a different level when she explains the love, the fights, the misunderstandings, and the understandings between two lovers. Love becomes eternal, beautiful and growing in her books. Its not restrictive and painful - its acceptance and understanding. She shows us love of all different generations with Mr & Mrs Roy, Mr & Mrs Bose and finally Rajat and Karobi.
But the most beautiful thing about her books is that you will see a glimpse of your life in all the characters. The game of love, trust, distance and family between Rajat and Karobi, is not so distant as it reminds the early stage of my own relationship. The loving grandmother of Karobi reminded me of the bond I had with my grandmother. The love of Pia for her poor Muslim driver reminded me of the loving family driver who worked for us, amused us and took care of us when we were kids.
Each nuance of the book is so beautifully woven like weaving crochet with silken thread. That's why I love Chitra's books. They are a part of our soul.
To read more book reviews and about books, visit my blog: Storywala
March 20, 2013
3.5 Loved the character of Korobi, her relationship with her grandparents reminded me of the relationship I had with mine. Her impending marriage to Rajat, I though a mistake from the beginning and I did not too much care for him, though I did love the character of his mother. Loved reading about the culture and customs of India, the strife between those who want to keep things the old way and those who embrace the new. Really rooted for Korobi, on her travels, physically and mentally and hoped things would turn out the way she wanted them. This is a good read, a comfort read, a good book to curl up with on these cold days in the Midwest. This author is getting better and better, and I look forward to reading her next endeavor.
April 13, 2013
Brief review---sorry. This is one of those books that is best served where the surprises are as unspoiled as possible.
I absolutely loved this book. I haven't read many of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's books (this is my second of hers) but I want to find her entire backlist.
I think what struck me most about this book is how easy it is to take for granted the idea of knowing where you come from. Korobi thought she did, even though her parents are dead. And once she learned that her entire life was essentially a lie, she made the decision to find the truth.
This is an amazing book and I hope everyone reads it.
Highly recommended.
I absolutely loved this book. I haven't read many of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's books (this is my second of hers) but I want to find her entire backlist.
I think what struck me most about this book is how easy it is to take for granted the idea of knowing where you come from. Korobi thought she did, even though her parents are dead. And once she learned that her entire life was essentially a lie, she made the decision to find the truth.
This is an amazing book and I hope everyone reads it.
Highly recommended.
January 10, 2013
Oleander Girl started off slow, but it improved. I didn't entirely buy into Korobi and Rajat's romance to begin with. It seemed very Tess of the d'Urbervilles-ish, with Rajat especially loving Korobi in part because of the environment and heritage from which he thought she came. We saw in Hardy that this doesn't work out well, but Divakaruni's novel is not Hardy's, so things turn out a bit differently in this case. At other times, the story seemed very cliche. Girl goes off right before marriage in a version of the quest to "find herself," has some hitches in her relationship that still need to be worked out (but then who doesn't?), and on her journey meets an attractive guy of similar age with whom she has some 'chemistry.' It seems like one can see everything coming, but Divakaruni's book is, again, her own, and so I'll go ahead and tell you that the ending is not quite so cliche as expected.
Despite a rather slow beginning, the progress of the novel soon became gripping as secrets were revealed and important details of both the past and the present emerged. If I was going to have to leave off reading soon, I found myself compelled to skip ahead and see what happened. It helped that the novel alternated viewpoints between Korobi, her family, her in-laws, and others, making this not only Korobi's story, but also that of several other major characters. This added a great deal of depth to the novel, as it allowed for the exploration of other prominent figures as well as an exploration of multiple features of modern Indian society.
Disclaimer: I received my copy of this book through the First Look program in exchange for an honest review.
Despite a rather slow beginning, the progress of the novel soon became gripping as secrets were revealed and important details of both the past and the present emerged. If I was going to have to leave off reading soon, I found myself compelled to skip ahead and see what happened. It helped that the novel alternated viewpoints between Korobi, her family, her in-laws, and others, making this not only Korobi's story, but also that of several other major characters. This added a great deal of depth to the novel, as it allowed for the exploration of other prominent figures as well as an exploration of multiple features of modern Indian society.
Disclaimer: I received my copy of this book through the First Look program in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2013
Lovely book, oops almost sounds like nice; but it's more than lovely, it's gently but firmly compelling and it's fascinating to see the old ways of India and modernism fuse within its lead character. I read a lot of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and with Oleander Girl, I sat down early evening, and didn't get up until I finished it. Oh my.
May 27, 2025
Engaging and atmospheric. Just lovely, really. Except for the two different plot points around racial prejudices. So tiresome.
Recommended with caution.
- Desiree Reads
May 27, 2025
Recommended with caution.
- Desiree Reads
May 27, 2025
March 23, 2013
I liked this book, but I didn't LOVE it like I do so many of this author's other books. The story starts out in a great way as we are introduced to Korobi, named after the Oleander flower which is both beautiful and poisonous and learn of her life in fairly modern day Kolkata where she is being raised by her grandparents since the death of her mother after childbirth. There is a mystery surrounding her birth and there seems to be a promising story ready to unfold on the horizon. But the story doesn't quite live up to that promise. It's a story I've heard many time before and one that is often overused by many South Asian story tellers. I saw the twists and turns coming from a mile away. And though the author does a great job of showing the different aspects of life in modern day Kolkata and in a post 9/11 America, some characters fall flat and only seem to be introduced to cause conflict or resolve it. At times I felt I was reading the script to a Soap Opera or a Bollywood movie. Still, I would recommend this book for a quick fun read.
January 24, 2013
Beautiful story. If you have read any of Divakaruni's books, run, don't walk to get this one. I tried so hard to pace myself but finished it in three days. The story inspires strength, exploration, family closeness, and is another peak into cultures and lives of Indian families. Loved it.
March 13, 2014
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s Oleander Girl tells the story of Korobi Roy, a strong-willed and spirited young woman who, despite the deaths of her parents when she was an infant, has known privilege with her grandparents amid their sprawling house in Kolkata. Much to the delight of her grandparents, Korobi has found love with the doting but elusive Rajat Bose and will soon marry into a family among the upper echelons of society. Still, in the face of all her life’s joy Korobi is listless; she longs for the blessing of parents she never knew, dreams of the mother whose death was entwined with Korobi’s birth. No sooner have Rajat and Korobi announced their engagement than unforeseen events unleash a wave of trouble on Korobi, led by a secret her grandfather has kept from her all her life. Propelled by her commitment to truth, Korobi leaves her fiancé and her seemingly perfect life behind as she ventures across an America still reeling from the recent events of 9/11. Against this foreign backdrop she’ll call on the depth of her strength as she searches for new truths: truths about her parents and about her own identity as well.
Oleander Girl is an expansive novel that weaves together many different emotions with vibrancy; there is at once a touch of romance and suspense, of family drama and the divide of social classes. While we are in America with Korobi, meeting the devious Mitra and his sweet wife, as well as the charismatic Vic and his uncle, we are simultaneously back in Kolkata where Korobi’s fiancé Rajat struggles against the machinations of an old flame, and where his family’s business – and maybe even their lives – face threats from within. Asif Ali, the Bose family’s Muslim chauffeur, maintains his own quiet life devoted to the family he serves, delighting in the antics of young Pia Bose who so reminds him of his sister; but when his devotion to the Bose family threatens both their well-being and his pride, he’ll do whatever is necessary to set things straight.
With such a plethora of different stories – each so wonderfully engaging that they all deserve mention here – the reader is kept continually on their feet, even with changes in narrative style throughout the novel; but Divakaruni’s studious attention to detail makes Oleander Girl a well-paced and sure-footed reading experience. Truly adept in her storytelling prowess, her elegant prose renders Korobi’s quest and the Bose’s familial drama into a colorful, dreamlike atmosphere that has a way of intensifying what is already a rich story. Kolkata comes to brilliant life, teeming with intricate details of sight and sound, while post-9/11 New York City recalls the unease and fragility of the time; seen through the eyes of Korobi, the vast differences between the Indian and American cultures are fascinating in their depiction. Divakaruni has a unique way of playing on the senses with words, bringing her readers most thoroughly into whichever world her narrative is drawing forth.
Not to be overlooked are the deeply empowering female characters with whom Divakaruni explores the height and depth of feminine strength across the generational divide; young Korobi lives on her own terms and owns her mistakes, while her grandmother finds the strength to face her husband’s secrets and the new trajectory of her life; little Pia Bose is a charming and fearless girl of privilege who will look convention and prejudice in the eye in order to call a servant her friend; and the Bose family matriarch, Rajat and Pia’s mother, is a brave example of a woman’s struggles and strengths as she endeavors the balance of being a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman. The results of Divakaruni’s efforts are four vastly different women, a collective homage to the infinite scope of human nature and an emotional study of what it truly means to be family. Profound and enlightening, Oleander Girl reaches into the heart of the human spirit and weaves a resplendent story of love, loss, discovery, and the ultimate search for self.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on March 12, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)
Oleander Girl is an expansive novel that weaves together many different emotions with vibrancy; there is at once a touch of romance and suspense, of family drama and the divide of social classes. While we are in America with Korobi, meeting the devious Mitra and his sweet wife, as well as the charismatic Vic and his uncle, we are simultaneously back in Kolkata where Korobi’s fiancé Rajat struggles against the machinations of an old flame, and where his family’s business – and maybe even their lives – face threats from within. Asif Ali, the Bose family’s Muslim chauffeur, maintains his own quiet life devoted to the family he serves, delighting in the antics of young Pia Bose who so reminds him of his sister; but when his devotion to the Bose family threatens both their well-being and his pride, he’ll do whatever is necessary to set things straight.
With such a plethora of different stories – each so wonderfully engaging that they all deserve mention here – the reader is kept continually on their feet, even with changes in narrative style throughout the novel; but Divakaruni’s studious attention to detail makes Oleander Girl a well-paced and sure-footed reading experience. Truly adept in her storytelling prowess, her elegant prose renders Korobi’s quest and the Bose’s familial drama into a colorful, dreamlike atmosphere that has a way of intensifying what is already a rich story. Kolkata comes to brilliant life, teeming with intricate details of sight and sound, while post-9/11 New York City recalls the unease and fragility of the time; seen through the eyes of Korobi, the vast differences between the Indian and American cultures are fascinating in their depiction. Divakaruni has a unique way of playing on the senses with words, bringing her readers most thoroughly into whichever world her narrative is drawing forth.
Not to be overlooked are the deeply empowering female characters with whom Divakaruni explores the height and depth of feminine strength across the generational divide; young Korobi lives on her own terms and owns her mistakes, while her grandmother finds the strength to face her husband’s secrets and the new trajectory of her life; little Pia Bose is a charming and fearless girl of privilege who will look convention and prejudice in the eye in order to call a servant her friend; and the Bose family matriarch, Rajat and Pia’s mother, is a brave example of a woman’s struggles and strengths as she endeavors the balance of being a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman. The results of Divakaruni’s efforts are four vastly different women, a collective homage to the infinite scope of human nature and an emotional study of what it truly means to be family. Profound and enlightening, Oleander Girl reaches into the heart of the human spirit and weaves a resplendent story of love, loss, discovery, and the ultimate search for self.
(Review © Casee Marie, originally published on March 12, 2014 at LiteraryInklings.com. A copy of the book was provided for the purpose of review.)
October 9, 2014
The story of an orphaned girl, Korobi, raised by her grandparents and her quest for her father. A breezy read.
For me, this was mostly because it got me very nostalgic about my own childhood, when my grandparents were my security, my world. Things like names given to specific gold ornaments reminded me so much of my own grandmother who lived all her youth in Kolkata.
Oleander refers to the flower called Korobi in Bengali. That the flower is beautiful and strong like the central character, is a softly feminist touch. I liked also, some of the relationship nuances. Like when her grandfather, irritated by the grandmother's need to teach Korobi some womanly aspects of life, tells her - Do you want her to lose her brain quite completely? quite completely! I loved that. Could just imagine the exasperation in his tone. Or when her fiancee looks at Korobi's emotional face and "for a heart-stopping moment" feels nothing.
The callous way so called "good families" treat their help is another aspect I liked the writer delving into. A really light read that isn't too pat.
For me, this was mostly because it got me very nostalgic about my own childhood, when my grandparents were my security, my world. Things like names given to specific gold ornaments reminded me so much of my own grandmother who lived all her youth in Kolkata.
Oleander refers to the flower called Korobi in Bengali. That the flower is beautiful and strong like the central character, is a softly feminist touch. I liked also, some of the relationship nuances. Like when her grandfather, irritated by the grandmother's need to teach Korobi some womanly aspects of life, tells her - Do you want her to lose her brain quite completely? quite completely! I loved that. Could just imagine the exasperation in his tone. Or when her fiancee looks at Korobi's emotional face and "for a heart-stopping moment" feels nothing.
The callous way so called "good families" treat their help is another aspect I liked the writer delving into. A really light read that isn't too pat.
February 27, 2014
To begin with, I'd like to thank Hitesh for introducing me to another awesome writer.
It has been on my to-do list for this year to read a lot of Indian literature and explore more of Indian writers. Chitra Banerjee is one of those few writers who has a most stunning style of writing and I most willingly wait to read more of her books.
The story revolves around Korobi, a seventeen year old, beautiful girl, who loses her mother right after her birth with no news about her father except to believe that he was dead. She is raised by her extremely protective and loving maternal grandparents until this age. She is just a few hours away from her big day; it is her engagement with Rajat, a pleasant man from a wealthy family, when an earth-shattering secret is revealed to her, which changes the course of her life drastically.
Following her grandfather’s death, Korobi learns that her life has been a smartly woven fabric of secrets. She cannot stop herself from hating her grandfather for everything that he kept from her and involved her grandmother too in the crime.
Needless to say, when past is dug a lot of stories spring up from the grounds that are never expected. Korobi too learns harsh truths, most of which will take a lot of courage to be accepted. For instance, she learns that her father was possibly never dead, that it was perhaps, a lie. But then it’s been 17 years. Where is he now? Why didn’t he try and find her? Is he really alive?
And now since she is planning to travel to America which possibly holds answers to all the questions, will her future family stand by her? Will they support her decision? What if they do not accept what she reaps and finds along on her journey?
But she decides there is no going back without having found answers to these questions. It is a matter of life and death for her. With the answers, she is going to live. Without having made the effort, she is going to die of self-torment each day till the end of her life.
I have mixed feelings about the book. Although, I kept glued to the pages and read it for hours together, there was something amiss about the story. Apart from Korobi, the characters were feebly developed. Certain instances, I found Korobi weak as a kitten and she portrayed a level of immaturity that could not escape my attention. But given the simple yet intriguing story-line, I could easily forget the little expectations the otherwise great book had built.
I’d dived head-first into the book and it does live upto the light heart-felt reading experience that you expect from it. Nothing but that made me fall in love with Chitra Banerjee’s style of writing.
Least to say is, this book holds the penchant that makes you want to believe that there still is some good left in the world.
Perhaps, not all is gone, not all is lost.
It has been on my to-do list for this year to read a lot of Indian literature and explore more of Indian writers. Chitra Banerjee is one of those few writers who has a most stunning style of writing and I most willingly wait to read more of her books.
The story revolves around Korobi, a seventeen year old, beautiful girl, who loses her mother right after her birth with no news about her father except to believe that he was dead. She is raised by her extremely protective and loving maternal grandparents until this age. She is just a few hours away from her big day; it is her engagement with Rajat, a pleasant man from a wealthy family, when an earth-shattering secret is revealed to her, which changes the course of her life drastically.
Following her grandfather’s death, Korobi learns that her life has been a smartly woven fabric of secrets. She cannot stop herself from hating her grandfather for everything that he kept from her and involved her grandmother too in the crime.
Needless to say, when past is dug a lot of stories spring up from the grounds that are never expected. Korobi too learns harsh truths, most of which will take a lot of courage to be accepted. For instance, she learns that her father was possibly never dead, that it was perhaps, a lie. But then it’s been 17 years. Where is he now? Why didn’t he try and find her? Is he really alive?
And now since she is planning to travel to America which possibly holds answers to all the questions, will her future family stand by her? Will they support her decision? What if they do not accept what she reaps and finds along on her journey?
But she decides there is no going back without having found answers to these questions. It is a matter of life and death for her. With the answers, she is going to live. Without having made the effort, she is going to die of self-torment each day till the end of her life.
I have mixed feelings about the book. Although, I kept glued to the pages and read it for hours together, there was something amiss about the story. Apart from Korobi, the characters were feebly developed. Certain instances, I found Korobi weak as a kitten and she portrayed a level of immaturity that could not escape my attention. But given the simple yet intriguing story-line, I could easily forget the little expectations the otherwise great book had built.
I’d dived head-first into the book and it does live upto the light heart-felt reading experience that you expect from it. Nothing but that made me fall in love with Chitra Banerjee’s style of writing.
Least to say is, this book holds the penchant that makes you want to believe that there still is some good left in the world.
Perhaps, not all is gone, not all is lost.
July 28, 2013
I must confess--I *love* all things Divakarunai. I'm captivated by her writing style which is a marriage of simple, effective language, rich imagery and excellent characterization. So when I learnt that her latest book was out, I wasted no time in buying it. I'm so glad I did, because I wasn't disappointed. In fact, despite certain flaws that I found with the plot, this is one of Divakarunai's best.
What I loved most about this book are the depth of the relationships. We learnt in literature class (a lifetime ago it seems!) that no character should remain the same from the beginning to the end of a book; there should be some personal and emotional metamorphosis. I think this book captures that premise beautifully. Even the minor characters undergo intense transformation.
Young spirited Korabi embarks on a journey of a lifetime to discover the secret of her parentage, which takes her to the far off shores of America--a country 'as far away from home without being on another planet' as Divakarunai beautifully puts it.
Korabi is engaged to a leading businessman, but the secrets that she uncovers here can cast shadows on not just her own, but the lives of the people around her, extending as far as the grave and to her dead grandfather.
Some of the characters are endearing in their imperfection--the upright and rigid grandfather with his secret prejudices, a grandmother who loves unconditionally, is a strong woman who comes into her own the minute her husband dies, the presence of the dead mother, her struggles between love and duty, all of this spills over into Korabi's life.
I found the relationship between Korabi and her mother-in-law-to-be very realistic and so brilliantly etched. The MIL is often stereotyped--she's either a monster or a sacharrine sweet saint in most other books. The beauty and fragility of this relationship unfurls ever so delicately with the plot. I love the fact that the book isn't open-ended and has a clear resolution (unlike other Divakarunai novels that often leave me feeling like I've been suspended mid-way. I dislike open-ended novels). And coming to the flaws--if you think about it, the plot is preposterous. What are the chances for anyone to receive a US visa instantly (without having travelled anywhere abroad before) and to find a long-lost father in a few short weeks on a shoe-string budget? And even if so, why would anyone else care about this journey? And yet, Divakarunai's magic makes you feel that it *might* be possible and that we certainly do care. And this willing suspension of disbelief as it bows to superiority of her craft is the true success of the book. In short, a very enjoyable read!
What I loved most about this book are the depth of the relationships. We learnt in literature class (a lifetime ago it seems!) that no character should remain the same from the beginning to the end of a book; there should be some personal and emotional metamorphosis. I think this book captures that premise beautifully. Even the minor characters undergo intense transformation.
Young spirited Korabi embarks on a journey of a lifetime to discover the secret of her parentage, which takes her to the far off shores of America--a country 'as far away from home without being on another planet' as Divakarunai beautifully puts it.
Korabi is engaged to a leading businessman, but the secrets that she uncovers here can cast shadows on not just her own, but the lives of the people around her, extending as far as the grave and to her dead grandfather.
Some of the characters are endearing in their imperfection--the upright and rigid grandfather with his secret prejudices, a grandmother who loves unconditionally, is a strong woman who comes into her own the minute her husband dies, the presence of the dead mother, her struggles between love and duty, all of this spills over into Korabi's life.
I found the relationship between Korabi and her mother-in-law-to-be very realistic and so brilliantly etched. The MIL is often stereotyped--she's either a monster or a sacharrine sweet saint in most other books. The beauty and fragility of this relationship unfurls ever so delicately with the plot. I love the fact that the book isn't open-ended and has a clear resolution (unlike other Divakarunai novels that often leave me feeling like I've been suspended mid-way. I dislike open-ended novels). And coming to the flaws--if you think about it, the plot is preposterous. What are the chances for anyone to receive a US visa instantly (without having travelled anywhere abroad before) and to find a long-lost father in a few short weeks on a shoe-string budget? And even if so, why would anyone else care about this journey? And yet, Divakarunai's magic makes you feel that it *might* be possible and that we certainly do care. And this willing suspension of disbelief as it bows to superiority of her craft is the true success of the book. In short, a very enjoyable read!
May 10, 2013
The first chapter of Oleander Girl starts as 17-year-old Korabi wakes up from a watery dream. She sees a visage of her deceased mother in the room, and receives a mysterious message about searching for something across the ocean. There is no time for her to decipher the dream, as the next day she is to celebrate her engagement to Rajat, the son of a prestigious family in Kolkata, India. The marriage would not only bring together two people who are very much in love, but it will also unite a traditional Hindu family and a business-minded modern family for political and monetary gain.
But as things often happen, tragedy strikes with the sudden death of her beloved grandfather, and Korabi’s life is thrown into disarray. The marriage is postponed, new details about her mother’s death emerge, and Korabi is swept into a quest to find out who she really is and whether she can move forward as Rajat’s bride. There are stormy times ahead for Rajat as well, as he watches his self-confidence and assurance of Korabi’s love wither under the stress of family responsibilities and physical distance between himself and Korabi.
The story is developed seamlessly through the eyes of many different characters, and Divakaruni pulls it off beautifully. It never comes across as confusing or stilted, but flows smoothly between perspectives. I love the diversity of her cast of characters, from Asif the chauffeur to Sorojini the grandmother to Mrs. Bose the future mother-in-law. They all provide a thick layer of meaning to the story – the chauffeur who sees and hears all, the grandmother who must reinvent her new normal after her husband dies, and the mother-in-law who is terrified of losing her hard earned place of respect in the business community.
This detailed character development allows the story to grow beyond the lush courtyard gardens and crowded Indian streets without seeming like a travelogue. Korabi makes her way to New York City with 9/11 in the recent past, and the story deepens yet again. The towers are still a twisted mass of metal, and the tension in the world makes its way into the story. Hindu against Muslim, Indian against American, rich against poor; the skepticism and distrust runs deep. There is hurt and pain, but ultimately there is love and redemption.
Oleanders are both beautiful and toxic, which mirrors the potential of love. We can smother and overprotect, or we can sacrifice and forgive. It is in the ways that we choose to love and the subsequent repercussions that Divakaruni handles so strikingly, and I loved reading it.
But as things often happen, tragedy strikes with the sudden death of her beloved grandfather, and Korabi’s life is thrown into disarray. The marriage is postponed, new details about her mother’s death emerge, and Korabi is swept into a quest to find out who she really is and whether she can move forward as Rajat’s bride. There are stormy times ahead for Rajat as well, as he watches his self-confidence and assurance of Korabi’s love wither under the stress of family responsibilities and physical distance between himself and Korabi.
The story is developed seamlessly through the eyes of many different characters, and Divakaruni pulls it off beautifully. It never comes across as confusing or stilted, but flows smoothly between perspectives. I love the diversity of her cast of characters, from Asif the chauffeur to Sorojini the grandmother to Mrs. Bose the future mother-in-law. They all provide a thick layer of meaning to the story – the chauffeur who sees and hears all, the grandmother who must reinvent her new normal after her husband dies, and the mother-in-law who is terrified of losing her hard earned place of respect in the business community.
This detailed character development allows the story to grow beyond the lush courtyard gardens and crowded Indian streets without seeming like a travelogue. Korabi makes her way to New York City with 9/11 in the recent past, and the story deepens yet again. The towers are still a twisted mass of metal, and the tension in the world makes its way into the story. Hindu against Muslim, Indian against American, rich against poor; the skepticism and distrust runs deep. There is hurt and pain, but ultimately there is love and redemption.
Oleanders are both beautiful and toxic, which mirrors the potential of love. We can smother and overprotect, or we can sacrifice and forgive. It is in the ways that we choose to love and the subsequent repercussions that Divakaruni handles so strikingly, and I loved reading it.
May 16, 2013
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an author I admire, particularly as her novels deal with Indian women and their multiple roles/identities. And in many of her books she explores issues of identity vis-a-vis the immigrant's experience.
Oleander Girl is the coming of age story of 18 year old Korobi (who is named after the beautiful but poisonous oleander) who finds out that the loving grandparents who have raised her after her parents' death have betrayed her trust by hiding the truth about her parents. It is also the story about her relationship with her fiance, Rajat and his family. Korobi embarks on a journey which takes her from Kolkata to post-9/11 America, to find the truth about herself and her parents, that will change her perceptions of love, trust, family values, prejudices and betrayal.
The story is engaging and keeps you turning the pages to find out whether Korobi will succeed in her mission. In most of Chitra's books, you can expect strong women characters. While Korobi's journey helps her mature into a strong woman, the other characters are not as finely etched. In particular, Korobi's to-be mother-in-law Joyoshree -- who could have been more nuanced, given that she is an entrepreneur who has succeeded despite the prejudice of her own father-in-law.
The weakest point of the story is the decision that Korobi makes at the end (on whether to stay on in the US or return to her fiance in Kolkata). Mainly because the author, in her zeal, not to reveal the ending glosses over Korobi's rationale/emotions for taking the decision.
Overall, though, it is an enjoyable book and Chitra's lyrical style of writing makes it even more so.
Oleander Girl is the coming of age story of 18 year old Korobi (who is named after the beautiful but poisonous oleander) who finds out that the loving grandparents who have raised her after her parents' death have betrayed her trust by hiding the truth about her parents. It is also the story about her relationship with her fiance, Rajat and his family. Korobi embarks on a journey which takes her from Kolkata to post-9/11 America, to find the truth about herself and her parents, that will change her perceptions of love, trust, family values, prejudices and betrayal.
The story is engaging and keeps you turning the pages to find out whether Korobi will succeed in her mission. In most of Chitra's books, you can expect strong women characters. While Korobi's journey helps her mature into a strong woman, the other characters are not as finely etched. In particular, Korobi's to-be mother-in-law Joyoshree -- who could have been more nuanced, given that she is an entrepreneur who has succeeded despite the prejudice of her own father-in-law.
The weakest point of the story is the decision that Korobi makes at the end (on whether to stay on in the US or return to her fiance in Kolkata). Mainly because the author, in her zeal, not to reveal the ending glosses over Korobi's rationale/emotions for taking the decision.
Overall, though, it is an enjoyable book and Chitra's lyrical style of writing makes it even more so.
July 1, 2013
Set in Kolkata the book charts the journey of Korobi, a girl whom everyone would want to protect with their lives. With her marriage fixed to Kolkata’s most eligible bachelor her life was set, so she thought. But when her grandfather passes away on her engagement night her life comes to a standstill. She drowns herself in sorrow only to be jolted out by a truth which changes her life.
Rajat loves Korobi to death but his past in the form of his persistent Ex-girlfriend Sonia is something that he has not shared with Korobi. With Sonia trying her level best to win him back, will Rajat survive the temptation of the highly groomed & rich Sonia?
With loads of plots & sub plots this book never has a dull moment. From the gujarat riots to the 9/11 incident and its effect on the Indians settled abroad, the book covers all but never does it become preachy. They are just a character of the book.
All the characters here have flaws & charms thus making them very believable. There is a mystery element in the book and there is that old world charm which is omnipresent on all Chitra Banerjee books and that makes the whole reading experience very beautiful.
All in all a must read for her fans.
Rajat loves Korobi to death but his past in the form of his persistent Ex-girlfriend Sonia is something that he has not shared with Korobi. With Sonia trying her level best to win him back, will Rajat survive the temptation of the highly groomed & rich Sonia?
With loads of plots & sub plots this book never has a dull moment. From the gujarat riots to the 9/11 incident and its effect on the Indians settled abroad, the book covers all but never does it become preachy. They are just a character of the book.
All the characters here have flaws & charms thus making them very believable. There is a mystery element in the book and there is that old world charm which is omnipresent on all Chitra Banerjee books and that makes the whole reading experience very beautiful.
All in all a must read for her fans.
July 8, 2013
Divakaruni has penned a coming-of- age tale of Korobi Roy, whose mother died in childbirth. She was reared by her devoted, but traditional Hindu grandparents. The novel opens with the newly engaged young lady seeking information about her parents’ mystifying relationship and deaths. She had learned while quite young that she must not confront these issues. The chain of events which ensues leads her to 9/11 America, but I will not introduce spoilers here.
After reading her, One Amazing Thing , I was enchanted by Divakaruni’s elegant prose. This novel did not disappoint me, although I did not enjoy it as much . The landscape of India and various parts of the US were vividly conveyed. Modern India was well portrayed, as well as her history. Her characters seemed to leap from the pages. While many of the actions and behaviors of some seemed too contrived and sentimental to me at times, most of the novel was engaging and well worth reading.
May 29, 2013
I was completely entranced by this book- the details, the story, the situations- it takes you into a different world, a world of customs, traditions and the good old indian way of life. Being an indian born and brought up in the U.S., I related to several aspects of Korobi's personality, and understood her obligations and promises- what was most captivating about the story is the way it was told. Each characters point of view is brought into light- nothing is one sided. As a result, you are given the chance to explore the personalities and perspectives of each character in all the different circumstances that arise throughout the story. I could not put the book down! I absolutely love Chitra Divakaruni's writing style and can attest that oleander girl did not disappoint!
September 5, 2015
Korobi Roy who has been named after the beautiful Oleander flower ,which is beautiful yet capable of defending itself from harm, is a seventeen year old setting out on a journey to discover her long lost father.
Betrothed to be married to a handsome and rich boy who loves and cares for her, Korobi is living her dream. After the sudden death if her grandfather she discovers a dark secret that will finally explain her past yet tears her apart due to its viciousness.
Will she succeed to find her father in the post 9/11 world where villians walk around disguised as friends or will she drown in the chaotic and strange world that she finds herself in?
Divakaruni's lyrical writing makes the journey of reading the Oleander Girl a memorable one.
A must read for any book lover.
Betrothed to be married to a handsome and rich boy who loves and cares for her, Korobi is living her dream. After the sudden death if her grandfather she discovers a dark secret that will finally explain her past yet tears her apart due to its viciousness.
Will she succeed to find her father in the post 9/11 world where villians walk around disguised as friends or will she drown in the chaotic and strange world that she finds herself in?
Divakaruni's lyrical writing makes the journey of reading the Oleander Girl a memorable one.
A must read for any book lover.
April 10, 2013
Predictable and highly chaotic. Have loved Divakurni's previous books but this one was sub-par. Too many themes crowded into a book that resulted in a hodge podge of issues that were resolved in a rather simplistic way. The main character is Korobi, an orphan, being raised by her grandparents in Kolkata. She meets Rajat, the son of affluent business family. So far, so good. Then the plot unravels as Korobi finds about her missing father and decides to find him.
If Divakurni had focused on a few issues and developed the characters a little more, this book could have been palatable. As is, I would recommend readers skip this book and get her earlier work, Arranged Marriage.
If Divakurni had focused on a few issues and developed the characters a little more, this book could have been palatable. As is, I would recommend readers skip this book and get her earlier work, Arranged Marriage.
August 13, 2013
What a wonderful read...
Seventeen-year old Korobi Roy (named after a variety of Oleander), though orphaned at birth, has always known the love of her grandparents. Her life is filled with tradition and the stability of India and time. Yet Korobi feels something is missing. But when she discovers a note from her mother to her dead father, it sparks a yearning for love that is overwhelming.
This was the first time I have seen India captured so beautiful, the imagery and character development kept this reader turning pages.
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.
October 9, 2013
Disclaimer: I listened to an audiobook of Oleander Girl by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Which isn't the best way to absorb a book when it's filled with multiple secondary characters, all who want to have a voice, in a book which switches voices in alternating chapters. As such, the beginning was slow for me and I was about 20 percent into listening before the storyline started to grab my attention. (Oh maybe I was just nosey and the story didn't capture my attention until the secret was revealed as after that I became very engrossed and wanted to know more about Korobi and the parents she had never met.)
Okay so now about the book and author...
Divakaruni is an exquisite storyteller and she brought Oleander Girl alive with lyrical prose and vivid imagery. The storyline was beautifully crafted and gave me a strong feel for India's culture via a storyline that addressed class/caste issues, religion (Hindu/Muslim), modern vs. traditional Indian values all set against the backdrop of family, love and secrets. Secrets which could ultimately destroy relationships and lives.
In many instances, I felt I was right there living the moment with the characters but at other times I felt like something was missing...the experience was incomplete. There seemed to be many layers that the author wanted us to peel away but with so many unlikeable characters (which most of them were) it was too difficult to do. Maybe it was because the author tried to do too much with the storyline.
In many regards Oleander Girl was a plot-driven storyline and the characters appeared to be an after thought. The secondary characters seemed to be introduced in the middle of an act as there wasn't sufficient back story to understand their motivations and their story lines more often that not ended with too many loose ends and no explanation regarding their actions. It might have been nice to hear their voices so that we could better understand them. The ending...too neatly wrapped up and too happily ever. The author dangled two directions for closing but it seems that she played it cautious and opted for the safe ending which was predictable and not very satisfying.
Despite Oleander Girls flaws it was still a good read for me (and would make a good book club discussion book) and I would pick up other books by this author.
Okay so now about the book and author...
Divakaruni is an exquisite storyteller and she brought Oleander Girl alive with lyrical prose and vivid imagery. The storyline was beautifully crafted and gave me a strong feel for India's culture via a storyline that addressed class/caste issues, religion (Hindu/Muslim), modern vs. traditional Indian values all set against the backdrop of family, love and secrets. Secrets which could ultimately destroy relationships and lives.
In many instances, I felt I was right there living the moment with the characters but at other times I felt like something was missing...the experience was incomplete. There seemed to be many layers that the author wanted us to peel away but with so many unlikeable characters (which most of them were) it was too difficult to do. Maybe it was because the author tried to do too much with the storyline.
In many regards Oleander Girl was a plot-driven storyline and the characters appeared to be an after thought. The secondary characters seemed to be introduced in the middle of an act as there wasn't sufficient back story to understand their motivations and their story lines more often that not ended with too many loose ends and no explanation regarding their actions. It might have been nice to hear their voices so that we could better understand them. The ending...too neatly wrapped up and too happily ever. The author dangled two directions for closing but it seems that she played it cautious and opted for the safe ending which was predictable and not very satisfying.
Despite Oleander Girls flaws it was still a good read for me (and would make a good book club discussion book) and I would pick up other books by this author.
April 3, 2014
If you're a regular follower of my reviews, you know that I have a special place in my heart for India. I'm intrigued by Indian culture and jump at the chance to read most any novel set in India or with Indian characters. Oleander Girl did not disappoint.
One of the conflicts Korobi faces is the clash between her traditional family and her fiancé Rajat's modern family. Korobi is caught in the middle, not sure where she fits in. Most of the Indian books I've read in the past focus on traditional Indian culture so I enjoyed learning what modern Indian culture and life is all about. I found it interesting that what is considered modern is not that modern compared to life in America. Marriage to a suitable boy or girl is still very much a part of that life. The class system is entrenched in modern life as well, although not the extent that it is with the traditionalists. And of course there is still tension between Muslims and Hindus.
The driving conflict of the story is Korobi's desire to find her roots and her trip to America to do that. It is still considered taboo in India for an unmarried women to travel by herself, especially to somewhere so far away. This book is not a thriller but even so the author does a fantastic job of building suspense. There are several incidences of huge misunderstandings and tension between various people that could end up having devastating outcomes if not resolved. I had knots in my stomach through most of this book, hoping that these situations could be overcome. There are also a few twists that stunned me
The author's prose was beautiful as well. Her use of metaphors was brilliant. I found myself rereading passages I as I went, amazed by the creativity of the author's descriptions. The author weaves a couple of mystical elements in that were believable and in keeping with the story.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Divakaruni but she has several previous novels that I can't wait to get my hands on. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
One of the conflicts Korobi faces is the clash between her traditional family and her fiancé Rajat's modern family. Korobi is caught in the middle, not sure where she fits in. Most of the Indian books I've read in the past focus on traditional Indian culture so I enjoyed learning what modern Indian culture and life is all about. I found it interesting that what is considered modern is not that modern compared to life in America. Marriage to a suitable boy or girl is still very much a part of that life. The class system is entrenched in modern life as well, although not the extent that it is with the traditionalists. And of course there is still tension between Muslims and Hindus.
The driving conflict of the story is Korobi's desire to find her roots and her trip to America to do that. It is still considered taboo in India for an unmarried women to travel by herself, especially to somewhere so far away. This book is not a thriller but even so the author does a fantastic job of building suspense. There are several incidences of huge misunderstandings and tension between various people that could end up having devastating outcomes if not resolved. I had knots in my stomach through most of this book, hoping that these situations could be overcome. There are also a few twists that stunned me
The author's prose was beautiful as well. Her use of metaphors was brilliant. I found myself rereading passages I as I went, amazed by the creativity of the author's descriptions. The author weaves a couple of mystical elements in that were believable and in keeping with the story.
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Divakaruni but she has several previous novels that I can't wait to get my hands on. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
May 30, 2013
Due to increased awareness of India and her people, books by Indo-anglian writers are more popular now than ever. Due to this, many such writers have adjusted their writing to suit foreign readers sometimes compromising the integrity of the story being told. Fortunately, the author of Oleander Girl stays true to her plot and characters throughout the book. I particularly liked this.
All in all, this book tells a simple straightforward story of of the protagonist Korobi and her fiancé Rajat with the usual elements of plot complications and resolutions. What makes this book an interesting read is the psychological and social drama that develops from the friction between Karobi’s familial traditional values and her burning curiosity to find her authentic self.
The characters are generally well developed, though at times I kept wondering about Karobi’s motivations as she reacts to some unexpected events she faces especially in the United States.
The author begins many chapters by jumping a little ahead of the story line instead of starting where she left off, playing catch up as the chapter progresses. I didn’t particularly care for this style of writing, though there may be some who find this interesting and even compelling.
I also wondered what kind of US ‘Visa’ Karobi applied for? This may be of little consequence to the story itself but could well have been a major hurdle.
Also, much like the final step of a Solitaire game, where all that’s left is to build the suit piles, it’s amusing how the final chapter of the Oleander Girl rushes to quickly tie up all the loose ends to reach a reasonable predictable conclusion.
I think you will find this book a decent read. Enjoy!
Oleander Girl
All in all, this book tells a simple straightforward story of of the protagonist Korobi and her fiancé Rajat with the usual elements of plot complications and resolutions. What makes this book an interesting read is the psychological and social drama that develops from the friction between Karobi’s familial traditional values and her burning curiosity to find her authentic self.
The characters are generally well developed, though at times I kept wondering about Karobi’s motivations as she reacts to some unexpected events she faces especially in the United States.
The author begins many chapters by jumping a little ahead of the story line instead of starting where she left off, playing catch up as the chapter progresses. I didn’t particularly care for this style of writing, though there may be some who find this interesting and even compelling.
I also wondered what kind of US ‘Visa’ Karobi applied for? This may be of little consequence to the story itself but could well have been a major hurdle.
Also, much like the final step of a Solitaire game, where all that’s left is to build the suit piles, it’s amusing how the final chapter of the Oleander Girl rushes to quickly tie up all the loose ends to reach a reasonable predictable conclusion.
I think you will find this book a decent read. Enjoy!
Oleander Girl
July 18, 2013
I am a huge fan of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni so was happy to grab this book when it became available at the library. I was not disappointed. Ms. Divakaruni tells a gripping tale in beautiful language. In Korobi's story you can feel her desire to know more about her parents, the love she has for her grandparents, her fiance, and her in-laws-to-be, and her bewilderment at some of the situations she confronts in America. You can see her becoming stronger as the book goes on. Besides Korobi, there were a number of other well-developed and likeable characters in the book. I thought it was a lovely story with just the right amount of suspense, although there were a few things that bothered me. I will not go into them here as I don't want to spoil the book for others. These would be good points to discuss at a book discussion.
April 26, 2013
The story centres around Korobi Roy, who is an orphan who never knew her parents and was raised by her grandparents in a small city in India. Right before she is to marry, she discovers information about her parents that had been withheld from her and she sets out to find out more about her mother, and the father that she now realizes may still be alive in America. Her journey leads her to new experiences that make her question some of the basic traditions, truths and expectations that she has grown up with. The story also deals with the issues of her soon to be in-laws and, to a lesser extent, those of their Muslim driver.
Overall this was a good book. I don't think it was as good as some of her other books, especially One Amazing Thing, but it was still an enjoyable read. Her books always provide a good view into the lives, culture and traditions of present day citizens of India.
Loved the cover!
Overall this was a good book. I don't think it was as good as some of her other books, especially One Amazing Thing, but it was still an enjoyable read. Her books always provide a good view into the lives, culture and traditions of present day citizens of India.
Loved the cover!
July 13, 2014
A very nice coming of age tale set in India. Korobi was raised by her affluent grandparents when her mother died in childbirth. It wasn't until her engagement to Rajat and a family tragedy that she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself was a lie. Thus begins her quest to find the truth. "Never choose something because its easier".
Altho some of the characters were under developed, there was enough intrigue to hold my attention. A quick read - I would recommend it and looking forward to her other books. 3.5 stars
Altho some of the characters were under developed, there was enough intrigue to hold my attention. A quick read - I would recommend it and looking forward to her other books. 3.5 stars
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