Insight into other worlds

[RWL]

Have you found books set in exotic locales has given you new insight into a culture, idea or belief?

[Heather]

most definitely. I've rad lots of books by First Nations authors and have learned much, about the culture, the people and some of the issues they are collectively and individually dealing with.

[RWL]

What locations were these books set in? Do you have any titles you would recommend to our other book club members?

[Heather]

Blood Sports by Eden Robinson, I believe it is set in gritty side of Vancouver, and Crazy Dave by Basil Johnston , set on the Cape Croker Reserve. I think I borrowed both from the library.

Both were eye opening reads. in the first i was exposed to a very raw, gritty life that if foreign to me and in the second, not only did I get a view of life on a reserve, but into how a Downs Syndrome person was treated.

[RWL]

They sound like very powerful books. Thanks for sharing them with us!

[Leanne]

I remember when we read The Poisonwood Bible in grade 13 (studying character and voice - Kingsolver writes them vividly in this one) and I couldn't put it down! It takes place somewhere in Africa.

Which reminds me of another book I couldn't put down: The Book of Negroes (Hill).

[Christine]

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda remains one of my favourite reads for it's delicately balanced look into Indian culture; a beautiful rendering of a disturbing and desperate story.

[RWL]

Leanne wrote: "I remember when we read The Poisonwood Bible in grade 13 (studying character and voice - Kingsolver writes them vividly in this one) and I couldn't put it down! It takes place somewhere in Africa.
..."

What kind of insight did the locale give you into the culture or characters? Would the story have been the same somewhere else?

[RWL]

Christine wrote: "Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda remains one of my favourite reads for it's delicately balanced look into Indian culture; a beautiful rendering of a disturbing and desperate story."

Where in India does the story take place? How did the setting contribute to the disturbing nature of the story?

[Leanne]

The Poisonwood Bible definitely wouldn't have been the same in any other setting. My whole fascination with the story was that it's about these white American missionaries who are totally out of their element in the Congo. Had they stayed in the USA the story would have turned out quite differently, that's for sure.

For me, it was interesting to read about how the Congolese lived - what they ate, the homes they lived in, how they cared for their children, their traditions and language. A much safer way of learning about that place in the world than actually going there!!

[Laurie]

RWL wrote: "Christine wrote: "Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda remains one of my favourite reads for it's delicately balanced look into Indian culture; a beautiful rendering of a disturbing and desperate..."

Ditto to that. Worthwhile read for sure. So many mothers in so many different cultures have to make such difficult decisions.

[Christine]

It's been many years since I've read it. I believe it begins in rural India with a woman in labour concerned her child will be a girl, determining what she will do if it is. Her first infant girl was immediately snatched by her husband or a male relative and murdered. The woman manages to escape to the city to give the child up for adoption. The story then switches to the grown up daughter, living in California. She is given the opportunity to visit her adoptive father's family in India. Throughout the narrative, we're given a picture of the poverty and gendercide that exists in India. But through the daughter's eyes, we see beyond that into the culture and strong familial bonds. At least, that's my impression from what I remember reading several years ago. :)

[Heather]

I've heard of this book, but not beyond the title. After reading your brief description, it really appeals to me. Thanks.

[Leanne]

I'm adding it to my future reading list too. I like what Laurie said about mothers in other cultures having to make such difficult decisions. So true. I can't even imagine...