The Weight of Heaven: A Novel by Thrity Umrigar

The Weight of Heaven: A Novel by Thrity Umrigar

Harper (April 2009)

384 Pages

Source:  Personal Copy

From the Publisher's Website:

When Frank and Ellie Benton lose their only child, seven-year-old Benny, to a sudden illness, the perfect life they had built is shattered. Filled with wrenching memories, their Ann Arbor home becomes unbearable, and their marriage founders. But an unexpected job half a world away offers them an opportunity to start again. Life in Girbaug, India, holds promise-and peril-when Frank befriends Ramesh, a bright, curious boy who quickly becomes the focus of the grieving man's attentions. Haunted by memories of his dead son, Frank is consumed with making his family right-a quest that will lead him down an ever-darkening path with stark repercussions.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed The Weight of Heaven very much, despite its propensity to make me burst into tears.  The thought of losing a child is unbearable to me, and Umrigar's description of the parents' pain and loss were very real. There was one evening while reading that I had to get up to go kiss my sleeping daughter, because I needed to see her and be thankful that my child is still with me.

The Indian setting was very interesting to me, and I think that it provided a well thought out back drop for the story by separating the grieving parents from their usual surroundings.  Both parents were flawed in their own way and the story illustrated two very different approaches to dealing with loss.  Frank's character seemed to spiral downward, reaching for any possible way to bring back his son.  While Ellie, seemed to move forward to accept the death and find new ways of living.

I highly recommend The Weight of Heaven for its beautiful prose and sometimes painfully real emotions.  Thanks to Mari from Bookworm with a View for suggesting that I move it up in my reading queue.

Anna Karenina Read Along: Part Two

Today I am continuing my thoughts on Anna Karenina with Part Two of the book, as part of the Read Along hosted by Mari at Bookworm with a View.  Here is a link to the synopsis and feedback for Part One from last month.

Part Two Synopsis (Wikipedia):
The Shcherbatskys consult doctors over Kitty's health which has been failing since she realizes that Vronsky did not love her and that he did not intend to propose marriage to her, and that she refused and hurt Levin, whom she cares for, in vain. A specialist doctor advises that Kitty should go abroad to a health spa to recover. Dolly speaks to Kitty and understands that she is suffering because of Vronsky and Levin. Kitty, humiliated by Vronsky and tormented by her rejection of Levin, upsets her sister by referring to Stiva's infidelity and says she could never love a man who betrayed her.

Stiva stays with Levin on his country estate when he makes a sale of a plot of land, to provide funds for his expensive city lifestyle. Levin is upset at the poor deal he makes with the buyer and his lack of understanding of the rural lifestyle.

In St. Petersburg, Anna begins to spend more time with the fashionable socialite and gossip Princess Betsy and her circle, in order to meet Vronsky, Betsy's cousin. Vronsky continues to pursue Anna. Although Anna initially tries to reject him, she eventually succumbs to his attentions.
Karenin warns Anna of the impropriety of paying too much attention to Vronsky in public, which is becoming a subject of society gossip. He is concerned about his and his wife's public image, although he believes that Anna is above suspicion.
Vronsky, a keen horseman, takes part in a steeplechase event, during which he rides his mare Frou-Frou too hard and she falls and breaks her back. Vronsky escapes with minimal injuries but is devastated that his mare must be shot. Anna tells him that she is pregnant with his child, and is unable to hide her distress when Vronsky falls from the racehorse. Karenin is also present at the races and remarks to her that her behaviour is improper. Anna, in a state of extreme distress and emotion, confesses her affair to her husband. Karenin asks her to break off the affair to avoid society gossip and believes that their relationship can then continue as previously.
Kitty goes with her mother to a resort at a German spa to recover from her ill health. There they meet the Pietist Madame Stahl and the saintly Varenka, her adopted daughter. Influenced by Varenka, Kitty becomes extremely pious, but is disillusioned by her father`s criticism. She then returns to Moscow.

My thoughts: 
Part Two was much more difficult for me than Part One.  In the first part, I was entralled by the early chase of Anna by Vrosksy.  The forbidden love was interesting.  In Part Two, Vronsky and Anna had already declared their love and they were flirting around St. Petersburg while most all of society knew about their affair.  In Part One, Levin was my favorite and I was pained by his rejection by Kitty.  In Part Two, he was back in his country home and descriptions of the farm, hunting and purchase of a forest bored me a bit.  The interaction between Kitty and Varenka were interesting, and because I can't seem to remember anything about the plot from the first time I read the novel, I'm anxious to see what happens to Kitty when she returns to Moscow.

Discussion:
Following are the discussion questions that Mari selected from Oprah.com's Book Club.  I've included my responses for each.


1. Talk about Anna's friendship with Princess Betsy. Why are they fond of each other, and what important roles do you see them playing for each other?

I think that Anna is drawn to Betsy because Betsy is aware of her relationsheip with Vronsky.  Anna, although she previously avoided Betsy and her circle of friends, feels like she has the ability to be herself in Betsy's company.  By being her friend, Anna also has a more frequent opportunities to see Vronsky.  Other than Betsy's ability to keep tabs on Anna and Vronsky, I do not recall a good motivation for her friendship with Anna.

2. Spend some time discussing the courtship and interactions between Vronsky and Anna. What do you find to be unique about the way they talk to each other? Do you recognize it as something you would call "love?"

The conversations between Anna and Vronsky are interesting.  When they are able to meet at Betsy's house, Anna spends a great deal of time trying to convince Vronsky to go back to Moscow and apologize to Kitty.  She frequently makes excuses for why they should not be together.  Vronsky on the other hand, only professes his love for Anna, and counters her every attempt to break off their relationship with an excuse for how they will always be together.  I think that they are in love, but it is strained and because of Anna's marriage it is difficult for them to be together. 

3. Do you get the sense that Anna truly feels guilty about the actions she has taken with Vronsky? If not, why do you think?

I think that Anna professes that she is guilty about the relationship, but she is more inconvenienced by their inability to be together.  She spends more time telling him why they cannot be together than declaring her love.  It is possible she has more anger at herself for the situation than guilt toward her husband or son for the impropriety.

4. Society—what it means to be a part of high society or operate successfully in society—is discussed at length in Part Two. What do you feel you have discovered about the way Russian society used to work. How does it seem different from your life today?

Society in Tolstoy's Russia is centered around class and wealth.  It appears that many jobs in government are secured by the wealthy, including Stiva's.  Social circles seem to play an important part in society - who you know, who you work with, who you spend time with.  There also seems to be quite a bit of evening socialization, where members of the same circle attend parties at night.  This provides Anna and Vronsky the opportunity to meet and mingle, while still being able to maintain the appearance of propriety.

5. When Kitty tells Varenka at the end of Part Two that she will never marry, do you believe her?

I feel that Kitty is still feeling sorry for herself.  She is still in love with Vronsky and because she knows that he is in love with Anna, she does not see herself marrying another.  I hope that she will have the opportunity to meet Levin again and have the possibility of marriage.
 
 
Off to Part Three!

The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel by Johanna Moran

The Wives of Henry Oades:  A Novel by Johanna Moran
Ballantine Books; Original edition (February 9, 2010)
384 pages
Personal Copy

Synopsis from the Author's Website:  The Wives of Henry Oades is inspired by a controversial court case. In the late 19th century, Henry and Margaret Oades emigrate from England to New Zealand. There, Margaret and her children are abducted by Maori and eventually given up for dead. Grief stricken, Henry sails to California, where, many years later, he marries a young widow, Nancy Foreland. When Margaret and her surviving children show up on their doorstep, Henry and Nancy take them in, and all attempt to adapt. Berkeley townspeople rise up against the apparent debauched arrangement. Henry is charged with bigamy, a crime punishable by hanging. As their legal troubles mount, Margaret and Nancy find themselves allying in ways neither could have predicted. The story at heart is theirs. Readers will probably take sides, and will no doubt be divided. Both women have a rightful, lawful stake.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed The Wives of Henry Oades and was pleased by Moran's writing style.  The description of the abduction was quite gripping and I found myself breathless.  As a wife and mother, I couldn't help but picture myself in a similar situation - what would I do?  how would I feel?  would I be strong enough? 

The story flowed very quickly for me, and for that reason I felt like I would have been willing to spend more time with the book in order to get a little bit more explanation on some of the characters.  Once Margaret was able to return to Henry, I felt as if some of the relationships and interactions were only explored on the surface.  The pain of the strange living arrangements, the ostracism by the community, and the threat punishment for the crime of bigamy would put enormous strain on a family and the individuals within it.

In all, I think that this was an very good debut novel by Johanna Moran.  I am looking forward to future releases.

Other Reviews:
Jenn's Bookshelves
Age 30+ ... A Lifetime of Books
Devourer of Books

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

My dearest readers,
It is with great happiness that I share with you that I have completed Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. Having spent the last several days reading in every available moment, I thought that I must communicate the pleasure I now feel. I found the story quite agreeable and I daresay that it has become one of my all time favorite books. The conversations between the book's characters were lovely, but I must admit that I was inspired most by the letters. I fear that in this age we have lost much of the beautiful communication that is contained in the handwritten word, and I felt it necessary to offer my thoughts in a similar manner.

Elizabeth Bennet is a character for whom I feel great affection. Her interactions with Mr. Darcy were greatly entertaining and I was quite pleased by the resolution of their relationship at the novel's end. Elizabeth was smart, witty and courageous and I admired her ability to speak her mind. I must say that one of my most favourite persons in the story is Mr. Bennet whose candor and humor with respect to his wife and five daughters was amusing. Mrs. Bennet's relentless pursuit of husbands for her daughters was often shameful and embarrassing and her faults in this regard were many. Mr. Collins was pompous and annoying, but nevertheless played a very interesting role by demonstrating his scorn and condemnation of others.

The travels throughout various parts of England were quite pleasant to read and I found myself desiring a carriage ride, or a stroll through a traditional English garden.

It is impossible to convey unique and inspiring thoughts about a book that is so well known and loved. Dear reader, if you have not yet had the opportunity to read Pride and Prejudice, I hope that you will make time for it soon.

With warm affection,

Kristi, &c.

****
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Penguin Classics, October 2009
480 pages
Personal Copy

Penguin Classics Summary:  When Elizabeth Bennet first meets eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy, she thinks him arrogant and conceited; he is indifferent to her good looks and lively mind. When she later discovers that Darcy has involved himself in the troubled relationship between his friend Bingley and her beloved sister Jane, she is determined to dislike him more than ever. In the sparkling comedy of manners that follows, Jane Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and superbly evokes the friendships,gossip and snobberies of provincial middle-class life.

I read Pride and Prejudice as part of the You've Got Mail reading challenge hosted by Book PSmith.

28 Day Organizing Challenge - The Results!

Earlier this month, I wrote about having accepted the 28 Day Organizing Challenge hosted by I'm an Organizing Junkie.  I'm proud to say that our master closet is now reorganized and I'm posting today to show you the results.

I started out the month with the following overall plan:  make the master closet an organized and attractive place. The closet will house my clothes and there will also be some space for sewing craft supplies to be stored when not in use.

Here are a few before and after pictures:

 

And here are a few extra "after" photos to show some of my favorite new parts:

Shoe Organization (Finally!)

Jewelry Organization

Sewing and craft supply storage area

Coats, Jackets, New Wire Shelf and Ironing Supplies

Belt and Robe Organization

And finally, here are a few challenge questions to highlight my organizining effort:

1. What was the hardest part of the challenge for you and were you able to overcome it?

Aside from a small blood donation while trying to install a new wire shelf, the hardest part of the challenge was deciding how to organize my shoes.  At the beginning of the month, all of my shoes were thrown into three large storage containers, which wasn't good for the shoes, and it wasn't an effective use of time in the morning when I needed to find shoes for work.  As you can see in the after picture, I decided on two 15-cube organizers, which allowed each pair to have a home.  Because I had about 45 pairs of shoes before I started organizing, this was my biggest area to purge.  As a self-proclaimed shoe-lover, I had to focus on which shoes I really loved and said goodbye to the rest.  You may notice that I even have some extra space for new purchases in the future!

2. Tell us what kind of changes/habits you have put into place in order for your area/room to maintain its new order?

By putting my shoes away and hanging up coats and jackets as soon as I take them off, I have found that it keeps the closet neat, and doesn't hurt organization in the rest of the house either.  I am able to use the new space as a small dressing room, which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!  Now that the space is organized, I have found that I want to keep it looking nice.  I also avoided putting too many items in the closet.  Because there is room to grown (more clothes, more shoes, etc.) the room isn't destined to be a mess later on.

3. What did you do with the “stuff” you were able to purge out of your newly organized space?

Lots of things.  First, my husband used to share the closet, so his things were the first to go.  He is now using our office closet, which was the first mini-organizing project.  Secondly, gently worn shoes and clothes have gone to the Goodwill.  And finally, there were about three large bags of trash and old shoes or clothes that were too rough for a new home.

4. What creative storage solutions were you able to introduce in order to create additional space as well as establish some limits and boundaries?

One of my favorite new places is my jewelry drawer, which uses plastic trays to separate my neckaces and bracelets and avoid tangling.  Adhesive hooks made space for hanging all of my bags and robes, which I used to just stash or throw in random places.  I also purchased a new belt organizer - I'm not sure how I went without one of these before!

5. Why do you think you should win this challenge?

Because I love my new space and it makes me smile whenever I open the door!  I feel like I put a great deal of effort into planning out what items should stay in the closet and which should be purged or moved to a more appropriate place in the house.  All of my clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry now have a place to call home and I am looking forward to keeping it that way.

***

Hope that you like the look of my "new" closet!  Drop me a note and let me know what you think.  I am looking forward to seeing my challenge competition and I'm hoping that I win one of the super cool organizing prizes!

Menu Plan Monday - February 22, 2010

I am participating again in Menu Plan Monday, hosted by I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Last week, the menu went out the window when I realized that I had forgotten to syncronize my calendar with my menu planning.  We had planned to have dinner with friends on Saturday night and had a church function on Sunday night.  Ergo, Chicken and Rice and Steak and Ranch Potatoes will make a guest appearance on this week's menu.  We also opted for leftovers on Thursday (had to finish up those Bow Ties!) and my husband wasn't in the mood for Fish Sticks on Friday.  In other words, the menu planning was shot.  I'm hoping that this week will be a little more organized - Here's what's on our menu for this week:

Monday:  Chicken and Yellow Rice

Tuesday:  Taco Tuesday (our family tradition)

Wednesday:  Pizza Night with my Mom and Dad

Thursday:  Spaghetti

Friday:  Dinner Out with Friends

Saturday:  Steak and Ranch Potatoes

Sunday:  Chicken Parmesan

Hope that you have a great week!

Anna Karenina Read Along: Part One

I'm participating in a read along of Anna Karenina, hosted by Mari at Bookworm with a View.  This is my second read of the novel, but as I've mentioned before, I had forgotten more about the storyline than I remembered. 

I finished Part One yesterday and have answered a few discussion questions below.  Discussion questions have been based upon the Oprah's Book Club discussion of Anna Karenina, as well as a few from Mari's friend Ellen.  I am truly enjoying this book - the beautiful writing, the intersection of families and characters, love, betrayal, everything.  Tolstoy has me hooked.

Part One Synopsis:
Anna Karenina begins with the famous quote:  "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."  Part One introduces the readers to the families.  First, we are introduced to the Oblonsky family, where Stiva has been unfaithful to his wife, Dolly, and is trying desperately to gain her forgiveness.  Dolly's sister Kitty is torn between two suitors - the practical and faithful Levin, who is madly in love with her, and Vronsky who is exciting and respected, but seems to think of Kitty as more of a pursuit, than marriage material.

Levin has returned to Moscow from his country home due to his love for Kitty.  He has decided, despite his shyness, to declare his love for Kitty and propose marriage.  When he does, she refuses even though she feels strongly for Lenin, partly because she feels that Vronsky would be the more exciting option.  Levin returns to his country home, devastated, and decides to throw himself into his work.

And then, Anna arrives in Moscow from St. Petersburg.  As Stiva's sister, she has come to persuade Dolly to forgive him, and reconcile the marriage.  Anna has an amazing presence.  At the train station, Vronsky is immediately drawn to her, despite the fact that Anna is already married.  Kitty meets Anna at Dolly's home, and seems to idolize her immediately, not knowing that Anna may have already stolen Vronsky's heart.

At a ball, Kitty hopes to be the center of attention, to win Vronsky's affection once and for all.  However, she is defeated when Vronsky asks Anna to dance, and Kitty sees for herself the spark between them.  The next day, Dolly tells Anna of Kitty's jealousy, and having fulfilled her purpose of reuniting Dolly and Stiva, Anna decides to return home. 

At the close of Part One, Anna learns that Vronsky has followed her back to St. Petersburg.  The reader is given a brief glimpse of the seemingly distant relationship between Anna and her husband, and is left wondering whether Anna and Vronsky will act upon their feelings for one another.

Discussion Questions from Ellen:
1. The book begins with the fallout from Oblonsky's affair. Both Dolly and Oblonsky have difficulty knowing how to proceed once the affair is in the open. Do you think that Anna's advice to Dolly to "forgive it as utterly as if it had never happened at all," is good advice?


I think that Dolly knows that she has no choice but to reconcile with Stiva, so Anna's advice is well suited.  She replies to Anna that "naturally" she must forgive as "if it had never happened at all."  In Dolly's view, "otherwise, it wouldn't be forgiveness."  Most certainly Anna is concerned for her brother, but I think that Anna genuinely feels love for her sister-in-law, and wants to see them both together.  Anna's advice, in my opinion, is only helping to facilitate something that would have happened anyway.

2. How well do you think either Vronsky or Levin know Kitty? What are the differences and similarities in their feelings towards her?

Levin knows Kitty much better than Vronsky knows her.  Levin has a strong history with her, has spent time with her family, and has fallen in love with her because of that history and their time together.  Vronsky has come to know Kitty only recently.  Vronsky's attraction seems to be one of pursuit of a well-respected girl, and attraction to her family.  Despite his kindness toward her, the story does not show that Vronsky has long-term plans to be with Kitty.
3. Is Vronsky's attraction to Anna 'love at first sight'? What is Anna's attraction to Vronsky?

Vronsky is immediately drawn to Anna, even before he is introduced to her at the train station.  His attraction is instantaneous and it seems as if there is nothing on his mind but Anna from that point forward.  Anna's attraction to Vronsky is likewise an obsession, but it does not yet feel like love.  She thinks, and dreams, of him, but in my opinion, her feelings are different than the love that he feels for her.
 
Oprah Discussion Questions:
1. In Chapter V, we are given background into Stiva's character—he is described as "liked by all who knew him." Does he seem likable to you? Why or why not?


To me, he seems like a typical frat boy.  Loved by all, in the right place at the right time, good family, and good money - almost untouchable.  I like him.  I don't know why I like him, and I don't like that I like him. 
Typically, I would be turned off by someone who was unfaithful to his wife.  His character has this interesting innocence, something that you can't help but cheer for. 
2. Talk about the ball and the way Tolstoy writes about the interactions between Kitty and Vronsky, and Anna and Vronsky.

At the ball, Kitty seems so young and innocent.  She is ready for her life to begin and for Vronsky to declare his love for her.  Vronsky's time with Kitty at the ball seems like it is out of obligation to her, and she feels defeated.  Anna and Vronsky are drawn to each other at the ball.  I think that Vronsky knows that he is in love, and again Anna has some type of obsession with him.  It is as if they cannot help but be together.

3. What do you learn about Anna's family life at the end of Part One that seems significant? How is that reinforced by the details the author chooses to show you about her marriage and home?

Anna's husband and his initial interaction with her at the train station seemed almost obligatory.  He seemed to be trying to get credit for being "tender" to her, instead of having wanted to be with her out of love.  Their home life seemed routine.  Her husband did the same things every day; they had the same number of people over to dinner every night.  It made me feel like Anna may be attracted to Vronsky because it is so different and uncharacteristic of the monotony of her life in St. Petersburg.
 

I'm looking forward to diving into Part Two...  If Anna Karenina interests you, it's not too late to catch up!  I'll be back to discuss Part Two in mid-March.

Recipe: Bow Ties Romano

I've adapted this recipe a bit since I found it on the box of Barilla Farfalle pasta.  This has become an absolute favorite at our house - so much so that I made it for Valentine's Day as a treat for my husband.

Hope that you enjoy!

***

Bow Ties Romano

16 oz. Farfalle (Bow Tie) pasta
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
3 Cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 lb. prosciutto, chopped
3/4 Cup whipping cream
1 Cup frozen peas, thawed
3/4 Cup grated Romano cheese or Parmesan/Romano blend (divided)

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.  In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.  Add mushrooms and saute for three minutes.  Add prosciutto and cook for two additional minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.  Add cream and heat until almost boiling.  Add peas and heat through.  Add prosciutto mixture, and 1/2 cup of cheese to drained pasta.  Stir to combine.  Transfer to serving dishes and top with remaining cheese.  Enjoy!

**Deli Tip**
When requesting sliced prosciutto for the recipe, ask that the deli clerk NOT place plastic wrap between the meat slices.  It makes it much easier to transfer to the cutting board and then chop!

The Empty Mirror: A Viennese Mystery

The Empty Mirror:  A Viennese Mystery
by J. Sydney Jones

Product Description:
Paperback Edition
320 pages
Minotaur Books (January 2010)
Personal Copy

Amazon.com Synopsis:  Set in Vienna in 1898, Jones's absorbing whodunit succeeds both as a mystery and as a fascinating portrait of a traditional society in ferment. When artist Gustav Klimt becomes a suspect in a series of bizarre murders, he turns for help to his lawyer friend, Karl Werthen, who joins forces with real-life pioneering criminologist Hanns Gross. Werthen and Gross follow a trail that leads through all strata of Viennese society and threatens to put them at odds with not only a trained killer but powerful members of the ruling class.

My Thoughts:   Ahhhh - I was transported back into my college classrooms, remembering why I decided to pursue a major in Political Science.  I thoroughly enjoyed the cross between history and mystery that The Empty Mirror provided.  The first 80 or so pages seemed a bit slow to me.  It had been a while since I read a mystery novel and I expected it to be a bit more action-packed, but I hung in there and was not disappointed.  Thankfully, just when I had it all figured out, the story turned and provided a welcomed surprise - a successful mystery.

I very much enjoyed Werthen's character - combinations of professional discontent, new love, and would-be sleuth allowed the story to be more than just a murder mystery. 

On a personal note, this was the first time in months that I had a few uninterrupted weekend hours to devote to a story, which made it even more enjoyable.  I would recommend An Empty Mirror to anyone with a taste for historical fiction and a desire for a good mystery.

Thanks to Swapna from S. Krishna's Books for the review and recommendation.


Other Reviews:
S. Krishna's Books

Menu Plan Monday - February 15, 2010

This is my third week participating in Menu Plan Monday, hosted by I'm an Organizing Junkie  Here's what's on our menu for this week:

Monday:  Cereal - given the option of ANYTHING that she might want for dinner, our daughter chose cereal.  Hopefully, this not a reflection of my cooking.

Tuesday:  Taco Tuesday - a family tradition

Wednesday:  Pizza Night - our weekly family get together at my parent's house

Thursday:  Spaghetti

Friday:  Fish Sticks - welcome to Lent!  Meatless Fridays have returned.

Saturday:  Grilled Chicken, Brown Rice and Peas

Sunday:  Broiled Steak, Ranch Potatoes (recipe below) and Green Beans

Hope that you have a great week!

***

Ranch Potatoes
2 lbs. red potatoes
3/4 Cup Ranch Dressing
1/2 shredded parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cut potatoes into quarters and place in large mixing bowl.  Add dressing and cheese to bowl and stir potatoes to coat evenly.  Place prepared potatoes in 13x9 inch baking dish.  Cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, stirring half-way through.  Potatoes are done when they can easily be pierced with a fork.

Serves 6