If Today Be Sweet

This is my second experience reading Umrigar, and it won't be my last. This story, about Tehmina, a widow from India torn between the old world and the new (her grown son's home in Cleveland) explores a range of emotions. Umrigar expresses the widow's grief with clarity and compassion. And Tehmina is a marvel of a character. Her instinct is to nurture and care for everyone, but often in American society, we are taught to not interfere with the lives of others. Tehmina is conflicted in many ways, and that makes her triumph all the more "sweet."

i agree with the other reviews in which they write the characters are still lingering in their minds. i pulled into my driveway and envisioned Sorab parking his Saab in his garage! (ok, i can get carried away.) a rich in culture, beautifully written book. Umrigar brings you deep into the inner conflicts of a strong, proud woman who doesn't conform to the easy-way-out American life of superficiality. she portrays the family's love for each other so intensely, it makes my heart ache. i loved this book and will be sure to recommend it to a friend!

I have never had an author move me as much or bring characters alive like Thrity Unrigar does in her novels. "If Today Be Sweet" was no exception. It is as if you are there with them, living their lives, feeling their sorrows and their happiness. It helps you to realize what is most important in life...your family and friends, not the material possessions that you have. Thrity Umrigar always leaves me thinking about her characters for days after finishing one of her novels...and wanting her to write a sequal.

I finished reading this book last night, and the characters and the story are still lingering with me today. I feel that any words that I use to describe the book, characters or story will not do it credit. Suffice it to say that this is a wonderful story about a woman dealing with grief at the loss of her husband, finding her way as an individual and deciding what "home" really means. But, unlike other books that may address similar issues, this book addresses the differences in culture in America and India that defines the main character and compounds the difficulty of her choice. You won't be disappointed by this book!