Shards of Memory

An insightful novel that shows family relationships across generations. Jhabvala also does a superb job of portraying the extreme and at times ridiculous subservience of some of the family members to the words of a so-called spiritual "Master." The resemblance of the "Master" to Gurdjieff is quite striking, in my opinion.

I've read a number of Jhabvala's novels and short stories and this is by far my favorite. It's the story of a family's relationship with an Indian guru. Whether this spiritual advisor is a charlatan or a true holy man is never completely clear, but his impact on the family reverberates over four generations.My only complaint about the book is that it suddenly shifts narrative tone about a third of the way through, from the grandmother's first-person account to a third-person tale focussing primarily on her grandson. Other than that, a wonderful, engrossing story about family, spirituality and memory.

This is a really lovely book. Ruth writes very lightly and speaks eloquently through her character. As with all memories, you feel the story is imperfect. Sections are missed and then recalled in a very beautiful manner which imitates our own flawed memories. More than anything else, the book shows the unity of the generations and expresses the passions within families.

This book was amazing I enjoyed it emensly I am 16 and Female I got the book on my birth day in september I read it and some things I could relate back to my life I enjoyed the book and would like to thank Ruth for her skills I recomend that all who shall come across to read it its amazing seriously I enjoyed it!