Arranged Marriage by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a collection of short stories that explores the complexities of arranged marriages, primarily within South Asian culture. Each story provides a glimpse into the lives of women navigating different societal expectations, showcasing both their struggles and triumphs. The characters face harsh realities and the emotional weight of their situations, from domestic violence to the pressures of migrating to a new country. Despite the sometimes grim themes, the stories offer a nuanced view of femininity and resilience, pulling readers into the intimate emotions of the characters.

Divakaruni’s writing style is accessible yet vivid, with a lyrical quality that draws readers in. Although some criticize her for falling into sentimentalism or simplicity, many appreciate the depth and richness of her storytelling. The collection balances moments of heartbreak with insights into cultural heritage, making for a striking examination of the lives of Indian women. Her ability to weave together personal narratives with broader societal commentary leaves a lasting impression and invites reflection on the nature of love, duty, and self-identity.

Characters:

The characters are primarily women representing diverse experiences in arranged marriages, ranging from sympathetic figures to those confronting harsh realities.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is concise and evocative, combining simplicity with depth to enhance emotional engagement.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the experiences of women navigating arranged marriages, portraying a spectrum of outcomes from hope to despair.

Setting:

The setting alternates between India and the U.S., highlighting cultural contrasts and the complexities of identity.

Pacing:

Pacing varies between stories, balancing brief snapshots with longer explorations that maintain reader interest.

THAT YEAR MOTHER CRIED A LOT, NIGHTS. OR MAYBE she had always cried, and that was the first year I was old enough to notice. I would wake up in the hot Calcutta dark and the sound of her weeping would...

Notes:

The author, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, is an Indian American who has written both fiction and poetry.

Arranged Marriage is her debut collection of short stories, published in 1996.

The stories primarily explore the lives and cultural experiences of South Asian women.

The narratives often highlight themes of duty, love, and the struggles associated with arranged marriages.

Characters face various challenges including spousal abuse, cultural expectations, and personal growth.

Despite some critiques on writing style, the stories engage readers and evoke empathy for the female characters.

The stories reflect the ongoing societal issues women face, particularly regarding patriarchal norms in both India and the diaspora.

Each story offers a different perspective, showing the complexity of arranged marriages beyond just a binary of success or failure.

Divakaruni's work often contrasts life in India with the experiences of Indian immigrants in the United States.

The stories reveal the universal nature of feelings and experiences across cultures.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, emotional trauma, patriarchal oppression, and portrayal of mental health struggles.

Has Romance?

While romance exists in the stories, it often portrays complex and sometimes tragic relationships rather than purely uplifting love.

From The Publisher:

Although Chitra Divakaruni's poetry has won praise and awards for many years, it is her "luminous, exquisitely crafted prose" (Ms.) that is quickly making her one of the brightest rising stars in the changing face of American literature. Arranged Marriage , her first collection of stories, spent five weeks on the San Francisco Chronicle bestseller list and garnered critical acclaim that would have been extraordinary for even a more established author. For the young girls and women brought to life in these stories, the possibility of change, of starting anew, is both as terrifying and filled with promise as the ocean that separates them from their homes in India. From the story of a young bride whose fairy-tale vision of California is shattered when her husband is murdered and she must face the future on her own, to a proud middle-aged divorced woman determined to succeed in San Francisco, Divakaruni's award-winning poetry fuses here with prose for the first time to create eleven devastating portraits of women on the verge of an unforgettable transformation.

1995

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320 pages

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Arranged Marriage

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

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