The big draw for me going into this book was the setting. A Disobedient Girl is set in Sri Lanka, a country I have never read about, and know practically nothing about. And while A Disobedient Girl does not provide details as to the politics or history of Sri Lanka, it does offer a taste of the country, particularly in its treatment of the social castes and classes that dictate the lives of Sri Lankans.
The story alternates between two women, Latha and Biso. In Latha’s story, we see her grow from a child into middle age. Latha is a servant to the Vithanages, and also a companion to their daughter Thara. As the two girls grow up their lives take dramatic turns. Latha learns, sometimes brutally, how her social class limits her choices and opportunities. Thara, on the other hand, remains the indulged daughter of an upper class family. While selfish Thara may not be happy with her life, it is still a more privileged life than Latha could ever hope for.
Latha is unsure how she came to be a servant in the Vithanage’s home. She does not remember her childhood, only that Mr. Vithanage brought her to his home when she was a small child of five. And while it is clear to Mrs. Vithanage that Latha is nothing but a servant, Latha feels she deserves more and rebels in small ways:
Latha cringed. She hated it when Mrs. Vithanage used the derogatory conjugation of verbs on her, the vareng, palayang, geneng that was the lot of laborers. She stopped running and began to walk. If she was going to be insulted, she was going to deserve it. Let her wait.
Biso’s story is quite different, both in circumstances and the telling. As Biso and her three children escape her abusive husband, she reflects back on her life and the decisions she has made. However, while Latha’s story spans years, Biso’s tale plays out in just a few days. Initially, I was a bit confused about the time frames for each of the stories, as well as to how the two women were connected (or even if they were connected). But I soon forgot about that and just let the story play out. And in the end, everything becomes clear.
Neither Latha nor Biso has an ideal life, yet this book does not focus on their hardships. Rather, you see how the women are determined to make the most of their limited choices. They seize opportunities where they can and they are unapologetic in their decisions. Latha is determined to seize happiness wherever she can find it. And Biso is determined to do the best she can for her children. The book also illustrates the importance of small kindnesses and friendship. So while the setting might be unfamiliar, the messages certainly are not.
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I read A Disobedient Girl as part of a TLC book tour. Many thanks to TLC and Ru Freeman for the book and inviting me to be a part of this tour.
I’ve been seeing this one on the GoodReads First Reads giveaways, and it sounds intriguing. I’m currently reading the first book I’ve ever read about Sri Lanka (Swimming in the Monsoon Sea) and I haven’t gotten far enough into it to know how well it depicts life there. (meaning I’ve only gotten 3 pages into it because I haven’t read anything this week…) I didn’t realize this book took place in Sri Lanka, too, and that makes me even more excited for it.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie =-.
And no drugs!
I’ve been wanting to read this book for awhile. The more reviews I read about it, the mosre anxious I am to get a copy!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..I’m a Day Late: Fall into Reading Challenge =-.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in Sri Lanka before either. It does sound like a good book and I’ll keep an eye out for it now.
.-= Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..Hotel du Lac – Anita Brookner =-.
Great review! I just love cultural fiction so I think this is one that I am going to have to add to my list.
.-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday-Sept. 23 =-.
Cultural fiction is the perfect description! I never think of using that term.
I’m on this tour too, hoping to finish the book today. It’s really good so far – I like the juxtoposition of the two stories. The different time frames bothered me at first but once I got used to it I like how it’s done.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..ABC’s of me =-.
I LOVED the setting, the cover, and parts of the story, but all in all it was somewhat disappointing to me
.-= Diane´s last blog ..Waiting on Wednesday: Mean Mothers =-.
I’ve never read anything set in Sri Lanka either, so this book interests me. Great review.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Wondrous Words Wednesday =-.
I considered this one but I don’t know . . . the passage you quoted felt very awkward. Little girls generally don’t articulate their thoughts and feelings in phrases like “derogatory conjugation of verbs” – that’s just not part of their cognitive understanding. I was actually just involved in a discussion on another blog about fiction involving non-Western cultures written for Western audiences, and how such works sometimes have an unnatural didactic tone. The argument was that this only ironically reinforces the “otherness” of the characters and setting. Did you get a sense of that with this book?
.-= EL Fay´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
I didn’t, but I tend not to notice language so much (I’m working on that, though!). Latha’s story is actually told in third person, and spans many years, so that passage doesn’t seem so jarring within the novel.
I love your newish layout and colours!
I keep wondering if I should try this read, I still just don’t know if it is too much for me. I would love the setting though!!
There is another book I really enjoyed about Sri Lanka, Love Marriage- so good!
.-= bethany (Dreadlock Girl)´s last blog ..North of Beautiful =-.
PS I am loving the new look. I hate the look of my blog but really need a push to go the self hosted route. It seems like a big hassle. I guess I don’t hate it enough yet.
.-= Lisamm´s last blog ..Review: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger =-.
Where did my other comment go??? Ugh. You’re getting the original comment after the PS. Sorry.
Jill. Thanks for a great review. I was hoping this book would give you that sense of place that the traveler in you enjoys. Thanks so much for all the time that went into reading and reviewing this book! It is much appreciated.
I think this sounds like a wonderful read… one for my wish list!
.-= Sheila DeChantal´s last blog ..Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran =-.