The Secrets Between Us: A great listen on the lives of Bombayites

Book title: The Secrets Between Us Book author: Thrity Umrigar

It is our secret that defines us

Thrity Umrighar’s sequel to The Space Between Us starts from where it ended. Bhima, the illiterate house-maid to the Dubash family finds herself unemployed when she is forced to leave her job. In this sequel we look deep into Bhima’s life. And the lives of others beside her. Parvati made her debut in this book. The foul mouthed, poor but literate woman shocked Bhima, as Bhima always thought literacy is associated with richness.

Bhima, her grand-daughter Maya and this woman Parvati become the center-piece of this novel. And Chitra Baby, a painter,  who lives in a fit-fat flat in Mumbai, entertains the readers/listeners of the book by her unconventional yet simplest gestures towards the working class. The unconventional friendship that grows between Bhima and Chitra—makes us brave to break the ice—talk with meaning with our house workers, be kind to them, and think of them as equals.

Bhima’s struggles, her regrets and gratitudes, endeavors join with that of Parvati and the readers to the sequel gets a brave, engaging story. The most amazing part was—when Bhima realized how education closes the gap in societal hierarchy. I looked forward to my audiobook time the last few days—the long ride back to Dhaka after Eid, doing the dishes, and walking in the park. Each time Bhima and Parvati, the duel, kept me hooked, listening to their chatter, to the stories of this all-women book.

I loved the audio narration—Bhima’s “ayee chhokray” always made me laugh. Thrity Umrigar was as always hawk-eyed painting Mumbai. Keeping one among many favorite quotes from the book—

But in the basti, one thing sizzles from hovel to hovel, much like the illegal overhead electric wires that some of the residents have connected to their homes, it is hope. Even in the depth of their despair, hope runs like electricity throughout the basti. It is what makes the woman with no legs weave wicker baskets she sells to fancy shops, what makes the blind boy’s mother spend her day picking rags to pay his school fees, what makes the burn victim look for a good match for her daughter.

It’s a book that made me aware of the hierarchy of our society, and value the works done by those in the society who are many in numbers, but each having their own story, as valuable as any. A lovely read on the lives of Bombayites!