Thrity Umrigar's novel "The Story Hour" explores the interpersonal dynamics and the consequences brought about by an unlikely friendship between two women from vastly different walks of life and cultural backgrounds.
Lakshmi is a recent immigrant from rural India who finds herself isolated and depressed in a country she struggles to understand, while also struggling in an unhappy arranged marriage to an emotionally-abusive man. A series of circumstances leads Lakshmi into the care of Maggie, an accomplished African-American psychologist who is well-established and known for her professionalism.
As their therapy sessions progress, Maggie becomes increasingly compassionate toward Lakshmi's struggles. Maggie is drawn (along with the reader) into the vibrant stories Lakshmi tells about life in her village in India. The women also come to realize they share a deep bond, as both suffered the loss of their mother at a young age. Soon the boundary lines between patient and doctor become blurred. As their friendship develops, Maggie empowers Lakshmi to realize her potential despite worry over the ethicality of their relationship as patient and doctor.
Just as their relationship seems to be at its most positive and productive, the plot twists unexpectedly. When unseemly truths from both women are revealed, the consequences are detrimental and challenge the women's perceptions and acceptance of one another.
As a reader, I especially enjoyed the depth of character development and the author's ability to weave life truths and human complexity into the story from both Maggie and Lakshmi's perspectives. I found Lakshmi's narration rich and engaging, although the author's choice to write in broken English might be a hurdle for some readers. I can see how the author meant the ending of the novel to complete a circle in Lakshimi's narrative. However, to me the resolution felt abrupt and untethered, leaving the reader and characters with uncertain absolution. In any case, I thought the book was well written, and I particularly relished the author's exploration of storytelling and emotional intricacies in human relationships.
"The Story Hour" by Thrity Umrigar is available at the Missouri River Regional Library in regular hardback format and is also available to download in e-book and e-audio book formats.
Noelle Parker is the Osage branch manager for Missouri River Regional Library.