When I reflect back on this story, I remember how much most of us hope to claim just one special person as our best friend growing up. In Sister of my Heart, the reader will become enchanted by the strong relationship between two cousins who are bonded together by tragedy and torn apart by secrecy, jealousy and distrust. This beautifully written story is told from the alternating perspective of each girl covering the time span of about 15 years.
The place is Calcutta, India, where the girls are being raised by their widowed mothers and an aunt, who follow strict cultural traditions and struggle to maintain the family business. The girls attend private school and expect to attend college until circumstances change and the girls are forced into arranged marriages. This change in plans is very difficult for Anju, who is a smart rebellious girl that opposes tradition and wants to attend college and live in America. Sudha is exquisitely beautiful and more traditional, but her future remains unsure as she was not born into wealth or a good family name. Despite these differences, they make great sacrifices for each other to ensure the happiness of the other.
When Sudha learns of a dark family secret, her relationship with Anju changes from innocent sisterly love to obligation and debt. Anju finds she can no longer trust Sudha when she discovers a different type of secret on her wedding day and is happy to move to America with her husband. The girls live very different lives for a few years, until tragedy brings out their need for each other once more.
This dramatic story will not let you down. It is heartbreaking, but inspiring. The oppression of women, the sacrifices endured to preserve the family name and social standing are difficult to comprehend. The men in the story also suffer in different ways to maintain family traditions and the reader will hope they are strong enough to understand and love Sudha and Anju.
This is a rich story that will transport you to a different place, where women struggle to establish their identities and independence in a very traditional culture. If you love this story as much as I did, you will be thrilled to pick up the sequel The Vine of Desire (public library).
Note: For a cinematic look at arranged marriages in Muslim and Jewish cultures, check out the movie Arranged in the public library. Very good story - not the slightest bit boring!!!
Note: The public library also has books on creating henna designs, just like the elaborate wedding henna's used in Sister of My Heart.
Recommended for grades 11 & 12.
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