Oleander Girl
Oleander Girl is the latest novel by Chita Banerjee
Divakaruni, who also wrote the beautiful Mistress of the Spices and Sister of
My Heart. This book is a unique coming
of age story that explores themes of culture, identity and religion.
The story is set in modern day Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). Korabi has been raised in a crumbling mansion
by her traditional Hindu grandparents. She
believes her parents died when she was an infant. Korabi means oleander, the beautiful but deadly
flower. The girl is now in her late
teens and eagerly awaiting her marriage to Rajat. Rajat is a handsome former “player” who seeks
out the shy and traditional Korobi to tame himself and appease his parents.
And they live happily ever after!
Of course not! There
is a another tragedy, which occurs at Korobi’s engagement party that leaves her
forever changed. Soon after, her
grandmother exposes a secret that will cause Korobi to question everything she
knew about her past.
Rajat's parents are upset and frustrated that Korobi feels
she needs to understand her past in order to proceed with the wedding. Rajat's parents have their own secret problems
that they hoped their son’s marriage would solve.
Now all their plans hang in the balance, as Korabi decides
to hire a private detective to search for answers. This journey leads her to far away New York
then California. While Korabi is away,
Rajat must deal with his past girlfriend and her continued pursuit of him. He must decide whether he can accept the
changing narrative that Korobi is uncovering in America. In the end, he must change too.
A beautiful story about finding out that life is never black
and white. Korobi makes astonishing
growth as an individual. Korabi
“flowers” and it also opens the eyes of those who love and care for her. Highly
recommend!
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