The Space Between Us

In The Space Between Us, Sera Dubash is an upper-middle-class Parsi housewife in Bombay trying to find a way to form a relationship with her long-time servant, Bhima. Although they share some common bonds, Sera’s dead husband was abusive and Bhima’s abandoned her, they are separated by class. Bhima cannot sit on the furniture she cleans or drink from the glasses that Sera uses. She’s an illiterate woman from the worst of the slums who has been used and betrayed her whole life. Her hope is for her granddaughter, Maya, whose college costs are paid by Sera. Maya’s unexpected pregnancy by a man she won’t identify threatens to dash all their dreams. Thrity Umrigar brings to life two women from different backgrounds but brought together by shared experiences and hope. The Space Between Us has received positive reviews with the Washington Post saying, “The life of the privileged is harshly measured against the life of the powerless, but empathy and compassion are evoked by both strong women, each of whom is forced to make a separate choice. Umrigar is a skilled storyteller, and her memorable characters will live on for a long time.