I'm fortunate to live in a city that was recently named one of the "Top 10 Most Literary" (an honor having something to do with bookstores, libraries, online book sales, and e-reader ownership) so it's not surprising there's a decent selection of book clubs specializing in various genres and topics. One club I recently joined exclusively reads fiction from, or about, India. Being a part of this group has exposed me to books and authors I never would have picked up otherwise!

Last month's selection was Thrity Umrigar's The Space Between Us and despite its frequently uncomfortable moments, I could not put it down. The story shows us the lives of two women with painful marriages, destroyed dreams, and personal hardships from two very different castes. Sera is the wealthy housewife and Bhima is her maid. Their working relationship spans decades and through that time a reliance and closeness forms. Despite appearances, this is never a friendship between equals and when tragedy strikes Bhima's granddaughter, Sera's view of the underclass is challenged and she must make a decision about her allegiances.

Which of the two women has the greater integrity? Who is right and who is wrong? Our lives and relationships are fragile and full of inconsistencies. Answers are never definitive and subjective at best. What you bring to the story will be mirrored in what you take away from it.