Greetings. I made it back to Canada in one piece. I had to go to a quarantine hotel near the airport for one night and then once they emailed me my negative Covid test results the next afternoon they said I could go home to quarantine, which I’m doing. It’s a total of 14 days without leaving the property. I’ve done this before — last summer — so I know how it goes. Canada is stricter on Covid rules than the U.S. and has less of a vaccine supply. But my quarantine will be over by next Friday so I’m halfway through it. Our dog Stella is demonstrating how I feel about this now, ha. I know several of you have already had your vaccine shots, which is fantastic. It seems we might soon see the light at the end of the tunnel.
It was about a year ago now — on March 11 — that the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 to be a pandemic. We had come back to Canada from a road trip meeting up with my sister and brother-in-law to ski in Sun Valley, Idaho, at the end of February 2020, and by March 17, I had played my last tennis doubles game as they shut everything down, including the U.S.-Canadian border to non-essential travel.
It all happened quickly. The world turned virtual at workplaces, schools, and gyms, and we experienced masks, home deliveries, and curbside pickups. It’s all too ingrained in our brains by now. Do you remember where you were when it first started? Somberly we reflect that to this date, Canada has had 22,397 Covid deaths, the U.S. has had 530,000, and the world 2.63 million. It’s mind-boggling and sad and hard to register. In the years to come we will need to draw on all the lessons from this, so we can better fight the next pandemic in the future. And now I will leave you with a couple reviews of what I finished lately.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi / MIRA Books / 368 pages / 2020
I listened to this novel as an audiobook (the paperback is coming out April 6, 2021) and I was drawn in from the start. As a debut novel, it surprised me in its vibrant and sweeping storytelling of 1950s Jaipur India … and the character of Lakshmi, who is a 30-year-old henna artist to wealthy women in her community, along with her trusty assistant, a young winsome boy named Malik. (Admittedly I had to look up henna, which is a dye from the henna tree that can be put on the skin of people temporarily like a tattoo design to various body parts.) Lakshmi also uses herbal remedies on her clients in order to avoid pregnancies and the like … and you soon come to understand that more than a decade ago Lakshmi ran away from her hometown and her abusive arranged marriage, leaving her household in scandal, to re-establish herself in another town, working very hard to gradually gain some success.
Things begin to change when Lakshmi’s estranged husband and her 13-year-old sister, the struggling Radha, who she never knew she had, arrive at her door. The two sisters are quite different — one hard working and careful and the other ill-mannered and rash — and both are flawed but also resilient. Lakshmi helps her sister with a place to live and to get a good education, but after awhile through a predicament they come to seemingly lose much of what Lakshmi had gained, and must once again untangle themselves from scandal and society’s mores.
This novel takes a look at women and marriage in 1950s India from various angles and castes in India’s culture … and also among whites. Some characters are in arranged marriages, others are having affairs, some have kids, some don’t … some poor, some wealthy. I got caught up in Lakshmi’s world and I was rooting for her. I liked her more than Radha, who seemed a bit like a little uncooperative vixen, despite not exactly meaning to be.
The storytelling is well done and I’m looking forward to the sequel coming out June 22 by Alka Joshi called “The Secret Keeper of Jaipur.” The author had written “The Henna Artist” over 10 years as a tribute to her mother, who she imagines in the book what her life would have been like if she had not been put into an arranged marriage and if could’ve lived the life she really wanted to live. Her hopes and dreams are manifested in Lakshmi, which is cool to think about. Check it out if you like cultural women’s sagas. Reese Witherspoon picked this one for her book club pick in May 2020, and I was pleasantly surprised by it. Apparently a TV series of the novel is in development with actress Freida Pinto set to star as Lakshmi.
To the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey / Little, Brown /432 pgs / 2016
I liked this author’s first novel “The Snow Child” so much that I thought I’d check out her second novel, which is quite different but also takes place partly in Alaska. It’s mainly about an Army Officer (Colonel Allen Forrester) who takes an expedition in 1885 into Alaska Territory to chart the Wolverine River and his correspondence with his wife Sophie who stays behind at their base at the Vancouver Barracks in Washington Territory. There is also a secondary correspondence 100 years later between a great relative of the Colonel’s and a museum curator who’s documenting the expedition’s artifacts and is planning an exhibit.
The story is told through letters, journal entries, articles, and documents, which helps to liven it up, though the stories of the Colonel’s and Sophie’s were good enough to keep me going. The Colonel’s expedition has some interesting characters, notably: a burly, lively guy named Tillman, an industrious Native American woman who’s awesome, a studious naturalist (Pruitt), the interpreter Samuelson, and a starving guy they meet up with named Boyd. I liked the Colonel’s entries best of their arduous journey and what they come to find and how they struggle against the elements and with starvation, though others in my book club liked Sophie’s entries better of her struggles as a pregnant wife and her independent nature and later her pursuit of early nature photography in 1885.
Theirs — Sophie & the Colonel’s — is a love affair so the novel is part love story, part adventure novel and historical fiction (very loosely based on Henry T. Allen’s real life Alaskan expedition in 1885). It’s a long novel and just a few bits got a bit tedious, but what I liked is how the animal and human worlds begin to blur along the way … and how the author captures that by adding little surreal parts to the Colonel’s story, notably: a baby found amid tree roots, a lake creature, and spirits up on the mountain pass. There’s also an Old Native man who’s raven-like and a bit of a trickster who follows their journey. So there’s a bit of mysticism and magic to the story that keeps some spark and uncertainty to it.
The novel’s also vivid and conjures up much nature and untamed wilderness that captures one’s imagination. So overall, there’s a lot to it (is it too much?) — I’m not sure I needed the second correspondence that takes place 100 years later, but others in my book club said they really liked that part. It does lend some historical perspective to the expedition and what it did to the indigenous population and what came afterwards. So that seems valid. I just mostly wanted to get back to the Colonel’s and Sophie’s stories. I needed one scene of them at the end, which doesn’t really come (a slight letdown), but it casts their future well enough.
That’s all for now. What about you — have you read either of these books or authors, and if so what did you think?
I am glad to know you are safe and sound at home, if a little stir-crazy.
I am now officially immunized; two weeks since my second shot. Now grappling with what I am and am not willing to risk and that leaves me feeling almost just as anxious, but I know I am one of the fortunate ones.
I did love To the Bright Edge of the World. I think Eowyn Ivey is an amazing writer and that she balanced all the parts of the novel well.
The Henna Artist sounds good too. I have not traveled to India in my reading for a while.
Love the title of your post!
Thanks Judy. Hopefully things will become more normal as the masses get immunized. The rollout is quickening. I’m glad you are safe! Biden says we can have a BBQ on July 4, hmm. But I hear what you’re saying: about still feeling anxious. I do.
I liked your review of the Eowyn Ivey book & I’m glad I finally read it. I still like The Snow Child a bit better but I liked much of this one … and the untamed wilderness. Enjoy your week.
So happy you are home safely and COVID free. Both of these books sound fantastic – I had been considering The Henna Artist as this year I am hoping to travel to new places through the books I read. I bet you dog was thrilled to see you!
Yep Diane, it was so great seeing my dog again! I hope you enjoy The Henna Artist if you get to it. It gets a bit crazy with the drama … but the storytelling I found quite enjoyable … and India comes to life throughout it.
Glad to hear that you made it home OK.
I had to quarantine for two weeks back in November when I was exposed to someone who had Covid.
I have not had the vaccine yet. I am last on the eligibility list. It is OK as a lot of other people are at much higher then me.
Hi Brian: what did you think of the 2 weeks in quarantine? It’s not easy eh? I hope yours went by quickly. My first quarantine during the summer seems harder than this one in the winter. Still cold here so easier to just hibernate. Enjoy your week.
Glad you made it back and are half way through your quarantine. I was in the midst of union negotiations when the world shut down and we quickly had to change our emphasis to safety negotiations and what school was going to look like.
I got my first vaccine yesterday so do feel that there is hope.
Hi Helen: That’s terrific you got your vaccine yesterday! It must have been nuts last year when you abruptly had to change the negotiations on schools. Are they open or virtual in your area? The elementary school across the street from me has been open & ongoing mostly all year. They must be running with all the precautions. Enjoy your weekend.
Glad to hear that you made it back to Canada without any problems and that you could go home after only one night in the hotel. Phew! I hope you get your vaccines soon. We live about 40 minutes away from the Siletz Tribal community and they have had such a great turnout with their staff, elders and tribal members that they were able to start opening up appointments to nearby Oregon residents. My husband and I got our first “jabs” today and it was such an easy & efficient process. We were so impressed and grateful!
It’s been a year since I played pickleball and probably about the same since we ate inside a restaurant. It is mind-boggling, isn’t it? But I’m feeling optimistic. We may be able to start traveling again in another 6 weeks. Whoohoo!
I’ve had To the Bright Edge of the World on my TBR list for several years. I loved The Snow Child, so I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying this second novel. I may recommend it to my book group for early 2022 (we’ve already chosen all our books for 2021), but I think I’ll go ahead and read it later this year. I’ll have to make a note to refer to your excellent review when it comes time to nominate it to my group.
Have a good weekend. I hope the next week flies by quickly for you.
That’s great Lesley that you & Rod had your first shot! Terrific. I’m glad it was an easy experience. You are on your way! Perhaps it won’t be too long before you are back playing pickleball. We’ve eaten at a restaurant’s outside patio once but that’s about it. I would love to travel more freely! & Soon you two can take your lovely road trips again.
My book club seemed to like To the Bright Edge of the World but I didn’t like it as much as The Snow Child. It was interesting & I’m glad I read it — but I was drawn in more to The Snow Child. Still there are various elements to discuss in this novel with a book club …. there’s a lot to the book! Enjoy your week.
Both of the books you review sound interesting. I’ve not read either but I might at some point.
It must feel very good to be home again. I know your parents must have greatly enjoyed your visit with them and I’m glad your reentry to Canada and your quarantine were relatively uneventful. Now to get ready for spring!
Yeah Dorothy – I’m almost done with quarantine … right at the time spring is coming which is a big boost. I’ll be able to go outside and bike ride & fix up the yard again which will be really nice. Hooray winter is almost over. It was great to see my parents, so the trip was busy but nice too. Thanks for your words. Enjoy your books!
Glad you made it safely back to Canada and are safely tucked in for your quarantine! I hope you are able to get your shot soon. My hubby is getting his next week and Utah’s gov. said it’s opening up the vaccines to all adults on April 1st. So I’ll be looking forward to that soon.
What a year it’s been. We celebrated my husband’s birthday up at a restaurant with friends and things were starting to shutdown right then. That was the last time we’ve been out to a fully loaded restaurant with people who aren’t in our home. Sobering.
Since I enjoyed The Snow Child as well, I’ve been wanting to read this one. Looks like I won’t be disappointed.
I hope your week goes well!
Thanks Heather. I’m almost done with quarantine. One more week! It sounds like Utah will soon be flooded with vaccines by April so you will all be covered, hooray! It’s great there’s more supply on the way. Maybe we’ll be going to restaurants by summer? This Ivey novel is good though I liked The Snow Child a bit better. Both are a bit long (and maybe could’ve been a bit shorter.) Enjoy your weekend & books!
Glad to hear your quarantine is coming to an end. I see your dog’s sentiment completely.
Yes, we also talked about the Covid Epidemic being a world wide thing for a year now earlier today. Unbelievable!
The Henna Artist is on my TBR list and I’ve just added To the Bright Edges of the world too. I loved The Snow Child and I think I’ll enjoy this one too.
Have a good week and take care of yourself!
Thanks Mareli. I’ll be done with the quarantine soon, though I do feel like our dog now, ha. She’s a bit of a lush eh? I know you have Lab dogs too. You’d probably like these novels though they are long, sweeping kinds of stories that take some time but are worth it. I hope to stop by your site today to see what’s up there. Hope all is well. Enjoy your week.
I’m glad you got home safely. Cute dog! I think she’s demonstrating how we all feel. Good luck with your quarantine. If I couldn’t leave my house for 14 days, I’d probably get a lot of reading done.
Hi AJ: thanks, my dog is living the life! But now I’m feeling the same. I’ve gotten some reading done but I should be doing more during this Quarantine. Just about 5 days left now. Thanks for stopping by. Will stop by your site soon to see what’s up. Cheers.
The Henna Artist sounds like a very good read. I was actually supposed to leave for Dehli and then Jaipul this month. Despite the trip being for in full, Covid-19 happened and all those plans and preparations were cancelled. Stella seems to be demonstrating how a lot of us are feeling. Hope the rest of your quarantine period will go well for you. Peace and blessings.
Hey thanks Liberty. Great of you to stop by. Sorry to hear about your India trip being cancelled. Hope it will be rescheduled. You must read The Henna Artist as it will be a good Jaipur prep course, ha. Actually it takes place in the 1950s but still feels like India, though I have never been. I hope you will tell us what it is like once you get there. Hope you are well …. and I’ll stop by your site soon. Cheers.
Glad you made it back and are halfway through your quarantine! So much has happened since last year… we’ve been reflecting on all sorts of anniversaries this week. My sister enjoyed The Henna Artist, so I’ve got that on my wish list now. Didn’t know there was a sequel coming. To the Bright Edge of the World is on my kindle, but I’m not sure when I’ll get to it.
Hey JoAnn: we often have the same books in our sights! I’m trying the Imbolo Imbue novel right now but not sure about it. It seems your Island there is smarter than the rest of the state about masks etc. It’s all a race to get the country vaccinated. Hope you are well. Enjoy your week.
To the Bright Edge of the World is going onto my TBR right now. I liked The Snow Child, too, though I have only the vaguest of memories of what happened in it. Welcome home to Canada. I am so glad that the world is starting to open up a bit. My Sunday Salon post
Thanks Anne. Yeah I liked this second Ivey book though probably not as much as The Snow Child. I’m looking forward to spring. Hope your place in the NW is seeing some. I’ll stop your site soon. Enjoy your week.
Stella looks absolutely comfy ! I remember last year, when we decided to shut the doors of the library just before lockdown happened (a few days later). There was an old man at the door who wasn’t happy at all and yelled we were all a lazy bunch ! We were protecting ourselves, yes, but we were also protecting him. Never mind. I added The henna artist to my TBR, I’m beginning to think about reading more Indian literature and I love the historical approach. Take care 🙂
Hey Iza. Yeah people were a bit crazy when things started to close down. I can only imagine the Library. The man you describe was greatly mistaken. Our Library here is just starting to open back up – after curbside pick up. We still don’t have much vaccines though. Stella is all too comfy!
Hope France is getting better – is the country using the AstraZeneca vaccine? Canada is using it. But we wouldn’t mind getting more Pfizer/Moderna vaccines. Enjoy your week.
I’m glad you made it home safe and sound. I’m getting my second shot on Saturday (I have lung issues.) I’m hoping I don’t have too bad of side effects but whatever they are, it’ll be worth it.
The Henna Artist sounds right up my alley – I love books about and/or set in India. Thanks for the review!
Great Rachel: so glad you’ll be getting the vaccine. And I hope you have no side effects. I think you will like The Henna Artist. The character of Lakshmi has stayed with me quite a bit. Enjoy & have a great week.
I know quarantines are necessary after a travel or exposure but it’s still frustrating. I’m glad the world has mostly changed (out of necessity) to embrace quarantines but still. Almost there though – I’m glad your visit went well!
I’ve been curious about Henna Artist for a while so I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Didn’t know a movie was coming out and it will be nice to see Freida in that role.
Thanks Athira. I’m on Day 12 and do find these quarantines frustrating as I have taken 3 Covid tests in the past 2 weeks and have been negative on all of them. Still I’m staying at my house till I’m done with Day 14.
I would curious if you would like The Henna Artist, I think you would. It seems the author has spent a lot of time in India over the years with her parents there. Have a great week.
Wow, a quarantine hotel. I was not aware. Seems like you are almost through with all of it. Stella will be so happy!
Both of the books you reviewed look pretty good too. I just finished that McLain book. Pretty good. I am hoping to write the review tomorrow and post soon. I caved and bought a copy of Shuggie Bain. That topic hits too close to home for me and I vowed I would not read it but I hit an indie bookstore and wanted to support them so I picked it up and read the first paragraph. It did me in. Had to buy it.
It’s rainy and cold today. We did take our walk but it was just too cold for both of us so we headed back early.
Hi Ti, incredible you had rain there, wow! Might help with the drought, right? I definitely want to know about the Shuggie Bain novel and the Paula McLain one too. Your reading is on a roll! Have a great week.
I remember so much- mostly how we thought it would be over by fall. And then how really scary it got here because we had such an idiot in the WH. Now, I’m going to be able to get an appt on Monday for a vaccine. It may take a month, but the process will be started.
I loved The Henna Artist and just a copy of the sequel- The Secret Keeper of Jaipur. I’m pretty sure it’s about Malik. I’m so excited.
That’s terrific Catherine – that you will have shot #1 today. Way to go. I feel so relieved now we have a reliable productive president in office. Oh gosh the previous four years were a nightmare. We might be able to get our vaccines here in April or May.
I think I decided to get to The Henna Artist after seeing your review. So thanks for that. I was impressed by the storytelling and was caught up in the story. I hope the sequel will be just as good & look forward to the characters again. take care.