What readers think of Honor, plus links to write your own review.

“Honor” by Thrity Umrigar exposes a side of India we rarely see. A woman loses her husband to arson after their interfaith marriage, and a reporter who left India voluntarily must return to her homeland to cover the story. Smita, the reporter, returns to India after her family left when she was a teen and remembers why they left. But, unfortunately, the cultural traditions could stifle someone who has left the Western way.

One must consider many cultures to understand how Western and Eastern styles conflict. Sure, some Indian ways seem backward, but the way of life works for them. Many could not imagine living somewhere else. Knowing that a decision like marrying outside of your religion could cause an incident that could cause unrest among those who are not technically involved would make you a little uneasy.

India holds traditions dear, but, as the author says, “…traditions are like eggs-once you break one, it is impossible to put it back inside the shell.” Smita is glad to be away from it, but Meena lost her husband to those that disagreed with her decision. In addition, both Islam and Hinduism have rigorous gender role expectations, and Smita experiences culture shock as people use their faith to rationalize many transgressions, up to and including murder.

Even the scenes of romance (my least favorite genre) ring true because of the element of danger created. So when we read of Meena’s courtship with Abdul, we go against our instincts and root against them. As we define “Honor” as the reason for the book’s title, the characters justify their actions as doing what they needed to do under the circumstances. Having convictions is admirable, but the characters go to extremes here.

The twist at the end of the second act is a doozy that changes anything you thought the author was trying to say. Atrocities occur in the name of religion, and you can see how that behavior could drive people out of the country. Every culture has its quirks, and India, unfortunately, lends theirs to a miscarriage of justice that will make you angry even more when you realize that there is no way around it.

Honor taught me so much about India that I don't know where to begin. Hard to put down. I'll be watching for more from Thrity Umrigar.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it addressed women's issues that I was unaware of in India. The plot was good and the characters were believable. I got caught up in this book and couldn’t put it down.

I liked this book very much and was riveted from the beginning. The cross-cultural aspects of the novel were interesting and eye-opening. I appreciated the different perspectives and hoped for a good outcome. At times, I was close to tears, realizing the horrors that one person could endure. The difficulty of marrying outside one's religion in India was explored, along with the tragedy that ensued should this occur. Honor was so good that I immediately ordered another novel by Ms. Umrigar.

The author was inspired by an event that her father witnessed in India. She researched it thoroughly, that’s very evident, and tells a story that enfolds beautifully. I was most intrigued by the observation of the Indian American journalist toward the end of the story : how journalism gives the voiceless a voice and creates empathy in readers, but to what end? Doesn’t the world sometimes “remain as sad and brutal a place as ever?”
The conflict Stima felt and the compassion she grew to have for Meena and Abru was very well developed. The horror of honor killings was so vivid. It’s a great read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was rich in Indian history and culture. The characters were well portrayed and plot kept me reading. If you like this book consider reading A Fine Balance by R. Mistry.

I throughly enjoyed this book. Listening to it, read by an Indian woman added so much. Conflict between Hindi and Muslim people was so prevalent. I was in shock at the atrocities done by men against women. A highly recommended book by me.

This author has been on the 'to read' list for some time. After finally reading this book, the other books have moved up on the reading list.

This book addresses an age-old problem of the hierarchy set by communities, religion, and the more dominant sex and how that hierarchy is maintained. Even in modern times, education plays such an important role. Keeping people ignorant and afraid is the key to also keeping them enslaved and maltreated. The world never seems to change.

People's hopes, dreams, loves continue even during diversity and pain...they persevere.