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Uma's New Book - What Was Always Hers Manjusree Sen Writer, Educator and Activist, Cambridge, MA

I want to join other readers of good literature in recommending a wonderfully good read of poignant and subtle human interactions in Uma Parameswaran's new book, "What Was Always Hers." The very first story of that title held my attention so fiercely that I couldn't put the book down, carrying it around with me in my hand, weekend satchel, or briefcase. I knew that I couldn't be without the book even if I couldn't continue reading, for when that delicious moment arrived and I *could* go back to it, the book would be waiting for me.

I am, unfortunately, for most fiction writers, not an avid reader of fiction. I start a book and leave it, never to go back again, and often after reading the first page, at best two. I rarely find a writer who blends simplicity of language, subtlety of characterization, and human intrigue with the skill of a master.

In "What Was Always Hers," there is no excess of words, no unnecessary detail. No matter how familiar we may be with all the configurations of human relationships, she gives us more food for thought. There is only a forward movement as our author reveals human nature in all its intricacies as she takes us to the surprise ending of the first story, leaving her readers to wonder and look back to check for all the clues.

One additional aspect of her writing, for me, is that she does not introduce what I find is a grating "Indianized" English in order to portray her characters. Thus, while I could readily appreciate, for example, Veeru's immigrant status and struggle to acclimate, the traditional thought processes of being a "helpmate" to her nearly genius husband -- still, as a reader of English, I didn't have to be coerced into reading a form of English that intrudes rather than elucidates.

Information for Ordering the Book:
If in the US, please send a check for $U.S 12.00 to:
Raji Parameswaran
6523 Hiridge Hollow
Austin TX 78750

Also, the book is published by Broken Jaw Press, Fredericton NB, and the list price is $17.95 plus taxes (plus handling perhaps.)

If outside the US, please do the following:
Send an email message to Uma Parameswaran