After leaving India for college, Remy Wadia has built a full life in America. He's married to Kathy, an American-born pediatrician. They are seeking to adopt a child but have been unsuccessful so far. When one of Remy's close friends tells him about a relative who is pregnant and is willing to let the couple adopt her baby, Remy leaves his home in Ohio and heads to Bombay (Mumbai) to make all the arrangements. He has not been back since his beloved father passed away three year earlier. Once he arrives, his belief that Bombay is a "museum of failures, an exhibit hall filled with thwarted dreams and broken promises" is reinforced as the young woman now has doubts about the adoption and Remy's mother, who he has a fractured relationship with, is in the hospital clinging to life. Remy decides to be there for his mother no matter how he feels about her. During this period, Remy learns a family secret that changes everything about what he thought about his parents - their relationship with one another and with him.
Author Thrity Umrigar has created a powerful, rich and emotional story with The Museum of Failures. The scenes in which Remy is caring for his mother will touch anyone who has been a caregiver for an elderly parent or loved one. The cultural descriptions were interesting to read about. The emotions and struggles of the characters, however, were universal and well presented. This was an incredibly moving and complex story of grief, self-discovery, forgiveness and ultimately hope.
I loved it!
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Contemporary Fiction | Literary Fiction.
Publication Date: September 26, 2023.
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