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100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
“The magic is in the words, my dear girl. When you bend one’s thoughts with words that touch the soul, they call it inspiration.”
For eleven years Tara has lived with the guilt of not knowing where her childhood friend Mukta has disappeared to. When Tara and her family lived in Bombay, her father often brought home poor village children to live with their family until they found permanent homes. One child was different though, Mukta stayed with their family. Mukta was born into a Devdasis, bound to serve as a temple prostitute. Tara befriended Mukta and was able to reach through to her, even teaching her how to read. In return, Mukta cared for Tara as a little sister and inspired her with her outlook on life. However, one day of Tara’s mother is found dead after a bombing, Tara is led to believe that Mukta’s presence in her home is responsible for her bad luck. In her grief, Tara pays a neighborhood gang member to kidnap Mukta and return her to where she came from. Tara’s wish comes true and Mukta is captured that night. Now, eleven years later, Tara returns to her home in Bombay with new information hoping to find the childhood friend that she believes she is responsible for losing.
A beautiful and heartbreaking story that examines the lives of two girls from India who were born into different social castes. There was so much emotionally charged and lyrical writing in this book that I was stopping to re-read some of the quotes and highlighted many of them. The story is told from Tara and Mukta’s alternating points of view. Tara’s point of view begins from the present with her search for Mukta and the mystery of how she was possibly responsible for her kidnapping. Mukta’s point of view begins from the past with her early childhood as the daughter of a temple prostitute, her rescue by Tara’s father and being sold back into the brothel. Through their stories, I felt like I got to know Mukta much better than Tara. While her story is tragic, Mukta’s spirit shines and her memories of her time with Tara and her family keep her strong. It was very interesting to learn about the Devdasis, the social differences in the Indian culture and the people who are trying to help. While tragic, this is a powerful book and well worth the read.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
For eleven years Tara has lived with the guilt of not knowing where her childhood friend Mukta has disappeared to. When Tara and her family lived in Bombay, her father often brought home poor village children to live with their family until they found permanent homes. One child was different though, Mukta stayed with their family. Mukta was born into a Devdasis, bound to serve as a temple prostitute. Tara befriended Mukta and was able to reach through to her, even teaching her how to read. In return, Mukta cared for Tara as a little sister and inspired her with her outlook on life. However, one day of Tara’s mother is found dead after a bombing, Tara is led to believe that Mukta’s presence in her home is responsible for her bad luck. In her grief, Tara pays a neighborhood gang member to kidnap Mukta and return her to where she came from. Tara’s wish comes true and Mukta is captured that night. Now, eleven years later, Tara returns to her home in Bombay with new information hoping to find the childhood friend that she believes she is responsible for losing.
A beautiful and heartbreaking story that examines the lives of two girls from India who were born into different social castes. There was so much emotionally charged and lyrical writing in this book that I was stopping to re-read some of the quotes and highlighted many of them. The story is told from Tara and Mukta’s alternating points of view. Tara’s point of view begins from the present with her search for Mukta and the mystery of how she was possibly responsible for her kidnapping. Mukta’s point of view begins from the past with her early childhood as the daughter of a temple prostitute, her rescue by Tara’s father and being sold back into the brothel. Through their stories, I felt like I got to know Mukta much better than Tara. While her story is tragic, Mukta’s spirit shines and her memories of her time with Tara and her family keep her strong. It was very interesting to learn about the Devdasis, the social differences in the Indian culture and the people who are trying to help. While tragic, this is a powerful book and well worth the read.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
lupick's review
5.0
I've been a bit stingy lately with my 5-star reviews lately, but this book was totally deserving. Loved it from beginning to end. I really hope to be able to read more books from this author in the very near future.
amn028's review
4.0
I enjoyed this story. There are parts that are difficult to read as it delves into the child sex traffic issue within India and lower castes. The story features two strong female protagonists and their lifelong connection, despite being from different areas. It is at times very gritty but is beautifully written, which helps to make it through the difficult sections.
minhha_reads's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.5
dawnsworldblog's review
5.0
Taking place in India between the 90s/early 2000s we meet two young girls Tara and Mukta, both born into the same world, but whose experiences of that world could not be further apart. While Tara is born into a well respected family, Mukta is born into a life as a temple prostitute.
This book is incredible, heartbreaking, beautiful and so important. I cried at multiple points during this story; it was so heart wrenching and powerful. Although this book is fiction it was very hard to read at points knowing that children across the world still have experiences like Mukta did.
Although not an easy read, the author dealt with the subject matter in such a respectful manner and wrote such a beautiful book of survival and love in the hardest of circumstances. I feel that everyone should have this amazing book on their list.
This book is incredible, heartbreaking, beautiful and so important. I cried at multiple points during this story; it was so heart wrenching and powerful. Although this book is fiction it was very hard to read at points knowing that children across the world still have experiences like Mukta did.
Although not an easy read, the author dealt with the subject matter in such a respectful manner and wrote such a beautiful book of survival and love in the hardest of circumstances. I feel that everyone should have this amazing book on their list.
deltajuliet83's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Hard topics but beautifully written, I loved this book.
themaritimereader14's review
4.0
When my friend Jenna put THE COLOR OF OUR SKY on my radar a couple of months ago, I knew I had to include this one in my reading life ASAP. Jenna has not yet steered me wrong in her recommendations ;) I'm pleased to report that I really, really, really enjoyed this captivating story that went back and forth in time a bit and held many surprises I didn't anticipate.
This story is equal parts heartbreaking, intense, breathtaking, and hopeful. The alternative perspectives drew me right in and I loved following both sides of this story that wrapped itself up so beautifully in the end. This story, taking place in India in the 1990s/early 2000s, acutely describes how pain and class differences tore members of a family apart after several fateful decisions. These decisions shifted several lives throughout many years. The book ultimately takes a look at how pain and suffering and loss can be carried throughout a lifetime. I loved Mukta's strength, Tara's regret and determination, and all of the supporting characters who all had important roles in the stories of these two women. The ending of this story was lovely. I alternated between the audiobook and the paperback of this book and the narration was excellently performed. 4.5 stars
This story is equal parts heartbreaking, intense, breathtaking, and hopeful. The alternative perspectives drew me right in and I loved following both sides of this story that wrapped itself up so beautifully in the end. This story, taking place in India in the 1990s/early 2000s, acutely describes how pain and class differences tore members of a family apart after several fateful decisions. These decisions shifted several lives throughout many years. The book ultimately takes a look at how pain and suffering and loss can be carried throughout a lifetime. I loved Mukta's strength, Tara's regret and determination, and all of the supporting characters who all had important roles in the stories of these two women. The ending of this story was lovely. I alternated between the audiobook and the paperback of this book and the narration was excellently performed. 4.5 stars
suvata's review against another edition
3.5
#OUABC Once Upon A Book Club Adult April 2017 selection • 3.5 Stars
The Color of Our Sky is a novel by Amita Trasi that tells the story of two childhood friends from India, Tara and Mukta, who are separated by a tragic event and reunited years later. The book explores the themes of friendship, family, culture, identity, and human trafficking.
#Bookstagram #TheColorOfOurSky #AmitaTrasi
The Color of Our Sky is a novel by Amita Trasi that tells the story of two childhood friends from India, Tara and Mukta, who are separated by a tragic event and reunited years later. The book explores the themes of friendship, family, culture, identity, and human trafficking.
#Bookstagram #TheColorOfOurSky #AmitaTrasi
kritikanarula's review against another edition
5.0
Originally reviewed at so many books, so little time
Some stories are meant to shake you to the core by their very intent- with their haunting projection of the reality and inexplicable charm!
Welcome to Tara's and Mukta's life, as they recount the moments of childhood, the social order of the society and most importantly being together.
Tara blames herself for Mukta's kidnapping years ago. She has now returned from the US to India, with the determination to find Mukta.
Mukta is born to a temple prostitute, the product of a sick tradition that continues unabated till date, and forms a major part of the novel. Tara is our regular school-going kid who is fortunate enough to be able to attend school, and spend time in the lap of her father, who is clearly a role model to her.
A poignant angle has been set- India in all its dichotomy is the backdrop to the brutalities inflicted by fate, the indifference in flesh trade and the compassion that can save lives.
Tara's father is the ideal altruist, volunteering actively to rescue kids from the murk they'd otherwise end up in, and bringing kids home to provide them temporary shelter. All is well until he brings Mukta, this time for ever. While the permanence of her stay is a major bother to the mother, who is ready to forgive her husband for everything, Mukta has issues of her own. She has seen her mother die in front of her. She is in a foreign land, with no one ready to accept her as her own. It is an identity crisis, but it is a lot more than just that. She is trying to convince herself that she deserves to live after all.
The narration alternates between our two protagonists and it is reminiscent in its element. It is clear that the author is concerned with deeper discussions - some soul-searching, and contemplation of the atrocities of fate, and so beautifully manages to capture this throughout the story.
It is a commentary, of the superlative degree, on the frailities and fallibility of human nature. Interspersed with quotes like,"The only way we can rectify our mistakes is to try and undo the wrong we have done", it is undoubtedly some epic food for thought. Truths are revealed, and it is so heart-warming and gut-wrenching at the same time to see how everyone copes with the lies they had been living. It is the story of not giving up, forgiving, moving on, finding a better purpose to life, being the better person, learning courage and fortitude.
The appeal of the plot is not just this message and the moral debate: it is as much in the thrill, the suspense, the flawed yet sympathetic characters, the persistent sense of loss, which is sprinkled throughout the plot. It is an intense, emotional and meticulous account- be sure you are ready for the emotional roller-coaster which will challenge your principles as you peep into the characters.
An increasingly poignant assault on the heart strings, with unprecedented lessons in family, love, redemption, forgiveness, and life, this one comes highly recommended.
Some stories are meant to shake you to the core by their very intent- with their haunting projection of the reality and inexplicable charm!
Welcome to Tara's and Mukta's life, as they recount the moments of childhood, the social order of the society and most importantly being together.
Tara blames herself for Mukta's kidnapping years ago. She has now returned from the US to India, with the determination to find Mukta.
Mukta is born to a temple prostitute, the product of a sick tradition that continues unabated till date, and forms a major part of the novel. Tara is our regular school-going kid who is fortunate enough to be able to attend school, and spend time in the lap of her father, who is clearly a role model to her.
A poignant angle has been set- India in all its dichotomy is the backdrop to the brutalities inflicted by fate, the indifference in flesh trade and the compassion that can save lives.
Tara's father is the ideal altruist, volunteering actively to rescue kids from the murk they'd otherwise end up in, and bringing kids home to provide them temporary shelter. All is well until he brings Mukta, this time for ever. While the permanence of her stay is a major bother to the mother, who is ready to forgive her husband for everything, Mukta has issues of her own. She has seen her mother die in front of her. She is in a foreign land, with no one ready to accept her as her own. It is an identity crisis, but it is a lot more than just that. She is trying to convince herself that she deserves to live after all.
The narration alternates between our two protagonists and it is reminiscent in its element. It is clear that the author is concerned with deeper discussions - some soul-searching, and contemplation of the atrocities of fate, and so beautifully manages to capture this throughout the story.
It is a commentary, of the superlative degree, on the frailities and fallibility of human nature. Interspersed with quotes like,"The only way we can rectify our mistakes is to try and undo the wrong we have done", it is undoubtedly some epic food for thought. Truths are revealed, and it is so heart-warming and gut-wrenching at the same time to see how everyone copes with the lies they had been living. It is the story of not giving up, forgiving, moving on, finding a better purpose to life, being the better person, learning courage and fortitude.
The appeal of the plot is not just this message and the moral debate: it is as much in the thrill, the suspense, the flawed yet sympathetic characters, the persistent sense of loss, which is sprinkled throughout the plot. It is an intense, emotional and meticulous account- be sure you are ready for the emotional roller-coaster which will challenge your principles as you peep into the characters.
An increasingly poignant assault on the heart strings, with unprecedented lessons in family, love, redemption, forgiveness, and life, this one comes highly recommended.