THE AGE OF SHIVA

In the 1950s, Meera is pushed into a marriage that takes her from the wealthy upper-class household she grew up in. She finds herself part of an orthodox lower-class family living a hand-to-mouth existence in the provinces. Her husband is a self-pitying alcoholic, so she focuses on motherhood, becoming immersed in the life of her young son, upon whom she dotes. Josephine Bailey's narration is tight and restrained, a style that is consistent with the constraints of Meera's life. Similarly, Bailey's pace is deliberate and steady, except during the story's few momentous events. In those moments, Bailey is true to Meera's character, giving depth to her passion but holding it in check. J.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]