Before we Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Hardcover)

“Before We Visit the Goddess” is a novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, first published in 2016. The novel tells the story of three generations of women from a Bengali family, exploring the complexities of their relationships and the challenges they face in their lives.

The novel is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different woman and her experiences. The first part follows Sabitri, a young girl from a poor family who is determined to get an education and make a better life for herself. The second part focuses on Bela, Sabitri’s daughter, who struggles with issues of identity and belonging as an immigrant in the United States. The final part centers on Tara, Bela’s daughter, who faces her own challenges as she tries to navigate adulthood and build a life of her own.

Throughout the novel, Divakaruni explores themes of motherhood, family, identity, and the immigrant experience. She portrays the complex relationships between the three women with sensitivity and nuance, delving into the conflicts and tensions that arise as they try to understand one another and forge their own paths in life.

At the same time, “Before We Visit the Goddess” also offers a broader commentary on the immigrant experience and the challenges faced by those who must navigate different cultural worlds. Divakaruni’s writing is lyrical and evocative, immersing the reader in the rich cultural traditions and vibrant landscapes of India and the United States.

Overall, “Before We Visit the Goddess” is a moving and poignant novel that offers a powerful exploration of family, identity, and the complexities of the human experience.