MUSEUM OF FAILURES
Thrity Umrigar
Algonquin Books
September 26, 2023
368 pages
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This is a very complex tale of a shattered family. It is mostly told from the point of view of Remy, a successful American businessman who has returned to his homeland of India to adopt a child.
Remy has always had a contentious, almost hateful, relationship with his mother but has never understood why. On this trip home he discovers many secrets. He gets the answers he didn’t know he needed or wanted.
This story is both character-driven and plot-driven. Much of the backstory (including the secrets) is revealed through narration by Remy’s mother. She is a character to be pitied, and also to empathize with. Remy is a nice man. But, his nature is to be a people pleaser, my observation. And, he while does not always make the right decision he means well. As a result, he carries a lot of weight on his shoulders.
Thrity Umrigar knows how to weave a compelling story. I have enjoyed many of her books. I got more and more immersed in this story the more I read. The story is about human fragility, it’s about forgiveness and acceptance. It’s an emotional tale.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy
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