After an earthquake traps nine strangers in the basement office of the passport administration, fear and uncertainty begin to take their toll. They begin to panic once the reality of their situation begins to close in on them. Without knowing if rescue is a hope they have, one of the strangers suggests that they each tell "One Amazing Thing" that has happened in their lives.
What follows is both a harrowing tale of survival and how people can come together in the face of insurmountable odds. Chitra Divakaruni brings together nine individuals from completely different backgrounds. Seven of the nine are attempting to get to India, all for different reasons, but all for an attempt at atonement for past failures or shortcomings. The two remaining work in the passport office and have come to be there after their own amazing turns in India.
Divakaruni's prose is entrancing. It was so completely wonderful, I couldn't put it down. I read the entire book in one sitting, waiting for the next moment to both learn about each of the characters and his/her "thing," as well as how the book would end. Divakaruni writes an amazing tale and makes each person's story unforgettable. She details the amazing determination in the human spirit; our ability to love, desire, hate, forgive, create and break down our stereotypes, and our innate caring for one another.
This is a story that I could read again and again. The only negative I can really post is that I was left wanting more. The ending is surprising. It may not settle well with some, but I personally find it preferable in a book to have unanswered questions. I want to be left desiring to read more about characters I like. Divakaruni does that well. Her characters are fantastic and the story is beautiful. No reader could ask for more.
