Back on Track

New reviews coming soon! I'll be importing my work from the past two years, but in the meantime,
I'm reclaiming my small place on the web.

Tuesday, November 9, 2004

True Story Review

In Contempt Of Fate
by Beatrice Fernando
ISBN-10: 0975945904
Review by Heather Froeschl

A young Sri Lankan woman leaves her son with her parents in order to fulfill an obligation of two years as a house servant in Lebanon. What was hoped to be an answer to monetary need becomes a living hell as young Ranga is beaten and starved, locked in her "employer's" home and eventually forced to make a decision that could have ended her life and most certainly changed it forever.

Growing up the youngest of thirteen children was not an easy life. Ranga and her family moved often, as they couldn't always pay the rent. Her parents tried to keep up appearances so that the family would not suffer from bad reputations. Ranga felt deprived of love in her early years and went looking for it in the hearts of boys...something that was terribly frowned upon, innocent as a friendship was. Later on, her divorce from her baby's father did not improve her reputation and this reflected upon her family. Leaving for a chance at monetary stability seemed to be the perfect answer.

This is the true story of one very brave and determined woman. The tale is told in her own voice and readers will come to love and adore Ranga, crying along with her and cheering for her success. While the plot is of real life events the book reads like a suspenseful and romantic novel that you will never forget. A bit of history lesson gives depth to a lesson learned in societal differences around the world. American readers will be shocked and intrigued by the cultural contrasts of their Sri Lankan counterparts. That this portion of a life story was lived while I happily led a carefree existence attending high school reminded me of how blessed I am.

The realization of mother's love is a universal lesson that we can shed a thankful tear for. The example of Ranga's determination to give that love is a hero's story that in "In Contempt of Fate" is eloquently and passionately told.

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