The Hero's Walk chronicles 'letting go of anger and negativity'
“It can be a terrifying thing to start over and open yourself to being hurt.”
Canada Reads 2016 is all about starting over. All five books in this annual CBC book contest centre on themes of transformation and second chances; stories about people choosing — or being forced to choose — a dramatically different course in life.
Jodie Gladman, the information librarian at the Greater Sudbury Public Library, provides this reflection on The Hero's Walk by Anita Rau Badami:
"This book initially appealed to me because the plot revolves around a family in the event of a tragedy, and how that tragedy provides an opportunity for the family to grow together.
The central character, Sripathi, is very stuck in his ways. Throughout time, his negative emotions and behavior have eaten away at his closest relationships. While our situations are far from similar, I related to how this could happen to a person and to how important it is to remain positive and open.
Starting over for Sripathi involved taking a hard look at his fear of letting go of his anger and negativity and letting his family into his heart. It can be a terrifying thing to start over and open yourself to being hurt.
Nadana was also such a strong character. Her willfulness and bravery when faced with the death of her parents was both touching and inspiring.
I think we all have starting over stories. Life turns out to be a bit messier than we imagine it to be when we are young. While I have changed careers and cities like most people, I think the most dramatic start over has been being a mother and figuring out what that means for me."
