'Dollar Bahu' by Sudha Murty - A Review



So I guess you shouldn't marry for money, or visas.

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre - short story, domestic fiction

Themes - wealth, family, immigration, truth

Similar Books -  'A Christmas Carol' - Charles Dickens, 'Zara Hossain is Here' - Sabina Kahn

When Vinuta marries Girish, moves to their home in Bangalore and takes care of the whole family, she is met with the fiery criticism of her mother-in-law Gouramma. However, when Gouramma's eldest son Chandru, who has settled in the USA, gets married to a girl with a wealthy background, Gouramma sings nothing but praise for her 'Dollar Bahu'. When Gouramma has the chance to visit her son in the states she leaves India with nothing but enthusiasm, but she soon finds that her perception of the dollar, and her family, may be very wrong. 'Dollar Bahu' by Sudha Murty explores how wealth can corrupt the family, and how love and affection will always champion the dollar.

Honestly, I liked this book far more than I thought I would. It is a novella, you can read it in one sitting, so it is very much plot based with little descriptions. Sudha Murty is known for the simplicity of her writing, engaging in relatable storytelling and using language that lacks complexity. Yet there is never a dull moment, plenty of plot-twists and many, many characters telling their own stories amongst the protagonist. Murty's book isn't overly critical of migration or the differences in living between the USA and India. She acknowledges the flaws in both countries as well as the advantages, exploring this through Chandru's experience of loneliness whilst living abroad, and the opportunities leaving India for the States brings. It is a simple yet charming read, giving this book 5 stars.

PS: a huge thank you to my sister who helped me with this week's photo.

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