“Gangamma, like Asha, wondered if she was going against the wishes of God by giving a barren woman a baby. “If she can’t have a child, it’s because God doesn’t want her to have one,” Gangamma said. “Don’t you think we’re doing something wrong here?” “And if God gives us cancer, we still get treated, don’t we? We don’t sit around and think this is God’s will,” Keertana said. “This is the same thing.”” A HOUSE for HAPPY MOTHERS (Lake Union Publishing)
Amulya Malladi’s novel, A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS takes us on an emotional journey of surrogacy, experiencing the heart-wrenching terrain encountered by mothers in first and third worlds. The culturally different roles women play in these societies are highlighted in what used to be warm, private family experiences, that some might argue now have become “rent-a-womb” business transactions.
Priya is the daughter of a Caucasian father and an Indian mother. She lives in Silicon Valley and has everything she could want, a wonderful husband, house, career, but she’s unable to have a baby. Asha lives in a small tin roof hut in an Indian Village, half-way around the world with her husband and two children. They struggle to eat and keep a roof over their heads, but Asha is desperate to afford an education for her gifted son.
Asha knows of the Happy Mothers House, essentially a “baby farm” for wealthy childless couples overseas. It’s not her first choice to make money, but after her family pressures her, she checks in. Priya’s friends and family are surprised she is willing to tap into India’s rising surrogacy industry, wondering if she’s exploiting Asha.
A HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS is a thought-provoking novel that will work well in book-clubs. The story alternates between Priya and Asha perspectives, from Silicon Valley back to the small Indian Village. Priya frequents late night internet surrogate message boards. Asha is part of a traditionally arranged marriage, and must obey her husband, also worrying if her husband will squander the money they make. “Womb-renting” is frowned upon in the Village, so many women hide, emerging nine-months later saying they “lost” the baby.
Amulya uses subtle nuances to bridge the two women’s stories over two continents and cultures without making any judgements and leaves readers are to decide for themselves.
*****************************************
REALITY CHECK:
It’s interesting to note that in October 2015, the Indian Government banned all surrogate services for foreigners and ordered all fertility clinics in India to stop hiring Indian women from bearing children for them. The government argues they are protecting poor Indian women from exploitation. But the women argue that they could never earn the money they make from being surrogates and want the government to “get out of their private lives.”
The Indian Government has also instructed Indian Embassies abroad, to stop granting “reproductive tourism” visas. (yes, that’s what they are called.)
The surrogacy issue remains in the Indian Supreme Court.
Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble
About Amulya Malladi
Amulya Malladi is the author of six novels, including THE SOUND of Language and THE MANGO SEASON. Her books have been translated into several languages, including Dutch, German, Spanish, Danish, Romanian, Serbian, and Tamil. She lives in Copenhagen with her husband and two children.
Connect with Amulya
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Thanks to TLC Book Tours http://www.tlcbooktours.com and Lake Union Publishing we have one copy of A HAPPY HOUSE FOR HAPPY MOTHERS to give away. Just leave a comment telling us what you think about this controversial issue. As I wrote above, I bet this novel will be the perfect choice for many book-clubs. We’ll pick a winner Monday.
Amulya Malladi’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Thursday, May 26th: Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Friday, May 27th: Broken Teepee
Tuesday, May 31st: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Wednesday, June 1st: Kahakai Kitchen
Wednesday, June 1st: Chick Lit Central – spotlight/giveaway
Thursday, June 2nd: Mom’s Small Victories
Monday, June 6th: Bibliotica
Tuesday, June 7th: 5 Minutes for Books
Wednesday, June 8th: Thoughts on This ‘n That
Thursday, June 9th: Luxury Reading
Friday, June 10th: A Splendid Messy Life
Monday, June 13th: Lavish Bookshelf
Tuesday, June 14th: Kritter’s Ramblings
Wednesday, June 15th: The Reading Date
Thursday, June 16th: Lit and Life
Friday, June 17th: Books a la Mode – guest post/giveaway
Monday, June 20th: BookNAround
Tuesday, June 21st: Patricia’s Wisdom
Thursday, June 23rd: Good Girl Gone Redneck
Monday, June 27th: Worth Getting in Bed For
Oh wow, the subject here is unreal and I would love to read this nove.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A profound and emotional topic in our modern world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An interesting topic, which ought to be addressed. I’d like to read this book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting would love to read, thanks
LikeLike
Would love to read this, I love books that talk about controversial things. They really make people think.
LikeLike
interesting topic
LikeLike
Wow, I didn’t know about the legal decisions made regarding this situation in India. It certainly gives a bit of additional depth to this story.
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
LikeLike