The Abundance by Amit Majmudar, first published in 2013, is a lovingly bittersweet story of first generation immigrant parents living in the American mid-west, and their strong ties to Indian culture that their children and grandchildren are trying to leave behind.
Very early in the book you hear of the mother’s terminal illness and what ensues is a rebuilding of the family connections; of the children — now adults — re-exploring their cultural heritage. Even though there is sadness in the storyline, there are many lovely moments, special moments between mother and daughter, grandmother and grandchild, husband and wife. The book runs at a slow and detailed pace, enabling you to deeply know the characters, their relationships, and the complex love and respect they have for each other.
There are many references to the successes of their lives, their immigrant experiences, travelling to India and navigating a new life in the USA. The comparisons to her life during the illness is apparent, with how the dynamics change, how she is treated by friends and family, her becoming invisible.
What is key to unlocking their memories is the relationships with food: cooking, eating together, sharing the flavours, learning about their culture that had been lost in the next generation.
This is a truly intimate and detailed story of family re-connection and their battle with generational and cultural differences.