The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar

Money and education create a divide among all of us.  Wealth and knowledge determine our quality of healthcare, living conditions, social status, our ability to read and understand documents, communicate with others, and to verbally defend and protect ourselves and our families.  Some may even argue that a large bank account and a college degree determine happiness.  Authors have penned stories and memoirs based upon the theme of poverty and wealth since ink was put to paper.  Thrity Umrigar opens the doors to this division and contrast in a moving account of the lives of two women, one poor, one middle class, who seemingly lead different lives in The Space Between Us

Once happily married with two children, Bhima is forced to raise her granddaughter in the slums of Bombay after losing her family.  She walks to her job each day through crowds of beggars and streets of filth where she is a servant to Sera, a middle class woman who exudes class, cultivation, and beauty.  Based on social status, economics, and education, these two women outwardly live opposing lifestyles.  Inwardly, however, their lives are more connected than either of them ever come to realize.  Money and education may buy better living conditions and lifestyles; however, it does not immunize these women from the realities of domestic and familial infedelities, tragedies, and sorrows.

The Space Between Us is one of those heartbreaking reads that sticks with you for a long time.  It makes you think about your own position in society and how you use or abuse that position.  It makes you think about how you treat others and why you treat them in such a manner.  It also makes you think about your own attitude toward your own life.  Are you living life to the fullest?  Are you using all of your resources appropirately and in a manner that betters yourself and/or others?  How selfish or giving are you? and are you willing to take risks and cross boundaries even if it is socially unacceptable to protect your own dignity?

Other great reads based on wealth, poverty, and servitude:
     *  The Help by Kathryn Stockett
     *  The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom