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Summary

The Olander family embodies the modern American Dream in a globalized world. Jaya, the cultured daughter of an Indian diplomat and Keith, an ambitious banker from middle-class Philadelphia, meet in a London pub in 1988 and make a life together in suburban California. Their strong marriage is built on shared beliefs and love for their two children: headstrong teenager Karina and young son Prem, the light of their home.

But love and prosperity cannot protect them from sudden, unspeakable tragedy, and the family’s foundation cracks as each member struggles to seek a way forward. Jaya finds solace in spirituality. Keith wagers on his high-powered career. Karina focuses relentlessly on her future and independence. And Prem watches helplessly as his once close-knit family drifts apart.

When Karina heads off to college for a fresh start, her search for identity and belonging leads her down a dark path, forcing her and her family to reckon with the past, the secrets they’ve held and the weight of their choices.

The Shape of Family is an intimate portrayal of four individuals as they grapple with what it means to be a family and how to move from a painful past into a hopeful future. It is a profoundly moving exploration of the ways we all seek belonging—in our families, our communities and ultimately, within ourselves.

Review

Keith and Jaya, a blend of different cultures and backgrounds, find the strength of their love a guiding force to make a lovely family and home. They bore two children, Karina and Prem, who bring joy and happiness that shine bright in their hearts and lives. An unexpected tragedy comes into their lives that eventually splits them at their core but through the dark find the light that reconcile with the past, present and future.

The Shape of a Family was such a beautiful book. Beautiful writing and sweeping storytelling, it captured the depth and affects of grief on a family and how they found their way back to each other. Reading the book through the perspectives of each family member gave an insight into their experiences and emotions which allowed us to connect and experience their journey with them. Jaya, found comfort in surrendering her pain to spirituality. Seeing her transition through this enlightening period was moving and inspirational. Keith poured his life into his work which led to some poor decisions that had consequences. Karina's journey was a tough one. As a young woman dealing with her pain, this was hard to experience but ultimately she found her way. Grief is a powerful thing that can really break a family but depending on its strength, no matter what obstacles or hardships might come your way, love and light will find a way back to mend.

Overall, The Shape of a Family was a beautiful book that once you start reading you'll not want to put it down. I'd recommend reading this one.