How is friendship depicted in these pages? Why are the girls drawn to each other? How do they change over the course of the novel?

How is friendship depicted in these pages? Why do you think Poornima and Savitha are so drawn to each other? What qualities do they share, and what qualities distinguish each of them? How do they change over the course of the novel?

The girls' friendship was an alliance, a mutual benefit for both of them. Their friendship endured, gave purpose and direction, and saved them from destruction in the end. Both of the girls were not well-educated but they certainly were capable of being wise and that was far better than just being smart.

Sadly, I do not think I have EVER experienced friendship at this level! Poornima was drawn to Savitha for her confidence, her certainty. When Savitha told Poornima "I wouldn't have let them" after the run in with the young men of the village, Poornima knew she would never be alone again-she had a partner, someone to take care of her-and someone to take care of. Poornima learned to be strong, confident, and brave from Savitha. She learned to believe in herself. I think Savitha was grateful to have a friend that did not judge her for her poverty, her alcoholic father, and her mother's job as a "servant". As the oldest daughter, she was the caregiver in her family; no one took care of her physically or emotionally. Poornima did both.

At the beginning of the story, I predicted that Savitha would always be the strongest of the two; the one to protect and/or rescue Poornima. How surprised I was by the courage of Poornima to look though her husband's papers, teach herself the numbers, refuse to go home to her village, take a job as an accountant, save her money (the fact she even demanded a salary is amazing), find English classes and master them!!! Wow! All because her friend taught her how to see with clarity. She learned from Savitha how to be certain about something. And how beautiful that the thing she was most certain of was her friend, Savitha.

Great points acstrine and renem! I felt like their friendship got them through tough experiences and Poornima was motivated to find Savitha. I agree that Savitha seems to be the stronger person and then Poornima comes into her own.

Great points acstrine and renem! I felt like their friendship got them through tough experiences and Poornima was motivated to find Savitha. I agree that Savitha seems to be the stronger person and then Poornima comes into her own.

Yes ColoradoGirl! It was almost as if after Poornima was horribly disfigured she said "To hell with what is expected of me! Watch me!"

Their friendship provided each with a stable lifeline born of difficulty. Poornima had the most difficult circumstances as a child because Savitha at least had the love of her father, weak as he was. Neither girl had the love and support they needed until they met each other. Their difficult situations provided a platform for thestrong friendship they developed. Perhaps this depth of devotion is only available to those in dire straits.

I believe they were each other's biggest support. Both of their situations were dire, and they found comfort with each other. They found strength in each other. As the book progresses, they seem to become even stronger. I mean, who wouldn't after all they both endured?

The girls' friendship saved them. Sometimes I did get the impression they were having a relationship. I think I am wrong about that.
Poornima is going above and beyond to follow Savitha to Seattle.
I feel Poornima grew. Just the fact that she could go in search of Savitha proved she has had better options to allow he to go to Seattle.

A great friendship is when two friends compliment each other in balance and I think that is what happened here. At first Savitha is the strong one - teaching Poornima how to be strong in spite of their environment, then it is Poornima who is strong when Savitha needs her. It is interesting that their specific tactile skills complimented each other as well - Poornima made the thread which Savitha wove into cloth. I think this is the reason Savitha kept the cloth she had woven with her as well, because it was, when whole, a symbol of their friendship. I don't feel the friendship changed over the story - the balance just shifted as it needed to.

They were drawn to each other because they gave each other something they were both missing in their own lives. Poornima had a horrible home life with no real love. Savitha had love, but was very poor and carried a lot on her shoulders. They each had someone to confide in and trust. Their bond was not broken by the difficult paths they were forced to take. Over the course of time Poornima found strength and courage that she learned from Savitha. I think they each were able to endure what they did remembering their happy memories.