THE CHEMISTRY OF BELONGING

A sweeping memoir that follows author Raman’s life, from her youth in India to her new life in America.

Born in 1948 in a “newly independent India,” Raman reflects on her upbringing by first offering some contextual historical information. Touching upon the history of English rule in India beginning in the 1600s, she then narrows in on her parents’ lives as they settled down in Dehradun. Her mother’s independence (and her father’s encouragement of it)—she helped establish the first women’s college in Dehradun—formed a major cornerstone of Raman’s own upbringing, as did their philosophy to never speak ill of anyone: “They said negative emotions make you weak in body and mind; positivity creates strength. My father said it created the right chemistry.” Raman eventually brings things around to her own childhood, which she spent with her older sister in Kothi. She contrasts her memories of India with her new life in America, cataloging both small changes and “fundamental differences like respect for those who look different or trusting a stranger instead of being afraid.” Raman’s memoir is essentially a paean to her parents and upbringing. Her reflections on identity hit upon many themes that are more relevant today than ever, including culture, tradition, child-rearing, immigration, and the sense of belonging. Occasional black-and-white photos of her parents’ adolescence and her own childhood help animate the cast. While occasional reminiscences can come across as a bit saccharine (“To this day, I think Papa’s ice cream was the best. Maybe the most important ingredient in his ice cream was his love of family”), Raman gives readers much to think about when it comes to finding joy and beauty in ordinary moments.

A warm, conversational memoir about identity, immigration, and gratitude.