The Vine of Desire

By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

The beloved characters of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's best-selling novel Sister of My Heart are reunited in this powerful narrative that challenges the emotional bond between two lifelong friends, as the husband of one becomes dangerously attracted to the other.

Anju and Sudha formed an astounding, almost psychic connection during their childhood in India. When Anju invites Sudha, a single mother in Calcutta, to come live with her and her husband, Sunil, in California, Sudha foolishly accepts, knowing full well that Sunil has long desired her. As Sunil's attraction rises to the surface, the trio must struggle to make sense of the freedoms of America - and of the ties that bind them to India and to one another.

©2002 Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Love and Forgiveness

The continuation of this story was even better than the first. At the end of the first book, we had the excitement of the “sisters” coming together in America. Sometimes too much togetherness, even with a best friend, can do us in. This book had some heartbreak, love, and in the end forgiveness. I really enjoyed Julia Whelan’s voices of each character. So much talent that help tie the story together.

Beautifully written

Human emotions which are hard to put into words are beautifully stringed together. Every character has its share of white, black & grey areas. High on emotions, plot is very well written. Sometimes it becomes too wordy though & tires me.
Will surely recommend.

Vine of desire

Amazing writing compelling story but the ending has no closure. Also the imagery is outstanding

Heartbreaking

The book will stay with me for v long time. It is haunting and exhilarating. The narrator is equal to the task of adding emotions to the narrative.

Good story, horrible narration

Any additional comments?

The narrator's voice is so annoying it is sometimes hard to listen to. She speaks in this breathy, almost whisper, voice that doesn't fit the story at all. And her voice for Sunil (the male character) is laughable. Her pronunciation of the Indian words is so bad that at times I don't know what she is talking about. I am about half way through the book, and am enjoying the story. It is an accurate portrayal of the lives of many Indian woman and the way they think. But I would encourage others to read the book rather than listen to it.

Wonderful story - beautifully written, and executed

This is a sequel to Sister of my heart.
I listen to both books one after the other, and the characters, plot, complexity of human emotions, and thoughts is again beautifully written by this very talented author.
Imperative to listen or read sister of my heart first though
I am working my way through all of this authors Writings, and I highly recommend this series of two books

Good

Story was ok, good. Was slow a read. The last quarter of the book was best.

Wonderful story problematically read

I am a fan of Divakaruni’s novels, but I almost stopped mid-story on multiple occasions because of the many, many mispronunciations of Indian words: even desi and Bengal, for heaven’s sake!

Good, interesting

Narration great, story interesting. Good story, kept me wanting to listen. Is there a sequel to this?

Good listen overall

But seriously. When a reader mispronounces foreign words they shouldn’t be the reader. She could t even pronounce “chai”! So annoying. But still a good easy listen. For once, an Indian novel that doesn’t end disastrously.