I think writers from both East and West have long been fascinated by the ancient tales and the opportunity to reinterpret them. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
By the time we’re adults, our ideas have solidified. So I wanted to write for a younger audience, who would perhaps love heroes from other cultures. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
To achieve important things, we have to sacrifice what’s important to us. That’s an idea that’s very central to Indian thinking. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
I find that it’s really important for me to imagine characters and situations. That allows me a lot of freedom. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
My grandfather was a very strong personality. He certainly ruled his household with an iron fist, even though it was often gloved in velvet! Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
Strong women, when respected, make the whole society stronger. One must be careful with such rapid changes, though, and make an effort to preserve, at the same time, the positive traditions of Indian culture. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
I wrote ‘Mistress of Spices’ at an unusual time when I had a near-death experience after the birth of my second son. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
I was caught on the freeway for hours when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The entire city had to be evacuated. I observed lives threatened by catastrophes and a whole range of behaviour. What could people do during a crisis? Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
It is an Englishman who turns out to be the real villain of ‘The Moonstone.’ By contrast, the three Indian priests who dedicate their lives to returning the jewel to its proper home in the temple, though they have nothing personal to gain by doing so, are positively heroic. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
A kshatriya woman’s highest purpose in life is to support the warriors in her life: her father, brother, husband and sons. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Read Quote
