Immigration was a huge force in changing my outlook. I moved to America 30 years ago. I had to reassess my beliefs, especially about women's roles. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni agoamericabelief Change image and share on social
I've long been interested in the tale-within-a-tale phenomenon. I'm familiar with many tales which use this framework or the device of many people in one place, telling their stories, or multiple storytellers commenting on each others' stories with their own. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni commentdevicefamiliar share on social
I have no particular reader in mind, but a passionate desire to tell an honest, moving story. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni desirehonestmind Change image and share on social
Two great and terrible truths of war are these: War is easy to enter into, but difficult to end. And ultimately, in war there are no winners. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni difficulteasyend Change image and share on social
Dissolving differences has always been an important motive for my writing, right from 'The Mistress of Spices.' Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni differencedissolveimportant Change image and share on social
Unlike novels with a hero or two heroines, in 'One Amazing Thing,' all the characters tell stories they've never told anyone before, so all the voices become equally important. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni amazecharacterequally Change image and share on social
I type everything on my computer. I carry a writer's notebook everywhere, in case I am struck by an idea. I forget things unless I write them down. I'm planning to learn how to dictate into my cellphone; I think that will be very helpful, too. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni carrycasecellphone share on social
Sometimes what is 'real' because it takes place in the physical world, like 9/11, is so unreal on the level of the soul. Then other things, which in terms of the physical world seem so magical and unbelievable, on the level of the soul seem very real. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni levelmagicalphysical share on social
My favorite part was when my grandfather and I would make a special trip to Firpo's Bakery for red and green Christmas cookies and fruitcake studded with the sweetest cherries I've ever tasted. Usually Firpo's was too expensive for our slim budget, but Christmas mornings they gave a discount to any children who came in. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni bakerybudgetcherry share on social
I have been watching how Indian women are forced to do certain things, as the stories of sacrifice and devotion in mythology demand from them. And then there are inspiring stories about women like the Rani of Jhansi that offer women refreshing role models. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni demanddevotionforce share on social