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 achievecentralidea Change image and share on social
A book can be wonderful and powerful and accessible and artful all at the same time. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni accessibleartfulbook Change image and share on social
I like being myself. Maybe just slimmer, with a few less wrinkles. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni slimwrinkle Change image and share on social
I started writing after the death of my grandfather - memories, poems, etc. It was very personal; for years I did not share my writing with anyone. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni deathgrandfathermemory Change image and share on social
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 carefulcultureeffort share on social
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 birthdeathexperience Change image and share on social
We even had a different word for Christmas in my language, Bengali: Baradin, which literally meant 'big day.' Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni baradinbengalibig Change image and share on social
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 behaviourcatastrophecatch share on social
I started putting down my thoughts on paper out of loneliness while I was studying in America. I was very close to my grandfather, and when he died, I couldn't visit home. I started scribbling those thoughts. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni americaclosedie share on social
I was about 12 when I first encountered 'The Moonstone' - or a Classics Illustrated version of it - digging through an old trunk in my grandfather's house on a rainy Bengali afternoon. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni afternoonbengaliclassic Change image and share on social