A review of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's OLEANDER GIRL
All journeys we undertake are journeys of the heart. This statement can sum up the theme of Divakaruni’s latest work Oleander Girl. Mapping the journey of protagonist Karobi (Oleander in English-from which the novel gets its name), the book takes us through her life and the lives of its myriad characters. The journey is both literal as well as internal, a metaphysical journey towards personal growth. Her cocooned existence shattered by an unexpected revelation, Karobi launches on a search for her mysterious father. This takes her away from her closest people, and pushes her into an unfriendly, hostile America. She discovers the wells of strength and resolve within her after battling the injustices and scars that life deals out to her. Her very foundations of trust are shattered, yet she retains a child-like innocence and basic faith in life. Karobi’s innate goodness shines through and touches all characters positively. She is the touchstone against which each character is tra