Barrett's writing career spanned 57 years and included short stories, biographies, novels, and non-fiction. Author of Lilies of the Field and The Left Hand of God. Not exactly a recipe for dynamic storytelling, and ultimately I found it something of a slog to finish.Born NovemDied September 15, 1986. But for much of the book, it felt like the supposed protagonist could've been replaced by a life-size doll and the story would have come out the same. I was pleased at the thought of a book that told the story of a major religious figure's wife - far too often, influential women in history have their tales ignored or actively suppressed. And while I realize that's very much the Buddhist philosophy, the way it's written makes it feel very much like things just happen to and around her, without her actions having much of an effect on anything.
Even when she expresses displeasure or desire for something else, she seems to let go of it just as quickly, with no particular striving to change. But Yasodhara is put in a passive role by birth and culture, and never quite seems to break out of it. And to a degree, Siddharta does this he wants spiritual enlightenment, and sacrifices his prestigious social role and several years of his life seeking it. Maybe I'm too inculcated in the Western storytelling tradition: in order for there to be a story, people have to want things, enough to be willing to make sacrifices and undergo trials for it. (And, indeed, the research is impeccable - I learned a lot of fascinating stuff about the time and place and originating culture of the Buddha's birth.)īut having now read all 373 pages of this telling of Yasodhara's story, I.can honestly say that I just don't get it. And I realize that writing a story about the wife of one of history's most revered religious figures - especially one you, too, revere - is going to be a difficult task, no matter how thoroughly you research her background or the period. I admire a lot of what this book is attempting. Maybe there's a reason I'm not a Buddhist.
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