The Weight of Heaven: A Novel

From the bestselling author of THE SPACE BETWEEN US comes an emotionally-charged story about unexpected death, unhealed wounds, and the price one father will pay to protect himself from pain and loss.

“Powerful. . . . Twisty, brimming with dark humor and keen moral insight, The Weight of Heaven packs a wallop on both a literary and emotional level. . . . Umrigar . . . is a descriptive master.” — Christian Science Monitor

From Thrity Umrigar, bestselling author of The Space Between Us, comes The Weight of Heaven. In the rich tradition of the acclaimed works of Indian writers such as Rohinton Mistry, Akhil Sharma, Indra Sinha, and Jhumpa Lahiri, The Weight of Heaven is an emotionally charged story about unexpected death, unhealed wounds, and the price one father will pay to protect himself from pain and loss. Additionally, it offers unique perspectives, both Indian and American, on the fragmented nature of globalized India.

When Frank and Ellie Benton lose their only child, seven-year-old Benny, to a sudden illness, the perfect life they had built is shattered. Filled with wrenching memories, their Ann Arbor home becomes unbearable, and their marriage founders. Then an unexpected job half a world away in Girbaug, India, offers them an opportunity to start again. But Frank's befriending of Ramesh—a bright, curious boy who quickly becomes the focus of his attentions—will lead the grieving man down an ever-darkening path with stark repercussions.

A devastating look at cultural clashes and divides, Thrity Umrigar's The Weight of Heaven is a rare glimpse of a family and a country struggling under pressures beyond their control.

“Intimately and compassionately told. . . . Sensuous . . . Umrigar’s memorable characters will live on for a long time.” - Washington Post

“Umrigar continues her exploration of cultural divides in this beautifully written and incisive novel about an American couple’s experience in India. . . . Umrigar digs into the effects of grief on a relationship and the many facets of culture clash—especially American capitalism’s impact on a poor country—but it is the tale of how Frank’s interest in Ramesh veers into obsession and comes to a devastating end that provides the gripping through line. Umrigar establishes herself as a singularly gifted storyteller.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Well paced. . . . An unflinching portrait of parental bereavement.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Umrigar carries a burden as heavy as the title by using a tale of personal tragedy to depict the balance of power in global economics. . . . Her observations are dispassionate and astute enough to deliver at both levels. This is a morality tale tuned to our times.” - Cleveland Plain Dealer

“Powerful. . . . Twisty, brimming with dark humor and keen moral insight, The Weight of Heaven packs a wallop on both a literary and emotional level. . . . Umrigar is a master of delineating the ethical lines Frank and Ellie cross, with, at least at first, the best of intentions. . . . [She] is a descriptive master.” - Christian Science Monitor

“Umrigar beautifully illuminates how human relationships are complicated by cultural, geographical, and class divides.” - More Magazine

“Umrigar . . . finely plumbs the depths of the human heart, from the heights of joy and passion to the very deepest despair. Recommended for all fiction collections.” - Library Journal

“Rich prose and vibrant descriptions of India. . . . THE WEIGHT OF HEAVEN is a bold, beautifully rendered tale of cultures that clash and coalesce.” - Booklist (starred review)

“The landscape and culture . . . [are] evocatively depicted. . . . And such drama! . . . We’re pulled along by the intensity of this sweepingly cinematic story.” - Elle

“Powerful. . . . Twisty, brimming with dark humor and keen moral insight, THE WEIGHT OF HEAVEN packs a wallop on both a literary and emotional level. . . . Umrigar is a master of delineating the ethical lines Frank and Ellie cross, with, at least at first, the best of intentions. . . . Umrigar, a journalist for the Boston Globe, is a descriptive master.” - Christian Science Monitor

“Umrigar renders a collection of compelling and complex characters, from kind, conflicted Sera to fiercely devoted Bhima. Sadness suffuses this eloquent tale, whose heart-stopping plot twists reveal the ferocity of fate.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Umrigar is a perceptive and often piercing writer.” - New York Times Book Review