I guess there's a lot we hope for that never happens. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni More Quotes by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni More Quotes From Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 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 grandfather writing memories death I came from a traditional family, and it was an exciting but challenging transition to move to America and live on my own. The world around me was suddenly so different. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni live me family world Perhaps what distinguishes my characters is their courage and spirit and a certain stubbornness which enables them to keep going even when facing a setback. I think this developed organically as I wrote, but also it came out of a desire to portray women as powerful and intelligent forces in the world. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni keep-going women courage world My grandfather was a very strong personality. He certainly ruled his household with an iron fist, even though it was often gloved in velvet! Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni iron strong personality grandfather I find that it's really important for me to imagine characters and situations. That allows me a lot of freedom. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni find me freedom important I love visual art. I painted for many years when I was younger. I have studied modern/contemporary Indian art a bit and am very impressed with the talent in India. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni talent india love art After September 11, 2001, I was feeling like I really wanted more understanding between cultures. It seemed to me that so much of what happened on September 11 was because people didn't understand each other and were suspicious of each other. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni feeling understand me people I'm a very senses-oriented person, and I want to bring readers in on the level of the senses, so they can experience another culture and another place. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni person place experience culture 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 achieve sacrifice important thinking By the time we're adults, our ideas have solidified. So I wanted to write for a younger audience, who would perhaps love heroes from other cultures. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni heroes time love ideas I think writers from both East and West have long been fascinated by the ancient tales and the opportunity to reinterpret them. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni i-think think opportunity long
