The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar

Thrity Umrigar in her book, The Story Hour, tells the story of two women whose paths cross in the most unusual way.  Lakshmi, an Indian immigrant trapped in a loveless marriage to a cruel man, comes to meet Maggie, a hospital psychologist,  when she tries to commit suicide.  Doctor and patient soon develop a relationship.  It is not a friendship per se, but it is pivotal to both their lives. Both women suffer from extreme loneliness. Lakshmi was forced to leave her family in India; Maggie lost her mother to cancer and her father because he could not live up to her needs.  In the beginning of this relationship it is Maggie who leads Lakshmi toward independence and self esteem, but as the story progresses the roles seem to switch.  Maggie's insecurities and flaws cause her to tear apart her own family.  It is Lakshmi who then comes in to help repair the damage.  Umrigar uses the one hour therapy sessions, the story hour, to unveil these interesting and touching women.  We come to know them in this intimate setting and we quickly see they are just like all of us "more than our ... sin."  The lesson we learn is that we all are worthy of the hope we have in each other and of a better, happier future.