The first in an exciting series examining relationships and their historical roots, “Ann Umbird” by Jane Sagoo follows the titular couple of the title as they seek to uncover the truth about their past, answer a few questions, and create a new relationship. The central theme in this romantic comedy is gender roles, and how these rules change as one ages. Sagoo is the very attractive, capable older woman, while the less confident, less equipped younger man (operated by her older brother) is the prospective love interest. Ann has been hoping to win her half of the world for years, but things don’t go so smoothly into their second stage of the relationship. She realizes that she must let go of her guilt about her race, and her destiny, which rests with the still young Nationality, whose family owns most of the wealth in the area.
It is not surprising to read about a person’s death, especially when that person is the subject of a love story, but the fact that Ann’s untimely death haunts her husband and son are what makes the plot compelling. There is no sign of Ann’s decease or demise in the text. Her death is mentioned only in the very end, when her son reveals a letter Ann wrote to him after her death in which she expresses her hope that he will one day see her again, and that she is proud that he has waited until then to propose. This shows us that, despite their long marriage, even lovers are susceptible to the pressures of family inheritance, especially when their spouse dies unexpectedly.
This is a good story, which deals with issues of identity, family heritage, and romantic relationships. I enjoyed reading about a woman’s life who has passed away, yet the reader cannot forget her personality and the way she changed the lives of those around her. Ann Umbrellas is a unique character, and the story offers a good view of how relationships should be when people are aging. This is a fun, fast read with some good advice on how to keep a happy marriage.