For Seven Lifetimes: An East-West Journey to a Spiritually Fulfilling and Sustainable Marriage

Vatsala and Ehud Sperling
Inner Traditions (2010)
ISBN 9781594773730
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (2/11)


I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book to review but the caption on the cover '"This book is just terrific...highly recommended.' -ABC News" caught my attention. 

The premise of the book can be gleaned from the back cover – “Defying the norms of her culture and tradition, a highly educated Tamil Brahmin woman decided to arrange her own marriage.  Simultaneously, an American book publisher - disillusioned with love in the Western world  - looks to India to find a wife by placing an ad in an Indian newspaper.”  What happens next is amazing and makes the reader stop and contemplate the spiritual journey the couple endured. Vatsala is Hindu and Ehud is Jewish.

I found “For Seven Lifetimes” a fascinating read and actually not wanting to stop when it ended.  The dialog between Vatsala and Ehud is heartwarming, educational, and certainly pulls on the heart strings. Their communication opens up vast conversations about culture, family, sexuality, gender roles, parenting, career options, religious beliefs and spirituality.  The dialog is personal and at times feels intrusive by the reader.

This book is very timely as our society verges into tolerance and acceptance of people of other faiths.  As well, much is being discussed about mixed marriages, not only race but religion.  “For Seven Lifetimes” shows us that we can live with each other and have productive and fulfilled lives regardless of our faith; all that matters is the love for each other.  As it has been said before many times “love conquers all” and Vatsal and Ehud Sperling are ones that show us the true meaning of that statement.  I am truly inspired by this couple and have restored faith in hope.

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