What We Carry

A Memoir

By: Maya Shanbhag Lang

Narrated by: Maya Shanbhag Lang

“A gorgeous memoir about mothers, daughters, and the tenacity of the love that grows between what is said and what is left unspoken.”—Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk

If our family stories shape us, what happens when we learn those stories were never true? Who do we become when we shed our illusions about the past?

Maya Shanbhag Lang grew up idolizing her brilliant mother, an accomplished physician who immigrated to the United States from India and completed her residency all while raising her children and keeping a traditional Indian home. Maya’s mother had always been a source of support—until Maya became a mother herself. Then the parent who had once been so capable and attentive became suddenly and inexplicably unavailable. Struggling to understand this abrupt change while raising her own young child, Maya searches for answers and soon learns that her mother is living with Alzheimer’s.

Unable to remember or keep track of the stories she once told her daughter—stories about her life in India, why she immigrated, and her experience of motherhood—Maya’s mother divulges secrets about her past that force Maya to reexamine their relationship. It becomes clear that Maya never really knew her mother, despite their close bond. Absorbing, moving, and raw, What We Carry is a memoir about mothers and daughters, lies and truths, receiving and giving care, and how we cannot grow up until we fully understand the people who raised us. It is a beautiful examination of the weight we shoulder as women and an exploration of how to finally set our burdens down.

Praise for What We Carry

"Part self-discovery, part family history. . . [Lang's] analysis of the shifting roles of mothers and daughters, particularly through the lens of immigration, help[s] to challenge her family’s mythology. . . . Readers interested in examining their own family stories . . . will connect deeply with Lang’s beautiful memoir."—Library Journal
(Starred Review)

“A stirring memoir exploring the fraught relationships between mothers and daughters . . . astutely written and intense . . . [What We Carry] will strike a chord with readers.”—Publishers Weekly

“Lang is an immediately affable and honest narrator who offers an intriguing blend of revelatory personal history and touching insight.”—BookPage

Amazing!

What a great book. I couldn’t stop listening. I laughed and cried, but truly love the connection of mother and daughter. Bravo!!

Beautiful story

It has been a long time since I related so much to one story. Thank you for writing and inspiring others to do the same

Beautiful story

Beautifully written. Poignant story and so real. Wish she wrote more books. Highly recommend this.

Wow! What an amazing, relatable story

The language choice was like a Wether’s Original Caramel. The words rolled around in my mind, gathering deeper flavor with every turn. I woke up thinking about this story one morning. Excellent read.

Honest and deep

I loved the book. Author's honest and deep insights are extraordinary. Author describes the meaning beyond the said words in a beuatiful way. Author narrating the story, is a big plus for me.