Across Borders, Beyond Beliefs

Can understanding and tolerance overcome cultural differences? Mary Thomas’ Across Borders, Beyond Beliefs begins with her childhood, which was spent in the bustling city of Mumbai, India. Married with two young children, Thomas relocates with her family to Iran. There, she gradually transitions into a new culture and different religious landscape, learning much about herself and others along the way. Venturing again into the unknown, she continues to travel far and wide, discovering that we are all interconnected human beings.

This memoir begins in Mumbai, a vastly populated city, inhabited by millions of people. The narrative is filled with evocative descriptions, all of which captured my attention at the outset. For example, Mumbai is described as being “Full-bodied, intrusive, fragrant, and alive.” This creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, one which contrasts with the quiet, reserved Iranian city of Tehran. Instead, Tehran is described as being “like a quiet sonnet—measured, dignified, secretive.” This highlights the vast differences between these two cities, both of which are special in their own, unique way.

I particularly enjoyed the exquisitely lyrical prose. Imagery contributes toward creating an immersive narrative. It also gradually builds a clear impression of the effect these places had on the author’s own mindset and self-growth. An example of this is when she states that Mumbai’s “heartbeat is a local train at rush hour, its prayer a honking rickshaw.” Thomas’s unique worldview and emotional responses continue to be interwoven throughout the text in this manner with literary finesse.

One of my favorite anecdotes is when a young, divorced mother, who has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, joins the author’s singing group. Thomas’s tone is highly personal when she explains that she saw herself as “Not a savior, not a solution. Just someone who stayed.” This heartfelt, moving story of the power of offering unconditional support in a non-judgmental way resonated with me on a personal level.

A recurring theme is the comfort and camaraderie that can be found when women from different religious backgrounds bond with one another, transcending language and cultural barriers. This enlightening message is delivered with unwavering sincerity. One of my favorite chapters is when Thomas recounts attending a Muslim wedding. At first, the strict separation between women and men is strange and unsettling. However, people are soon brought together through the unifying medium of dance, described as “a shared language of movement, music, and meaning.” This shows that there is a non-verbal way to communicate, one that is infused with understanding, joy, acceptance, and empathy.

With its immersive settings, ranging from Mumbai to Canada and beyond, fans of travel literature are bound to gravitate toward Across Borders, Beyond Beliefs by Mary Thomas.  Her message is deeply affirming: no matter where we are from or what our language or religious beliefs might be, we are nevertheless capable of forming sincere attachments. A fine message indeed, in my opinion.