The Irony of Divorce
When people divorce, they often fight for wealth and the custody of the children. Ironically, when Kamala’s parents’ divorce, they only fight for books because they want to take all the books they co-own. Consequently, Kamala’s parents are thirsty for knowledge, and that is why they both graduate with PhDs at early ages. Kamala says, “They were separated shortly after my dad took a job at the University of Wisconsin, and divorced a few years later. They did not fight about money. The only thing they fought about was who got the books.”
The Irony Kamala’s Mother’s people (Family)
The first time Kamala’s mother relocates to further her studies in the United States of America, she knows nobody, and she thinks that it will be hell. Ironically, after arriving in the USA, Kamala's mother meets her boyfriend (husband) and many other like-minded friends who fight for equal treatment of the minority groups. Even after divorcing her husband, Kamala’s mother meets Aunty Mary, Uncle Freddy, and Uncle Aubrey, who share a similar vision. Kamala says, "These were my mother's people. In a country where she had no family, they were her family, and she was theirs. From almost the moment she arrived from India, she chose and was welcomed to and enveloped in the black community."
Kamala’s family pride for the South Asian roots
Most immigrants in the United States of America want to be assimilated into the western culture as soon as possible to fit the American way of living. Ironically, Kamala's mother never abandoned her Indian culture but ensured that her daughters knew everything about the Indian way. Kamala says, “My mother, grandparents, aunts, and uncle instilled us with pride in our South Asian roots.” Therefore, Kamala’s mother chose to teach her children about their roots and culture instead of encouraging them to assimilate the white culture.
The Irony of the Jackson Five
The Jackson five were celebrated celebs, and many people adore them, but they never thought of young black girls fantasizing about being married to them. Satirically, Kamala loves Tito (one of the Jacksons five) till today. Kamala says, “Maya and I grew incredibly close to Mrs. Shelton’s daughter and foster children; we’d pretend that we were all going to marry the Jackson Five – Maya with Michael and me with Tito.”
The Irony of Kamala’s father
As much as Kamala’s father remains part of their lives, the reader finds it ironic that he does not take full control of how his girls grow up. He leaves the responsibility of bringing up the children to Kamala’s mother. Kamala says, "My father remained a part of our lives. We would see him on weekends and spend summers with him in Palo Alto. But it was my mother who took charge of our upbringing."
