I was caught on the freeway for hours when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. The entire city had to be evacuated. I observed lives threatened by catastrophes and a whole range of behaviour. What could people do during a crisis?

The ancient world is always accessible, no matter what culture you come from. I remember when I was growing up in India and I read the 'Iliad' and the 'Odyssey.'

I wrote 'Mistress of Spices' at an unusual time when I had a near-death experience after the birth of my second son.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Quotes