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Sandra Wagner-Wright
a book bubble about
Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Literature & Fiction
Author Insight
You Must Itemize
After discussing baptism with Godubai, I wonder if Rama is relieved to discuss something as mundane as accounting with Sarah. In many ways Rama saw American accounting methods as irrelevant. If you buy a bed, of course you buy a mosquito net. Why should that be a separate entry? Sarah takes her job seriously. The American board sent her to India to keep track of how their money is spent. She's shocked that Rama takes what Sarah sees as an irresponsible approach. Both women begin feeling annoyed.
Book Excerpt
Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)
Rama gave Sarah an innocent look. “What did you want to discuss?”
“Well, first of all, these accounts. You haven’t done them properly. You must follow standard business practices.”
“I thought that’s why you came. To put Sharada Sadan on a proper business footing.”
“It’s a difficult task when I don’t have a true account of expenses. You must itemize everything so we know exactly what has been paid for. See here for example.” Sarah flipped through the monthly sheets. “It says bed. I asked matron how much a bed costs, and it’s much less than what you put here.”
“The amount includes everything that goes with the bed. The coverings and mattress.”
“You must itemize. So many beds costing so much per bed with a total. And the same with the mattresses.”
“I don’t have time to do all that. Besides it was just the one bed for our newest widow. We buy things as we need them.”
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