The novel discusses many intertwining topics together with marital relationships from an Indian point of view. It is a beautifully written tale of a young girl, Janu, who evolves into a mature woman capable of interpreting the 'ancient promises' made by her even before her birth.
I could relate this novel to many lives around me and that is why I think the book stays close to my heart. The plots and subplots discussed like teenage 'love', the obligations of the Indian children towards their parents, the concept of arranged marriages, the final struggle to survive all the adversities of life by a divorcee-who is looked down upon by the kerala society...are all presented in the most realistic way.
The book begins with Janu, recollecting her past. Through Janu's teenage fascination, Misra explores the depth of emotions of teenagers. But when it comes to adult life she draws out the hardships of marital life adjustments without romanticising. Janu endures humiliation from her in-laws. She reaches her wits end when her daughter too gets ignored and looked down upon by her husband and his family.
The novel takes a turn when Janu decides to face life on her own. Mishra shows the contempt of the keralites to a divorcee. The miserable situation of most poeple who continue marriage for fear of losing societal honour and reputation is also dealt within the novel.
Mishra brings in an element of hope and love when she brings back Arjun, the childhood love of Janu, towards the end of the novel. The novel is realistic in its depiction of Indian lives and is able to move the readers intellectually and emotionally especially in the part dealing with the bonding of Janu with her daughter Ria. The autistic daughter of Janu whose inability to comprehend people's attitudes towards her gives a deeper emotional touch to the novel.
The cliched theme of a woman's struggle to survive in a patriarchal society becomes more relevant when we refer to the autobiographical elements in Mishra's novel. The author also draws the tapestry of the kerala society of her times. Janu's migration to England turns out to be a relief for both the readers and for Janu as well. Janu is able to provide better facilities for her daughter in England while continuing her studies with the help of her teenage heart throbe Arjun.
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I could relate this novel to many lives around me and that is why I think the book stays close to my heart. The plots and subplots discussed like teenage 'love', the obligations of the Indian children towards their parents, the concept of arranged marriages, the final struggle to survive all the adversities of life by a divorcee-who is looked down upon by the kerala society...are all presented in the most realistic way.The book begins with Janu, recollecting her past. Through Janu's teenage fascination, Misra explores the depth of emotions of teenagers. But when it comes to adult life she draws out the hardships of marital life adjustments without romanticising. Janu endures humiliation from her in-laws. She reaches her wits end when her daughter too gets ignored and looked down upon by her husband and his family.
The novel takes a turn when Janu decides to face life on her own. Mishra shows the contempt of the keralites to a divorcee. The miserable situation of most poeple who continue marriage for fear of losing societal honour and reputation is also dealt within the novel.
Mishra brings in an element of hope and love when she brings back Arjun, the childhood love of Janu, towards the end of the novel. The novel is realistic in its depiction of Indian lives and is able to move the readers intellectually and emotionally especially in the part dealing with the bonding of Janu with her daughter Ria. The autistic daughter of Janu whose inability to comprehend people's attitudes towards her gives a deeper emotional touch to the novel.
The cliched theme of a woman's struggle to survive in a patriarchal society becomes more relevant when we refer to the autobiographical elements in Mishra's novel. The author also draws the tapestry of the kerala society of her times. Janu's migration to England turns out to be a relief for both the readers and for Janu as well. Janu is able to provide better facilities for her daughter in England while continuing her studies with the help of her teenage heart throbe Arjun.
Nandhitha's Blogs
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