This is a story set in the harsh realities of our times. It is a multi-layered story about two subjects – women emancipation and the caste system. The line between the two is often blurred as both are treated almost at par in a patriarchal society – they do not have a voice or say in their lives.
Latha is introduced in the first chapter as a spirited child, often scolded by her mother for bullying the boys in the neighbourhood, but indulged by her father. She belongs to an upper caste family in a small town in Tamil Nadu. As she grows into adolescence, and then adulthood, she starts noticing the way her father treats the lower caste tenants ruthlessly. This is a facet of her father that she cannot reconcile to, apart from the fact that the society continues to be male dominated where girls do not have a say in pursuing studies or selecting a life partner.
Without revealing the plot, I can only say that I am looking forward to reading the other two books in this three book series.
The review is by Sanjay Chandra, author of The Gymnast.
Contact sanjaychandra59@gmail.com for Book Reviews, Author Show, and Creative Writing Workshop.
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