An interactive review is being attempted for the first
time, Writersmelon concludes the month long feature for the book - A calender
too crowded , by Sagarika with some candid expressions from the reviewer and
the author.
You will hear more from the author and a detailed
dissection of the book in the month of June. Why again on June? Well we figured
out a book that has been written after 2
years of research, requires more processing time... Till then you can continue reading her at her
blog - www.endowedwithmetis.
Dhruv Joshi from writersmelon read this magnum opus last
week , which he felt was one of the most 'engaging' books that he has read
lately.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Dhruv: This book is a collection of short stories
and poems based on the issues of modern day feminism. The book takes on a
probing, questioning and critiquing role towards the issues that have often
been put aside, covered or discussed in hushed voices. At
times the author is ruthlessly honest which frees the book from stereotype
feminist expressions which put women on either of the extremes.
There are two
major aspects of this book which command an attention at the outset. First is
the depth in the content, insights and research on the issues involved and the
perspective developed by reasoning and understanding of complex phenomena. Second is the fiction side of it, the
presentation of all the things mentioned in ahead in a sound, easy to read and
lyrical prose.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Sagarika: "Overdose of feminism all around ....and the same gets beyond me and definately beyond my book too"
I am human when
I present my views but my book gets “wrongly” tagged as a feminist book. I have
cried hoarse time and again that I am not a feminist in writing or in thought
and my book is all about woman and womanhood. It’s not that I have anything
against feminism – I cannot afford to have when it’s a label that no matter how
much I have shrugged it off, has found its way to stick to my name!
However, saying
that, I stand clear on the fact that I am not a feminist. Why you ask, mainly
because I don’t think standing up for issues related to women always
necessarily means putting the male folk in
low and bad light. I can remove that aspect and still talk about rights
– if that part gets intertwined in the process I have no problem.
I really want a space where I can breathe free
and giggle – not one where each word is hair split and people are ready to
point and pounce on how your statement is derogatory to the entire clan of
women! I am a woman and a very proud one – I can proudly say that the amount of
gender studies work I have done surpasses what my peers have indulged in (of
those I know), but still I feel that standing up for womanhood is not being
feminist.
But I shall make
no hue and cry, snickering or clicking my tongue over ..
Talks in jest where I talk of pouts and
smiles helping me get my way!
Cuddling a teddy and loving
Barbie in a little girly fashion.
Sharing accounts or asking him
before I spend on a thing
Being daddy’s little princess
and still relying on him
Despite writing for World Bank
and penning down books, wanting to serve my family food cooked by me for dinner
Giving up work for children and
not expecting a role reversal with my partner
Wanting to live in with my
in-laws and not really agreeing to the issue of “space”
Despite supporting various
causes and defending rape cases in courts wearing the lawyer tag, refusing to
give into male bashing at each instance
Giving a lady the advice of
trying to repair a relationship with egos being dropped, hers being first and
not thinking that I am asking her to give up her self-worth
Not being able to control my
tears in public – strong women don’t break down!!!
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Dhruv : "The strongest part of the book is the
command of author over the issues discussed. The honesty in the description is
evident of sound research and analysis. At times the author is ruthlessly
honest which frees the book from stereotype feminist expressions which put women
on either of the extremes. Moreover the
range of expressions, issues and insights covered are also indicative of the
depth and thought that have gone into making of these short stories and poems.
References to the traditions and some of the characters of ancient epics also
draw a useful and elaborative parallel between the social conditions of women
across different times.
Author also
stays away from being didactive and too authoritative on these issues. Each
story ends more in questions than in instructions which is a good thing and
allows readers the freedom to interact with the book”.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
And hence the
verdict –
The prose is
quite easy to read, however the gravity of the issues discussed make the reading
a little heavy, but this is how its meant to be, after all. There are places
where one can observe the clear intervention of the author in making things
happen through the prose. This is the only limitation on the part of the
fiction part of this book.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
---- Reviewed by Dhruv Joshi
This book was part of the Editor's Pick series conducted to promote budding writer Sagarika Chakraborthy.
This book was part of the Editor's Pick series conducted to promote budding writer Sagarika Chakraborthy.
2 comments:
I've received the book today only. I'm sure I'll be reading a different book.
thanks.
Thanks Sudam, I am indeed looking forward to how you liked it :)
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