Tales that effectively explore the concepts of love and concession.
By Nita Bajoria ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 23, 2022
Two South Asian women in Bajoria’s two-story collection challenge sexist cultural traditions and find love. In “The Casket,” Ahana, a university student from Kolkata, discovers a wooden box and sets out to return it to its rightful owner. With the help of her brother, Joy, she finds Sanyukta Nandi, who had buried it years ago. Sanyukta’s memories of her pursuit to become a master archer and of Uttam, a fellow archer who was attracted to her, are rekindled. In “Besky,” Karan, a university student, falls for Besky and proposes marriage, but she refuses. Karan then suggests he spend time in her village, hoping to change her mind. Both stories explore the limitations placed on women and girls, as well as the supportive roles of men in women’s lives. “The Casket” is energized by the lovers’ longing, while “Besky” looks at more serious issues such as sex trafficking and abuse of women. Both stories have intriguing will-they-or-won’t-they setups and tensions.
Pub Date: May 23, 2022
ISBN: 9789355590961
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Inkstate Books
Review Posted Online: June 27, 2023