Publication: January 3, 2024; Bookouture, NetGalley
I enjoyed the sweet romance that developed in an Indian village between Bindu, the poor teenage tenant of a rich landowner, and Guru, the landowner's young son. That Guru did not let Bindu's low status prevent him from wooing her was an interesting part of the plot.
However, when society's strict rules and the landowner's own restrictions put Bindu, his son's new young wife, in a golden cage, so to speak, Bindu rebels in the only way she can, convincing her wealthy husband to allow her to continue making her spice pastes and to cook, but also secretly submitting her poetry and stories to a publication run by a handsome British journalist. Bindu is not allowed to read magazines or discuss politics with any of the Indian or British guests at the many parties the landowner throws.
The tragedy of Bindu and Guru's ill fated marriage takes up most of the rest of the novel. The story switches from unhappy Bindu in 1930s India to Eve, a young woman living in1980s London. The novel later reveals the connection between the two women living in different historical periods in a dramatic fashion.
Heartrending, the novel first shows the restricted lives of women, poor and wealthy alike, in pre-Independence India, and focuses on Bindu, one woman who chafes at these rules and the price she pays for her independent spirit.
The author has given a startlingly clear depiction of both the rich and green land of India and the tropical surroundings, the relationship between those in poverty and those of wealth, and the role of women in 1930s India.
I heartily recommend this historical novel for those wanting to know more about the social and working life and the culture and traditions of people in this era in India.
Author Bio:
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Renita D'Silva here: https://www.bookouture.com/renita-dsilva
Thanks to Bookouture for providing access to this novel for their book tour.
What a pretty cover! This sounds like a very good historical novel and I like the dual time and settings.
ReplyDeleteI think stories set in India are so fascinating. But often sad. Especially for the women.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an excellent piece of historical fiction. I find that era in India fascinating and colorful, although these days I'm not sure how it should be judged through our new consciousness of what the past was like for those who lived the experience from the "losing side," if you will.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting and worthwhile read.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me a little of The Henna Artist which is good news. I liked that one!
ReplyDelete