Shodh

     Author                       Taslima Nasrin

     Country                     Bangladesh

     Genre                         Fiction (Women's Rights)

     Publication Date       2009

     Pages                         227





I saw this book in the bookshop and for some reason was reminded of 'Lajja' - a beautifully written book by the same author. And that was reason enough for me to add this to my bookshelf! 

Unfortunately, if wouldn't be an understatement to say that I was let down by the book. From the quality of English translation to the oft repeated & mundane storyline, the book did not meet my expectations. Honestly, I don't remember too much of 'Lajja' since I had read it years ago but my impression of that and of Taslima's quality of work is that it's far superior to what 'Shodh' denotes.

Having said that, 'Shodh' was a quick read and I particularly liked the subtle sarcasm with which the story is told. Jhumur is a well educated, independent young women who marries for love but unfortunately, finds herself caught up in a particularly regressive and patricahal set up. She takes her own time getting over this and finally asserting herself and 'evening' it out with her husband. (As the title suggests: 'Shodh' means to even out or take revenge). 

Jhumur's life during those years and her perspective on what she undergoes is hard hitting and poignant. She expresses it beautifully when she says that while Haroon (her husband) gave her everything; he left her with nothing. Few of my favorite quotes from the book that bring this to life are:

"Haroon had violated the very truth of my being by his unwarranted suspicions. My anger, my infidelity was the expression of my utter loyalty to my own integrity"

"He has shattered my aspirations, destroyed my dreams, crushed my spirit. I had hoped for a happy married life which didn't take away individual freedom, which respected differences and allowed contradictions"

In summation, it would be suffice to say that while this book is not one of my most highly recommended reads, it did give a perspective on how seemingly self reliant women can get crushed by matrimony and how they need tremendous gumption to get over it and break free!

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So, do check it out and Happy Reading!