Author: Shobhan Bantwal
Review: This book shows the dark side of the dowry system in Indian society. Here comes a girl, Megha, who was almost burned to death by her in-laws and husband. If not for her hearing their plan accidentally, she might have been dead.
The author clearly explained how miserable a woman is to be treated if dowry wasn’t paid. This book doesn’t seem like a fiction story but a real one. Girls would be married off at an early age without being given a chance of having a career. Then the domestic abuse, emotional abuse, and the loss of life make her more miserable.
To this agonizing, sadly depressing tale of Megha, the author added a bit of warmth to the book and to Megha’s life in the name of Kunal in the form of budding romance between them.
All in all, this book says, “Stand up for yourself and protect yourself. Make your own choices. Don’t let men make decisions for your life. You can be independent in your career and emotionally dependent on the right guy.”
This book also says one must have the courage to get out of the place and people who are hurting them. It tells you that to have independence, both emotionally and economically, one should have a basic education. This book also portrays the emotional blackmail of the elders, forcing youngsters into marriage.
It also clearly shows the lack of personal space. And how women are greatly confined to their kitchens.
Also, it shows the lack of knowledge the bride has about pregnancy and miscarriage.
This book goes into the shelf of women’s empowerment and the ever-green hot topic of dowry.
I definitely recommend you give this a try. It’s worth your time.