Author: Amrita Pritam
Reading Time: 2 metro rides (not read in the metro)
About the Book:
The book is the story of a beautiful young girl who belongs to a lower middle class family and wishes to participate in a beauty contest. However, she is more or less compelled to get married to a widower who has a son. In the beginning she doesn’t agree, but after the son’s death, she feels guilty and agrees to marry him.
The most beautiful aspect of the book is the way in which her inner thoughts have been portrayed. The language is beautiful and full of many layers of meaning.
Favourite Quote: several… putting two here…
“haan aur nahi, jaise do ilake hon, shayad ek doosre ke dushman ilake aur (mukta) in dono seemaon ke beech ki khali jagah par khadi ho…”
“kuch vichar kewal kisi gandh ke samaan hote hain… hath se pakadkar kisiko dikhaye nahi ja sakte…”
Final Analysis: Must read for all those who like sensitive portrayals of everyday life.