Mumma ki Diary
Anu Singh Choudhary
2015
Hindyugm
pp. 159
Mumma ki Diary is exactly what it claims to be. A non-fictional account of the life experiences of a young mother. Written in everyday Hindi, the book presents an episodic account of a young journalist, the author, from the time of her decision to have a child to her present experiences of parenting. Experiencing pregnancy, giving birth to twins, the pleasure, the pains, and the exhaustion of it all, have been documented through her stories and the stories that she weaves of others around her. It is her story, but also everyone’s story. The book documents postpartum depression in a way that medical and psychology books do not. It also does the important work of acknowledging the existence of a phase that many women go through but is seldom talked about, even with each other. In some families, women are so busy that they aren’t even aware of their own feelings and the effect that their internal experiences have on their families and on themselves. The book also documents the experience of learning parenting. Learning from children everyday what it means to be responsible for the lives that you have brought into this world, and the changes that this has brought into your world. Although a bit brief, Choudhary also talks about becoming a father and how his world changes.
Mumma ki Diary is personal, anecdotal, and reflective. It is thought provoking, refreshing, replete with everyday humour and provides a sense of connectedness. It is beautifully written and addresses important issues that are relevant to everyone. Mothers would find it important as it provides support in connecting to other mothers through these experiences.
Anu Singh Choudhary
2015
Hindyugm
pp. 159
Mumma ki Diary is exactly what it claims to be. A non-fictional account of the life experiences of a young mother. Written in everyday Hindi, the book presents an episodic account of a young journalist, the author, from the time of her decision to have a child to her present experiences of parenting. Experiencing pregnancy, giving birth to twins, the pleasure, the pains, and the exhaustion of it all, have been documented through her stories and the stories that she weaves of others around her. It is her story, but also everyone’s story. The book documents postpartum depression in a way that medical and psychology books do not. It also does the important work of acknowledging the existence of a phase that many women go through but is seldom talked about, even with each other. In some families, women are so busy that they aren’t even aware of their own feelings and the effect that their internal experiences have on their families and on themselves. The book also documents the experience of learning parenting. Learning from children everyday what it means to be responsible for the lives that you have brought into this world, and the changes that this has brought into your world. Although a bit brief, Choudhary also talks about becoming a father and how his world changes.
Mumma ki Diary is personal, anecdotal, and reflective. It is thought provoking, refreshing, replete with everyday humour and provides a sense of connectedness. It is beautifully written and addresses important issues that are relevant to everyone. Mothers would find it important as it provides support in connecting to other mothers through these experiences.
Every Book has a Story
This book was a gift from a friend through a random scheme. I received it anonymously and only guessed who had sent it to me. I cannot thank her enough on introducing me to this writing! Although it took me very long to read it, it has been a pleasure to read it.