As the 1950s began, Iran was welcoming a revolution. Their new Prime Minister brought in numerous reforms. There was education, dance, art, and freedom. As is the case with every politician, he too had both – staunch supporters and enemies. For young Roya and Bahman who shared similar political ideologies, marriage was the imminent plan. But fate had other plans for them.
When Women Lead | Julia Boorstin | Book Review
Julia Boorstin, the author of When Women Lead, has herself worked in a highly power-imbalanced environment as a reporter at CNBC. For this book, she interviewed various women in business about the discrimination they faced and how their leadership changed things. Workplace discrimination is not limited to the boardroom alone; it is in fact the reflection of the pervading gender norms in the world.
The Curse of Kuldhara | Richa S Mukherjee | Book Review
Prachand Tripathi, a desi detective, and Vidya, his partner and wife, arrive in Kuldhara to oversee the movie which is being made on their lives. When the actress of the movie Ranjana is found dead, hushed voices and shocked expressions all convey the same feeling. Maybe, the cursed, abandoned, and haunted village indeed has something to do with it.
The School for Good Mothers | Jessamine Chan | Book Review
The book narrates the story of Frida, a Chinese immigrant in the USA. She is a single mother to Harriet who is almost two. She once leaves Harriet alone at home for two hours, and that’s when Harriet’s crying alerts the neighbours who inform the social workers. With the authorities involved, Frida eventually has to spend a year at the school for good mothers before she is eligible for Harriet’s custody.
Gods in Shackles | Sangita Iyer | Book Review
Sangita, an Indian-Canadian author and filmmaker, through her investigations, uncovers the story and lives of temple elephants. While talking about Asian elephants in general, Sangita details how elephants are harassed even beyond temples. But the primary focus of the book is temple elephants.
A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose | Samra Zafar | Book Review
This is a memoir of Samra’s survival through domestic violence. She was married off at 17 on the promise that she can pursue her higher studies in Canada at renowned universities. Excellent in academics and sports, she agreed to the marriage with the hope of a better education. Pregnant soon after, she realized that her family only wanted a caretaker for the kids.
Poonachi | Perumal Murugan | Book Review
Poonachi is a black female goat, handed over by an unknown person to an old man. She is said to be the seventh goat in her litter which is quite rare and exceptional. The mystery man who hands it over to the old man believes she is special. The old man takes Poonachi to his home where he already has other goats.
Honor | Thrity Umrigar | Book Review
Smita Agarwal, who left India as a teen two decades ago and doesn’t want anything to do with this country, comes back to cover a story. The story is of Meena Mustafa, a woman whose house was set on fire when she was pregnant. In Honor, Thrity talks about casteism, patriarchy, religious fanaticism, crime, and India’s legal setup.