Book – The Forbidden Daughter
Author – Shobhan Bantwal
Blurb – A goddess in the temple. A burden in the family. Children are a gift from God, they say. But do they really believe? Isha and Nikhil Tilak are expecting their second child. Hardwired to favour a grandson, Nikhil’s egotistical parents have resented and coldly rejected their first granddaughter. So ever since the day Isha discovered that she was expecting, this question has obsessed her: “Is it a boy? Or, God forbid, a girl?’ And finally, the answer is there on the gynaecologist’s screen—it’s a girl! What will Nikhil and Isha do now? As their decisions add to their nightmare, Nikhil is found murdered in cold blood. And their innocent unborn daughter is blamed for it.
With her five-year-old at her heels, grief-stricken and relentlessly oppressed by her in-laws, who believe the baby to be a bad omen, Isha sets out on her own to build her life around her forbidden daughters. Will she be able to protect them from the grave dangers that lie ahead? A thrilling, captivating, and thought-provoking portrayal of the dark secrets hidden in Indian culture, this novel is bound to stir your conscience.
To Order – The Forbidden Daughter a Novel by Author Shobhan Bantwal.
Review – “The Forbidden Daughter” is a poignant novel by Shobhan Bantwal that delves into the deep-rooted gender bias and prejudices that exist in Indian culture. The story revolves around Isha and Nikhil Tilak, a couple who are expecting their second child. However, their joy is short-lived as they find out that they are going to have a daughter. In Indian culture, where male children are considered a symbol of pride and women are often seen as a burden, having a daughter can be a cause for disappointment and shame.
The story is set in a small town in India, where the societal pressure to have a male child is overwhelming. The Tilaks are no exception, and Nikhil’s parents are disappointed that their first grandchild was a girl. When Isha gets pregnant again, they are hoping for a grandson. However, when they find out that the baby is a girl, their disappointment turns into resentment.
As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through the trials and tribulations that Isha faces. She has to deal with the pressure of having a daughter, her husband’s murder, and the blame that is placed on her unborn child. In a society where a girl child is seen as a burden, Isha’s situation becomes more and more precarious. The in-laws refuse to accept the child, and the entire town is against them. The story is a reflection of the harsh reality of gender discrimination in India.
The characters in the book are well-developed, and the author has done a remarkable job of bringing out the emotions of each one of them. Isha is portrayed as a strong woman who is determined to protect her children, no matter what the cost. Her struggle to provide for her children, both financially and emotionally, is heart-wrenching. The story also highlights the bond between a mother and her children and the sacrifices that a mother is willing to make for her children.
The author Shobhan Bantwal has also skillfully woven in themes of family, love, and sacrifice. The book is not just about the struggles of Isha and her daughters but also about the relationships between family members. The author shows how the Tilak family is torn apart by their biases and prejudices, and how it takes a tragedy to bring them together.
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The writing style of the book is engaging, and the narrative is fast-paced, making it difficult to put the book down. The descriptions of the small town in India are vivid and transport the reader to the place. The author has also done an excellent job of creating suspense throughout the book, making the reader wonder what will happen next.
“The Forbidden Daughter” is a powerful book that tackles a sensitive issue with sensitivity and grace. The book by Shoban Datwal is a wake-up call to the Indian society to recognize the worth of a girl child and to break free from the chains of gender discrimination. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the harsh realities of gender discrimination in India and the struggles of women who have to face it every day.
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