Ancient Promises by Misra Jaishree

by Jaishree Misra

Η νεαρή και ευάλωτη Τζανού πηγαίνει από το Δελχί στην Κέραλα για να παντρευτεί. Ωστόσο, μετά από χρόνια, αναγκάζεται να καταφύγει στην Αγγλία για να ξεφύγει από ένα γάμο χωρίς αγάπη. Το ταξίδι αυτό, παρότι τραυματικό και ταραχώδες, της προσφέρει τη δυνατότητα της αυτογνωσίας: μπορεί οι υποσχέσεις που δίνουμε επιπόλαια να μας κυνηγάνε πάντα ζητώντας μας να τις εκπληρώσουμε;

Genres: Fiction, Indian Literature, India, Romance

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Jaishree Misra is an Indian author whose debut novel Ancient Promises was published and sold worldwide by Penguin UK and became a major bestseller in India. It is now a prescribed text on several University BA Eng Literature courses.

Reviews

[Arthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for the lion-hearted.

Is it worth having a heart ache with a book as a reason?
If yes, go for this one.

The ups, downs and downs and ups is for sure to accelerate your heart beat and knock you down of your stable life style.

There is nothing wrong, if the book makes you completely insane and keep you prayer bound chanting 'save the souls'.

Talk to your friends about it, definitely not for the light hearted ones.

I begin to dread this author, like Khaled Hosseini. Give it a try, it is completely worth it.

PS: I couldn't read any other book, it was like my dead soul was panning over this again and again.

[Rubeena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read the first page and you know this writer is a Keralite.
A realistic story. Easy narrative.As the cover says,the story is about a young girl's painful journey to self discovery and freedom.
The novel describes the ways of Malayalees very accurately and I had the feeling of reading a Malayalam novel translated to English.The author lavishly uses Malayalam words all through the novel. By the time people finish the novel, they would learn what 'Ammumma' means but I wonder how would they ever understand what 'Tulabharam' means!

[Srinath · Rating 3 out of 5]

A page-turner, this first book by Jaishree Mishra kept me hooked for a week of my commute time.

The blurb on the book says "A heartrending story of love and family loyalty". Well, a not too unfamiliar theme. A teenage romance, a loveless marriage, and a fortuitous reunion with the old love. Sure, there are countless novels and movies on this theme. Where the book really scores is in the beguiling manner in which the simple and straightforward Janu narrates her tale. She, like anyone else, is searching for her happiness in a society sold on show with no place for the soul. Yet Janu is devoid of any rancor, blaming her situation on some Karmic inevitability, some "ancient promises".

In a note at the end of the novel, the author reveals that the story in its essence is autobiographical. Of course, the author also makes the point that any work of fiction will also carry its share of imagination. Be that as it may, one will not fail to notice the force and vividness in the narration. Janu's recounting of her arrival at her marital home on the day of her marriage, on her 18th birthday, is brilliant. That scene must hold true more or less for not only any Malayalee bride from Kerala but also to a vast majority of South Indian, if not all Indian, brides.

[Vrinda Varma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for the first time in 2006 or 2007, during my first year of college. I picked this book again because a group of us just happened to talk about this quite out of chance. An e-book being unavailable, and second hand copies hard to come by, I ended up buying this book, to savour what I had first felt on reading it.

The emotions are still there, my heart went out to 18year old Janu and her little Riya and hated the Marars with passion. But the parts with Arjun that had enchanted me as a teenager failed to work for me this time. The depth in the relationship which had not mattered to me at all when I read it for the first time, enamored with the idea of reuniting with a teenage sweetheart, now bothered me.

But even more than that, inwas irked with the print errors in the book. Spelling errors, missing words, fragments...I either got myself a rare bad copy by Penguin, or it has genuinely been badly edited. This more than anything else was a damper in the reading experience. But I am glad to have been at Thodupuram with Janu once again.

[Deviprasad · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best Indian writer I have came across. This is a fine piece of autobiographic literature that you can't stop reading until the end. Sometimes it will feel like a book translated from Malayalam because it really shows the essence of Kerala lifestyle. A must read, I say.

[Soya · Rating 5 out of 5]

പുസ്തകം: ജന്മാന്തര വാഗ്ദാനങ്ങൾ
രചന: ജയ് ശ്രീ മിശ്ര
വിവർത്തനം: പ്രിയ എ എസ്
പ്രസാധനം: ഡി സി ബുക്സ്
പേജ് :336,വില :295

ജയ് ശ്രീ മിശ്ര 1961ൽ ഇന്ത്യയിൽ ജനിച്ചു. 1991ൽ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലേക്ക് താമസം മാറ്റി. ഇന്ത്യയിൽ വെച്ച് സ്പെഷ്യൽ നീഡ്‌സിലും ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ വച്ച് ബക്കിങ്ഹാം ഷെയറിൽ വെച്ച് സാമൂഹ്യസേവന ഡിപ്പാർട്ട്മെന്റ് ലും ജോലി ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ട്. ജന്മാന്തര വാഗ്ദാനങ്ങൾ, ശേഷം, റാണി, രഹസ്യങ്ങളും നുണകളും തുടങ്ങിയവയാണ് ഡിസി ബുക്സ് വിവർത്തനം ചെയ്ത കൃതികൾ.

വിവർത്തകയായ പ്രിയ എ എസ് കൊച്ചിൻ യൂണിവേഴ്സിറ്റി ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥയാണ്. മഞ്ഞമരങ്ങൾ ചുറ്റിലും, ജാഗരൂക തുടങ്ങിയ കഥാ സമാഹാരങ്ങൾ പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. ജാഗരൂക എന്ന കഥാസമാഹാരത്തിന് കേരള സാഹിത്യ അക്കാദമി അവാർഡും, കുഞ്ഞുകാര്യങ്ങളുടെ ഒടേതമ്പുരാന് വിവർത്തനത്തിനുള്ള കേന്ദ്ര സാഹിത്യ അക്കാദമി അവാർഡും ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്.

ജന്മാന്തര വാഗ്ദാനങ്ങൾ ജയ് ശ്രീ മിശ്രയുടെ ഒരു semi- autobiographical നോവൽ ആണ്. ജാനു എന്നു വിളിക്കുന്ന ഡൽഹിയിൽ പഠിച്ചുവളർന്ന ജാനകിയുടെ കഥയാണിത്. കുടുംബകോടതിയിൽ നിന്നാണ് നോവലിന്റെ ആരംഭം.... പിന്നെ ഒരു നൊസ്റ്റാൾജിക് സ്റ്റേജിലേക്ക് പോകുന്നു..... ആലപ്പുഴയിലെ തകഴി എന്ന പുഴയോര ഗ്രാമത്തിലാണ് ജാനകിയുടെ അപ്പൂപ്പനും അമ്മുമ്മയും താമസിക്കുന്നത്. ജാനകിയുടെ അച്ഛൻ ഡൽഹിയിലെ എയർഫോഴ്സ് ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥനാണ്.ഡൽഹിയിലെ ധനികരായ വിദ്യാർത്ഥികൾ പഠിക്കുന്ന ഒരു പ്രൈവറ്റ് സ്കൂളിൽ ആണ് ജാനകി പഠിച്ചത്, അവിടെ ജാനുവിന്റെ ബെസ്റ്റ് ഫ്രണ്ട് ലീന ആയിരുന്നു. തൊട്ടടുത്ത ബോയ്സ് സ്കൂളിൽ പഠിക്കുന്ന ക്രിക്കറ്റ് കളിക്കുന്ന അർജ്ജുനുമായി ജാനകി പ്രണയത്തിലാകുന്നു, അന്ന് ജാനുവിന് 16 വയസ്സ് ആണ്. ഡൽഹിയിലെ കള്ളന്മാരുടെ ഗോപുരം എന്നറിയപ്പെടുന്ന ചോർമിനാർ അവർ പരസ്പരം കണ്ടുമുട്ടുന്ന ഇടത്താവളമായി. സ്കൂൾ കോഴ്സ് കഴിഞ്ഞപ്പോൾ അർജുൻ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലുള്ള അമ്മയുടെ അടുത്തേക്ക് ഉപരിപഠനത്തിനായി പുറപ്പെട്ടു. കുറച്ചുകാലം ആ ബന്ധം കത്തുകളിലൂടെ തുടർന്നു. പക്ഷേ ജാനകിക്ക് 18 വയസ്സായപ്പോൾ മാതാപിതാക്കൾ കേരളത്തിലുള്ള ധനികരായ മാരാർ കുടുംബത്തിലെ സുരേഷുമായി ജാനുവിനെ വിവാഹം കഴിപ്പിച്ച് അയച്ചു. അണിഞ്ഞൊരുങ്ങി നടക്കാൻ ഒരു പുത്രവധുവിനെയാണ് ആ കുടുംബത്തിനു വേണ്ടിയിരുന്നത്. ഡൽഹിയിൽ ജനിച്ചുവളർന്ന ജാനുവിന് കേരളത്തിലെ ശീലങ്ങളുമായി പൊരുത്തപ്പെടാൻ ഒരുപാട് കാലതാമസം നേരിട്ടു... മാരാർ കുടുംബക്കാരുടെ പരിഹാസത്തിനു നിരന്തരം പാത്രമായി. സുരേഷിന് ഹോട്ടൽ ബിസിനസിൽ മാത്രമാണ് താല്പര്യം ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നത്.ഇതിനിടക്ക് ജാനു തന്റെ BA ഡിഗ്രി പൂർത്തിയാക്കി. വൈകാതെ ജാനുവിന്റെ ജീവിതത്തിലേക്ക് റിയ കടന്നുവന്നു, റിയ ഒരു സ്പെഷ്യൽ ചൈൽഡ് ആണെന്ന് ജാനകി വൈകിയാണ് തിരിച്ചറിഞ്ഞത്. ജാനകി റിയയെ സ്പെഷ്യൽ സ്കൂളിൽ ചേർത്ത് പഠിപ്പിക്കുന്നു, കൂടാതെ ആ സ്കൂളിൽ അവരെ പഠിപ്പിക്കാൻ സഹായിക്കാനും നിൽക്കുന്നു.

ജാനകിയുടെ അച്ഛൻ മരിച്ചു പോയതിനാൽ ഡൽഹി ഉപേക്ഷിച്ച് അമ്മയും ആലപ്പുഴയിൽ വന്ന് അമ്മുമ്മയോടൊപ്പം താമസിക്കുന്നു. colleage വഴി അമേരിക്കയിൽ ഉള്ള സ്പെഷ്യൽ എഡ്യൂക്കേഷൻ കോഴ്സിനെ കുറിച്ച് ജാനകി അറിയുന്നു, അമേരിക്കയിലേക്ക് കുടിയേറിയാൽ അത് റിയയുടെ ഭാവിക്ക് മാത്രമല്ല മാരാർ കുടുംബത്തിൽനിന്ന് തനിക്ക് രക്ഷപ്പെടാൻ സാധിക്കുന്ന വഴി കൂടിയാണെന്ന് ജാനു മനസ്സിലാകുന്നു. അതിനുവേണ്ടി ജാനു MA ഡിഗ്രിയും എടുക്കുന്നു. മാരാർ കുടുംബത്തെ റിയയുടെ പഠിപ്പിന് വേണ്ടി ആണ് എന്ന് ബോധിപ്പിച്ച്, അരിസോണയിലെ കോഴ്സിന് വേണ്ടി ഇന്റർവ്യൂ അറ്റൻഡ് ചെയ്യുന്നതിന് വേണ്ടി ഡൽഹിയിലേക്ക് പോകുന്നു. അവിടെവെച്ച് ലീനയുടെ വീട്ടിൽ അർജുനെ വീണ്ടും ജാനകി കണ്ടുമുട്ടുന്നു. അർജുനുമൊത്ത് ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ വീണ്ടും ഒരു പുതുജീവിതം ജാനകിയുടെ മുന്നിൽ തെളിഞ്ഞു വരുന്നു. കേരളത്തിൽ സ്വന്തം കുടുംബത്തിൽ തിരിച്ചെത്തിയപ്പോൾ, സുരേഷിനോട് എല്ലാ കാര്യവും പറഞ്ഞ് പിരിയാമെന്ന് ജാനു പറയുന്നു. പക്ഷേ മാരാർ കുടുംബം ഗൂഢാലോചന നടത്തി ജാനകിയെ മാനസികാരോഗ്യ ആശുപത്രിയിൽ കൊണ്ടാക്കുന്നു. ജാനകിയുടെ അമ്മ അവളെ രക്ഷിച്ച് വീട്ടിൽ കൊണ്ടുവരുന്നു, മരുന്ന് നിർത്തുന്നതോടെ ജാനകി സ്വബോധത്തിലേക്ക് തിരിച്ചെത്തുന്നു. പിന്നീട് വൈകാതെ തന്നെ ഡിവോഴ്സ് എന്ന തീരുമാനത്തിൽ എത്തിച്ചേരുന്നു. പക്ഷേ സുരേഷും മാരാർ കുടുംബവും ജാനുവിനെ അതിനു സമ്മതിക്കുന്നില്ല, കുടുംബത്തിന്റെ അഭിമാനത്തിന്റെ പ്രശ്നമായിരുന്നു അവർക്കത്. അവൾ ആ തീരുമാനത്തിൽ നിന്ന് പിന്തിരിയാൻ വേണ്ടി റിയയെ സുരേഷ് പിടിച്ചുകൊണ്ടുപോകുന്നു.റിയയെ മാരാർ കുടുംബം തിരിച്ചേൽപ്പിക്കാത്തതിനാൽ ജാനകി ഒറ്റയ്ക്ക് ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിലേക്ക് തിരിക്കുന്നു. ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ ജാനുവിനെ സ്വീകരിക്കാൻ അർജുൻ എയർപോർട്ടിൽ കാത്തിരിപ്പുണ്ടായിരുന്നു,അവർ പഴയ സ്നേഹം വീണ്ടെടുക്കുന്നു. ജാനകി സ്പെഷ്യൽ ചൈൽഡ് എഡ്യൂക്കേഷൻ കോഴ്സ് പഠിക്കാൻ ആരംഭിക്കുന്നു. അതിനിടക്ക് സുരേഷ് പലവിധത്തിൽ ജാനകിയെ ശല്യം ചെയ്തു കൊണ്ടിരുന്നു... അവസാനം അയാൾ ഡിവോഴ്സിന് സമ്മതിച്ചു, കൂടാതെ റിയയെ ജാനുവിനെ ഏൽപ്പിക്കാനും. കാരണം അയാൾക്ക് പുതിയൊരു വിവാഹാലോചന ശരിയായിരുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ മ്യൂച്ചൽ ഡിവോഴ്സ് നടന്ന് ആ ബന്ധത്തിൽ നിന്ന് ജാനകിക്ക് വിടുതൽ കിട്ടുന്നു..... അനുബന്ധത്തിൽ, അർജുനെ വിവാഹം ചെയ്ത് റിയയോടൊപ്പം ജാനു സന്തോഷത്തോടെ ഇംഗ്ലണ്ടിൽ ബാക്കിയുള്ള കാലം ജീവിക്കുന്നു.🧳✈️🏡🌅

വിവാഹം എന്നത് രണ്ട് വ്യക്തികൾ മാത്രമല്ല കുടുംബങ്ങൾ തമ്മിലുള്ള ബന്ധം ആയിട്ടാണ് നമ്മുടെ സംസ്കാരത്തിൽ കാണുന്നത്. അതിനാൽ തന്നെ ഒരുപാട് കടപ്പാടും വാഗ്ദാനങ്ങളും വിവാഹമെന്ന ചടങ്ങിനോട് ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടുകിടക്കുന്നു. അത് പലപ്പോഴും ഒരു ബാധ്യതയായി ആണ് രണ്ടു വ്യക്തികൾക്കും വരുന്നത്. ഇത്തരം പല ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുകളുടെയും പേരിലാണ് ഇന്ന് പല ബന്ധങ്ങളും നിലനിന്ന് പോകുന്നത് എന്നത് രസകരമായ ഒരു വസ്തുതയാണ്.

നോവൽ വായിച്ചപ്പോൾ, പിജിക്ക് പഠിക്കുന്ന സമയത്ത് ഡൽഹിയിൽ നിന്ന് വന്ന് പഠിച്ച ക്ലാസ്മേറ്റ് ആണ് ഓർമ്മ വന്നത്. വിവാഹത്തെ കുറിച്ച് പറയുമ്പോൾ ആൾ പറയുന്ന ഒരു ഡയലോഗ് ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു- എന്നെ വിവാഹം ചെയ്യുന്നത് ഒരിക്കലും മലയാളി ആവില്ല, കേരളത്തിലെ ആണുങ്ങൾ വളരെ narrow minded ആണ്. ഏറെക്കുറെ അത് സത്യം ആയതുകൊണ്ട് തിരുത്താൻ പോയില്ല.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the book shelves of Indian libraries were organised by theme, it's fair to say that the section for 'books about unhappy arranged marriages' would need many kilometers of shelving. It's not a rare or unusual topic and I put off reading my copy of Ancient Promises for a long time thinking 'more of the same old same old'. To some degree I wasn't entirely wrong in thinking that but Jaishree Misra has steered away from domestic violence, instead focusing on the just as toxic domestic indifference. Janu's husband is barely present for much of the book, the plot being dominated by his mother and the extended family that Janu has to live with and whom she can't ever seem to please.

The book 'feels' very current - and I was incredibly surprised when the author mentioned the end of Margaret Thatcher's 'reign' late on in the book. I had not realised the book was set so much earlier than I'd assumed. Once I did realise, the absence of mobile phones, internet and other 21st century communication methods suddenly jumped out at me.

It's often said by outsiders (and of course I'm one of them) that Indian families handle disability in a positive and nurturing way, so much better than western society. Not so in the case of Janu's daughter Riya who is seen as an embarrassment to her father's family. Janu's relationship with her daughter was the key difference for me between this and the multitudinous 'books about unhappy arranged marriages'.

I did not know when I was reading that the book was semi-autobiographical as it's only revealed in the notes at the end of the book. Reflecting on that, I can see that an author of fiction would most likely have piled on the abuse with a heavier spoon, probably had the husband beating his wife, the mother-in-law making her scrub the floor like Cinderella, and her own mother and grandmother forcing her back to her in-laws. I respect Jaishree Misra for not giving into that temptation. Instead there are things the family do to her - more subtle, more conniving - that are all the more powerful for being contrasted with their indifference.

[Deepthi Terenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neatly penned down narrative, about the so called traditions, family loyalty, and the sufferings of a newly married girl, that too at an younger age. I felt nostalgic when I read about my homeland, Kerala. Though it's her debut work,a semi- autobiographical story, she could carry the reader with her heroine through out this book. I'm not going to describe the story , but it was a great experience to read this story of Janaki. And after reading this I'm going to try my damnedest for the happiness in my life. I will suggest it to all readers.

[Anjana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favourite book! Janu and Arjun remains in our heart forever. I read it during by teenage days and that may be the reason this book made so much impact on me. We feel love through out the read and realise true love cant make us apart by any means. I have read it multiple times. The way Janu thinks and make decisions are so much relatable and that made this most favourite. A book to read with heart♥

[Raakhee Venugopal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart-wrenching storyline...an autobiography of the author herself...a story that one would wish that it never happened to anyone ever.Beautifully written.Two-thumbs up to Jaishree Misra!

[Namita Sreekumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up solely because it had been lying in my shelf for about 8 years and I needed to take a break from the usual genre I read which is Mythology.
I loved how the author details Delhi and Kerala in particular, the dialects, the local shops or markets, the characters and the mind of a newly married 18 year old.

The storyline is something we have read before but the way it has been written will keep one hooked wanting to laugh and cry a little. I especially loved those anecdotes on how each of our moments or people we meet are connected to our past life.

I have read 2 other books of hers before and this definitely is my favourite.

[Anu Lal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaishree Misra's debut book with a fresh narrative voice in comparison with the other novelists of her time. An unforgettable story, told in first person narrative, Ancient Promises combines in its narrative strategy, romance, myth and social criticism. Jane Austen succeeded in bringing irony in her novels, through interesting and poignant observations, which were most often witty as well. Taking the same line of novel-writing strategy, Jaishree Misra gives opportunity for readers to enjoy the book in multiple perspectives than just a single faceted love story.

Of course, Janu, the protagonist is the narrator and this is her story. However, this is also the story of Kerala and its marriage customs. Many irrational and unjust customs still exist in this southern land situated in India's south. Many European cultures have established trade relations with Kerala, even before the time of the British. But in the long run, it can also be observed that the nature of how people behave, the prying and gossiping and backbiting didn't change at all. Neither had any change visited the sad countenance of Kerala's narrow minded "arranged marriage" custom.

It is because of these unique views that the novel upholds, that I recommend you the book. With her lucid and playful language, Misra creates a sea of emotions and the reader can easily establish personal harmonies with her characters and events. In the afterword to Ancient Promises, Jaishree Misra says that the novel is partly autobiographical. However, there surely is fiction as a binding force that connects each and every element from the painful world of reality. Janu loses her first great love and is forced to marry a business person. Her marriage brings her only heart-break and agony. Her in-laws and husband, who her parents have selected for her, "carefully", ignores her very being and forces her to the background of the dignified Maraar family.

Janu could not hold the glory of the Maraar household because during one of her visits to Delhi, the city in which she grew up, although her parents were from Kerala, she meets her old love, Arjun. Janu's life takes a new turn and her decision to leave her husband strengthens. Still, Janu faces another crucial problem; Riya. Janu's baby girl, Riya has learning disabilities and a child like Riya would not have a smooth life without Janu's careful nursing.

Torn among these people, will Janu be able to find the courage to say "yes," to life? Ancient Promises is a journey into the mind of Janu through her teenage and years after an arranged marriage that goes terribly wrong.

Ancient Promises by Jaishree Misra was tremendously enjoyable.

[Mohitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good simple novel, which touches the crevices of kerala in a way like noone touched before. Good narration, and was similar to Arundhati Roy kinda writing, but less deeper. It is actually a sad story but with the hard face of reality. The ending is a very happy one, so we will feel less absorbed. Arjun was my favorite character along with Janu's Ammuma, "She said 'pha' which was only reserved for stray dogs" :D

[Sunayana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a book that I just couldn't put down. I was reading it even while working, that's how enthralling it was! The thing about this book is that it's painful for most part but with a promise that it definitely gets better in the end. That's what kept me going, to see how she gets her happy ending. A wonderful narration of her emotions, albeit slightly repetitive.

[Aleena Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book basically portrays the struggles of an Indian girl called Janaki aka Janu. When she is just 16 years old she fell in love with a boy called Arjun. When Janu's parents realized their daughter's affair with Arjun, they stopped her education and fixed her marriage without her permission. Even though she has done a mistake on a tender age of sixteen, her parents didn't even gave her a second chance. Janu's dreams and decisions were valid no more. According to her parents, if their daughter marries, their burder is over. This is what happens in most of the Indian families. A girl child is always a burden for them in one way or other. The sole aim of parents' is their daughter's marriage and her education is given second priority.
Janaki marries a man, who doesn't care about her but his motel business. She started suffering a lot of problems from her husbands house. Her in laws and relatives were cruel to her. First she thought her problems will be over after having a baby. But her worries only increased after having a handicapped baby. Her life and decisions were decided by someone else and she could no more live like that. Finally she decides to come out from this wreched life.
She decided to go abroad to continue her education and for better facilities for her child. Then one day she unexpectedly meets his childhood love, Arjun. Memories and hope again came in her life that were buried deep in her heart.
At last she decided to divorce her husband and started a new life with Arjun. More than everything else she started enjoying her life.

🍂

This is what happens when we take our own decisions. It makes us happy.Right decision brings happiness and wrong decision brings regret. This book taught me to never let anyone to control over our life. It will spoil your life for sure.

[Pallabi Priyaadarshini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marriage (here lets talk of the arrange marriages) and Indian woman are two parties that have made peace with each other. Even till date, girls easily scum to the pressure of getting married (yes, it does happen) and the stay in marriages (this also happens) which is a well made concoction of lovelessness, unacknowledged presence where just years are passed on while discharging duties to attempt at being a perfect daughter-in-law, wife, mother.
The story is nothing exceptional but its ultimately about the choice a woman makes to keep herself above everyone, even her own child. The story takes you through identifiable portions but what it leaves you finally is a re-assessing mode or may be you would just continue with life as it is(not a big deal).

[Geethu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a lukewarm opening about a young girl in love being forced to marry against her wishes. It also has a lazy ending where the above mentioned young girl, who by then has become a mother of an autistic (?) Kid, moves to London and divorces her husband.

But where the book really scores is the in between where the trails and tribulations of a young bride in an alien family is depicted. It is the seemingly small but huge detailed domestic scenes that are viewed through the eyes of an 18 year old that is the highlight of the book

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does true love exist? Does suffering exist? Is destiny a thing? Words bound in promises. Promises separated by each page. Years passed in seconds, eternity lived in minutes. Destiny brought them closer, traditions let them down - but ancient promises were kept as courage found its home.

[Cynthia George · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really liked it on a personal level..the storyline related to me and my surroundings..sometimes i felt that the author was just writing out whatever had gone through my mind through certain stages of my life.but as for the plot and writing style, it could have been better.

[Renu Sahni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It brought a visibility into other Indian cultures that I am not too familiar with - being from the North part of the country.
The writing is fluent, simple and very effective.
She touched on some sensitive subjects that I appreciated

[Sil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely disappointing

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book depicts the culture and attitude of Indian society towards a women.#Inspiring

[Zita Szigeti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on love and arranged marriages with some twists and impressive style.

[Sarmmila Velusamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

if there's one book i'll remember forever, this is the one!

[Ams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written....made me soo emotional...heart touching presentation...

[Jean St.Amand · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story would have been better if it had not been written in first person point of view. That made it too autobiographical and a bit preachy at times.

[Sheena Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic portrayal of life when it is dictated by the society.

[Selina K · Rating 5 out of 5]

മലയാളം പതിപ്പാണ് വായിച്ചത്... വളരെ പണ്ട് ...

[Shahana Kothari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I first read when I was 15, and then revisited as an adult. Both times, it left me feeling a deep yearning for love the kind of love that is all-encompassing, unbreakable, and immune to any external forces. The story touches on sensitive topics such as the disability of a child in an Indian household and the stigma surrounding it. It also delves into the absence of love in a marriage, exploring how love can evolve from something purely emotional into something more profound and beautiful.

There were parts of the book that made me laugh, and others that brought me to tears. I was deeply moved by the narrative, and knowing that it was a semi-autobiographical account made the story feel even more raw and real. The way these emotions were written makes you feel as though you’re experiencing them yourself.

The pacing of the book is excellent, there is never a moment where you feel bored or disengaged. Every part of the story contributes to the whole, which is why this book remains one of my all-time favorites.

[Hibathu Naseer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting fact: It's a semi-autobiography, which makes the emotions in the book so real
This book introduced me to a strong female character. One who can be considered as the representation of a typical Indian married woman. Janu’s story from her teenage to adulthood, through her marriage and motherhood, is a very captivating one. It’s the story of a woman who didn’t give up; who resisted the circumstances she was presented with, who refused to accept the life that was “meant for a married woman”. Janu makes major decisions that alter her life forever, thereby taking a brave step towards her happiness.

Janu impresses us with her extraordinary tolerance and perseverance. She reminds us of the many women we know in our lives. Her child and life’s circumstances drive her to find an oasis for herself by defying social conventions; she is in a dilemma of keeping the ancient promises that are set for generations of women. Determined to follow her heart rather than her mind, she gives up many things including her so-called “dignity”. What else makes an awesome female character! Janaki has become my most recent favourite heroine from a book.