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Swallowing the Sun
Swallowing the Sun is an epic feat of remembering and storytelling. Through the eyes of its feisty young heroine, Malati, the novel recreates one of the most tumultuous periods in modern Indian history—the struggle for Independence. Malati’s steeliness and fearlessness enable her to defy the constricting patriarchal traditions of her time and take on all those who try to cow her down. As a young girl, Malati fights and defeats the school bully of her village school in Maharashtra. From then onwards, backed by her progressive father, she and her sister Kamala push the boundaries constantly. After an eventful girlhood, the sisters become the first women in their family to go to college. They end up in Bombay, a hotbed of political ferment, where, even as she is whirled along by the irresistible current and excitement of the battle for Independence, she negotiates the small and big aspects of everyday life—love, loss, failure, and compromise. Imaginative, compelling, and exquisitely told, Swallowing the Sun is one of the most memorable debut novels in recent years.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2024
8 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 30, 2024
Written in the bridge era of pre to post independence, passing the freedom struggle, via the protagoniat Malati and also Kamala and the others, the book shows us most importantly, the significance of women from progressive families of those times.
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The story begins with Malati wrestling in Bhika. And that follows till the end of the novel. Social norms, political norms, people around her, her never back down attitude inspired by Maharani Ahilya keeps pushing her to new heights – with her moral compass of an older sister, Kamala. Set against the political backdrop of a very turbulent phase of Indian independence, the story captures the essence of socio-economical divide beautifully as it traverses through the timeline, one event at a time.
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The author has done quite a good job keeping it tight and although it keeps darting here and there when it comes to conversation between people, it mostly follows the story quite well. Despite a very long list of characters, mostly all of them seem to fit the narrative, not deviating much and are bound to keep you hooked for the most part of the story.
Overall an engaging but drawn out read, but a true testament to the wrath or prakriti, without which purusha is but just a gift.
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I somehow can foresee the book being nominated and also perhaps go on to win some of our literary awards later into this year! What with a gorgeous cover and inlay color too!
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.
The story begins with Malati wrestling in Bhika. And that follows till the end of the novel. Social norms, political norms, people around her, her never back down attitude inspired by Maharani Ahilya keeps pushing her to new heights – with her moral compass of an older sister, Kamala. Set against the political backdrop of a very turbulent phase of Indian independence, the story captures the essence of socio-economical divide beautifully as it traverses through the timeline, one event at a time.
.
The author has done quite a good job keeping it tight and although it keeps darting here and there when it comes to conversation between people, it mostly follows the story quite well. Despite a very long list of characters, mostly all of them seem to fit the narrative, not deviating much and are bound to keep you hooked for the most part of the story.
Overall an engaging but drawn out read, but a true testament to the wrath or prakriti, without which purusha is but just a gift.
.
I somehow can foresee the book being nominated and also perhaps go on to win some of our literary awards later into this year! What with a gorgeous cover and inlay color too!
.
February 26, 2024
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri’s “Swallowing the Sun” is a captivating novel that transports the reader to the era of India’s freedom struggle through the eyes of a spirited heroine, Malati. The novel chronicles Malati’s journey from a rebellious village girl to a college-educated woman in Bombay, where she witnesses the historical events that shape the nation’s destiny. Along the way, she faces the challenges of love, loss, failure, and compromise, while never giving up on her dreams and ideals. The novel is a tribute to the courage and resilience of women who fought for their rights and dignity in a patriarchal society. The novel is also a rich and vivid portrayal of the culture, politics, and history of India, woven with humor, emotion, and insight. “Swallowing the Sun” is a novel that will inspire and enlighten the reader with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.
May 11, 2025
I am very predisposed to stories that cover long time spans/generations and also those set around Indian Independence. So in that regard, I am always going to enjoy a book such as this. I also like that the author set out to show that women can fight against the inherent chauvinism and prejudice in all societies. So all good. However, I did find parts of the story line somewhat implausible and the focus on classical Marathi/English literature and poetry (especially as it interlaced all through the main characters) was a bit too much in my opinion.
January 12, 2024
Swallowing the Sun promises an epic journey through
Indian history, seen through the eyes of a young woman named Malati. Does it deliver on its ambitious premise? Let's dive into the tumultuous period of India's Independence struggle!
Vivid character portrayal: Malati leaps off the page as a fiercely independent and passionate protagonist. Her growth from a rebellious schoolgirl to a young woman navigating the complexities of love, loss, and political turmoil is both relatable and inspiring.
Historical backdrop: The story is woven into the fabric of India's fight for Independence, offering a gripping and authentic portrayal of the struggle and its impact on individuals and families.
Social commentary: The book tackles pertinent issues like patriarchy, women's rights, and societal expectations, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Overall, Swallowing the Sun is a powerful and evocative story about a young woman's journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of a nation's fight for freedom.
Malati's courage, resilience, and spirit make her an unforgettable character, and the historical setting adds depth and context to her story. However, readers should be prepared for potential pacing issues and a focus on the individual rather than a comprehensive historical analysis.
Indian history, seen through the eyes of a young woman named Malati. Does it deliver on its ambitious premise? Let's dive into the tumultuous period of India's Independence struggle!
Vivid character portrayal: Malati leaps off the page as a fiercely independent and passionate protagonist. Her growth from a rebellious schoolgirl to a young woman navigating the complexities of love, loss, and political turmoil is both relatable and inspiring.
Historical backdrop: The story is woven into the fabric of India's fight for Independence, offering a gripping and authentic portrayal of the struggle and its impact on individuals and families.
Social commentary: The book tackles pertinent issues like patriarchy, women's rights, and societal expectations, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.
Overall, Swallowing the Sun is a powerful and evocative story about a young woman's journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of a nation's fight for freedom.
Malati's courage, resilience, and spirit make her an unforgettable character, and the historical setting adds depth and context to her story. However, readers should be prepared for potential pacing issues and a focus on the individual rather than a comprehensive historical analysis.
July 11, 2024
Swallowing The Sun by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri is a beautifully detailed novel that spans the pre-partition years leading to the freedom struggle that united Indians against British rule. Malati, our protagonist and Kamala (Malati’s sister) set the centre stage of this story through their spirited, curious and brave persona. Daughters of a progressive father, the girls are to study and pursue higher education in an era where child marriage was the norm. Educated, witty and brave; the sisters live a purposeful life through their years and students and adults.
The novel is penned detailing the landscapes of Maharashtra and Indore, particularly. There’s emphasis on the social customs of the times. The author highlights different facets of life’s struggles and one’s duty and acceptance to move on during tough situations. The rising rebellion and desire for a nation free from foreign rule grip the characters of this book leading to unimaginable situations.
Swallowing The Sun, is ambitious, a plot driven by characters way ahead of their time. It’s a story that elegantly presents love, loss, companionship, bravery without bitterness over unfair events that come one’s way. Its vivid detailing is a delight which makes it wholesome. It’s tough to choose a favourite character, event or element that makes it so special! Do read it!
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The novel is penned detailing the landscapes of Maharashtra and Indore, particularly. There’s emphasis on the social customs of the times. The author highlights different facets of life’s struggles and one’s duty and acceptance to move on during tough situations. The rising rebellion and desire for a nation free from foreign rule grip the characters of this book leading to unimaginable situations.
Swallowing The Sun, is ambitious, a plot driven by characters way ahead of their time. It’s a story that elegantly presents love, loss, companionship, bravery without bitterness over unfair events that come one’s way. Its vivid detailing is a delight which makes it wholesome. It’s tough to choose a favourite character, event or element that makes it so special! Do read it!
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 3, 2024
Since the day I read "Raavi Paar" by Gulzar Saab, pre Partition and partition stories have formed a special corner in my heart.
What I love reading the most about these stories is it's core essence and how it binds the life altogether. I've read quite a collection about partition stories in Hindi literature and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!
This book, I can say that I've come across one of the finest works into storytelling. The setup, the plot, the narrative and how the story weaves into the struggle of Independence.
The story revolves around Malati, a young Indian girl and the protagonist of the story, who defies patriarchal traditions during the struggle for independence.
With her sister Kamala, they become the first women in their family to go to college in Bombay (Just imagine- moving to a new city with a dream of doing something of their own in life, where the kings won't let their daughters and queen step out, they fought and did it!).
Malati navigates love, loss, failure, and compromise in a political-charged environment in Bombay. With the blend of modern day history and a pinch of politics, I personally loved it :))
What I love reading the most about these stories is it's core essence and how it binds the life altogether. I've read quite a collection about partition stories in Hindi literature and couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!
This book, I can say that I've come across one of the finest works into storytelling. The setup, the plot, the narrative and how the story weaves into the struggle of Independence.
The story revolves around Malati, a young Indian girl and the protagonist of the story, who defies patriarchal traditions during the struggle for independence.
With her sister Kamala, they become the first women in their family to go to college in Bombay (Just imagine- moving to a new city with a dream of doing something of their own in life, where the kings won't let their daughters and queen step out, they fought and did it!).
Malati navigates love, loss, failure, and compromise in a political-charged environment in Bombay. With the blend of modern day history and a pinch of politics, I personally loved it :))
April 19, 2024
"Swallowing the Sun" is a debut novel by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, which explores India's freedom struggle through the eyes of its sisters Malati and Kamala. Set in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, the story follows the sisters' journey from birth to boarding school in Indore and Bombay. The novel explores the clash and reshaping of ideologies, revealing the bitter truths of human nature. The story blends the rustic charm of the Maharashtrian countryside with the fervent political atmosphere of a nation brimming with revolutionary ideas. Puri's writing skillfully navigates the complexities of love, belief, and sacrifice, making it a captivating read that leaves readers wanting more.
January 1, 2025
We have we have this pre-conceived notion that the women in pre-independence India were meek and docile. In this lyrical work of fiction set in the first half of the 20th century, Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri has chosen to debunk the myths of the silent Indian women by writing about a family that defies the norms set by a patriarchal society. The book’s greatest strength is the powerful characters, especially the women characters. Yes, the pioneering women students, Malati and her sister Kamala, are the protagonists, but the subsidiary characters are equally strong. The most stunning part of the book, however, is the lyrical language. Few debut novels tackle social themes in as enchanting a way as this one does.
Read a detailed review here: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2024/02/...
Read a detailed review here: https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2024/02/...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews