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Daughter By Court Order
A seemingly innocent remark over an innocuous cup of tea. Aranya discovers that her family has been fighting a decade-long legal battle over her grandfather’s expansive estate, all the while not only keeping her in the dark, but also keeping her very existence out of the court’s knowledge!
A cesspool of emotions, half-truths, betrayals, and the unspooling of long buried dirty family secrets threaten to overpower Aranya and disrupt what modicum of peace and balance she has in her life as a single mother of two children. At the centre of this storm is the one woman who, ever since the day Aranya was born, has had nothing but curses and abuses for her; who has deliberately kept her name out of the court; who has wished her dead for every day of her life; who refuses to now remember her birth. The woman who is her mother. Her own mother.
This is the story of a woman fighting against power, money, deceit, and treachery for her right to be recognised as a daughter. A daughter by court order . . .
A cesspool of emotions, half-truths, betrayals, and the unspooling of long buried dirty family secrets threaten to overpower Aranya and disrupt what modicum of peace and balance she has in her life as a single mother of two children. At the centre of this storm is the one woman who, ever since the day Aranya was born, has had nothing but curses and abuses for her; who has deliberately kept her name out of the court; who has wished her dead for every day of her life; who refuses to now remember her birth. The woman who is her mother. Her own mother.
This is the story of a woman fighting against power, money, deceit, and treachery for her right to be recognised as a daughter. A daughter by court order . . .
- GenresFiction
372 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
20 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Ratna Vira
4 books21 followersRatna Vira holds a masters degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well as a masters in English Literature from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. She also holds an MBA.
She is the daughter of senior journalist, Nalini Singh, and SPN Singh.
Ratna juggles her corporate career with her writing and love of art. She lives in Gurgaon with her daughter and son, where she is at work on her third novel.
She is the daughter of senior journalist, Nalini Singh, and SPN Singh.
Ratna juggles her corporate career with her writing and love of art. She lives in Gurgaon with her daughter and son, where she is at work on her third novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 19, 2014
Gripping tale of a vicious mother – a must read!
I read about ‘Daughter By Court Order’ on an Air India flight – one of the books of the season. The description and cover intrigued me, but I did not realise how compelling the story was until I picked up a copy of the book.
Arnie is a normal Indian girl, growing up in a complicated and traditional joint family. Her mother, Kamini, is the mother from hell, very Joan Crawford-like, self centred, vain and focussed only on herself. Most people have limits but some clearly don’t. Kamini is one such woman and the author has developed the layers of her character extremely effectively. The reader is initially shocked, then intrigued and finally disgusted by Kamini. Aranya (or Arnie) meanwhile moves from bewilderment to resolve. Alongside the two leading ladies is the Aunt, one of the most likeable and nuanced characters in the novel. The men in the novel serve as important backdrops to the three ladies – Dadaji, Krish, Yudi are viewed in the context of their reactions to the women in their lives.
While I usually write academic articles, I was compelled to write this review as the book touched me in many ways and I don’t for a moment believe that this is feminist literature, as a fellow reviewer has mistakenly branded it. Feminist literature is something entirely different – this book certainly isn’t! Far from it!!
Daughter By Court Order is an intelligent book and an extremely good read and I would unreservedly recommend it. This is a book that should be read by men and women, teenagers and adults, Indians and those interested in the nuances of feudal societies. As Cherie Blair comments on the book jacket, it is an “important book.”
Read it … and then read it again. You will find something to make you think every time you read the book. Truly one of the books of the season.
I read about ‘Daughter By Court Order’ on an Air India flight – one of the books of the season. The description and cover intrigued me, but I did not realise how compelling the story was until I picked up a copy of the book.
Arnie is a normal Indian girl, growing up in a complicated and traditional joint family. Her mother, Kamini, is the mother from hell, very Joan Crawford-like, self centred, vain and focussed only on herself. Most people have limits but some clearly don’t. Kamini is one such woman and the author has developed the layers of her character extremely effectively. The reader is initially shocked, then intrigued and finally disgusted by Kamini. Aranya (or Arnie) meanwhile moves from bewilderment to resolve. Alongside the two leading ladies is the Aunt, one of the most likeable and nuanced characters in the novel. The men in the novel serve as important backdrops to the three ladies – Dadaji, Krish, Yudi are viewed in the context of their reactions to the women in their lives.
While I usually write academic articles, I was compelled to write this review as the book touched me in many ways and I don’t for a moment believe that this is feminist literature, as a fellow reviewer has mistakenly branded it. Feminist literature is something entirely different – this book certainly isn’t! Far from it!!
Daughter By Court Order is an intelligent book and an extremely good read and I would unreservedly recommend it. This is a book that should be read by men and women, teenagers and adults, Indians and those interested in the nuances of feudal societies. As Cherie Blair comments on the book jacket, it is an “important book.”
Read it … and then read it again. You will find something to make you think every time you read the book. Truly one of the books of the season.
June 29, 2020
Daughter By Court Order by Ratna Vira
QOTD? Can a woman not love her own daughter?
I picked up the book by the cover and the title. Aren’t they appealing?
Aranya was born in a prominent Zamindar family in North India. Her childhood differed from others–rejections, abuse, and hatred were the only elements to recall. The story begins with Aranya struggling to regain her identity back in her family tree legally. Her grandparents raised her and she is a self-made woman. No lawyers took up the case against her mother, Kamini, a rich lady with a vicious tongue until her school friend came to her rescue.
Aranya finds her family fighting the legal battle for years to sell her grandfather’s vast property and the twist that shattered her was her missing name from the family tree. At every junction, they left her alone - her mother loved her brother more and ill-treated her; her husband left her with an enormous debt, yet she gathered the courage and raised up. But the greatest blow that shook her was her non-existence from the Dhari family.
The author has wonderfully layered the character of Aranya at a different level–childhood, teen, a single mother, and working woman.
The story is about a woman fighting against inequality, power, abuse, money, and egoist men. Ratna Vira has brilliantly drafted the story by leaving several hints, whereby engaging the reader till the end. I did not expect that twist at the end. There are many major and minor characters; each being executed amazingly with no confusion or over-shading others. I felt the character development was similar to the book–The House That BJ Built. The quotes at the beginning of every chapter were like icing on the cake.
DBCO is emotional and heart aching to feel the plight of the daughter, to prove her existence to her own mother. The author has wonderfully showcased the ill effect of the society that is still driven by the thought of male heir irrespective, of how useless he is and how efficient the opponent is.
I loved every bit of the story and will recommend to all age group.
QOTD? Can a woman not love her own daughter?
I picked up the book by the cover and the title. Aren’t they appealing?
Aranya was born in a prominent Zamindar family in North India. Her childhood differed from others–rejections, abuse, and hatred were the only elements to recall. The story begins with Aranya struggling to regain her identity back in her family tree legally. Her grandparents raised her and she is a self-made woman. No lawyers took up the case against her mother, Kamini, a rich lady with a vicious tongue until her school friend came to her rescue.
Aranya finds her family fighting the legal battle for years to sell her grandfather’s vast property and the twist that shattered her was her missing name from the family tree. At every junction, they left her alone - her mother loved her brother more and ill-treated her; her husband left her with an enormous debt, yet she gathered the courage and raised up. But the greatest blow that shook her was her non-existence from the Dhari family.
The author has wonderfully layered the character of Aranya at a different level–childhood, teen, a single mother, and working woman.
The story is about a woman fighting against inequality, power, abuse, money, and egoist men. Ratna Vira has brilliantly drafted the story by leaving several hints, whereby engaging the reader till the end. I did not expect that twist at the end. There are many major and minor characters; each being executed amazingly with no confusion or over-shading others. I felt the character development was similar to the book–The House That BJ Built. The quotes at the beginning of every chapter were like icing on the cake.
DBCO is emotional and heart aching to feel the plight of the daughter, to prove her existence to her own mother. The author has wonderfully showcased the ill effect of the society that is still driven by the thought of male heir irrespective, of how useless he is and how efficient the opponent is.
I loved every bit of the story and will recommend to all age group.
February 17, 2017
Aranya has never been truly loved. Cursed and abused since her birth, by her own mother, Aranya soon finds out that the betrayal of her mother runs deeper than some chosen curse words. In her grandfathers will, every person, including the ladies of the family are benefactors. However, her mother had kept her out of the list by omitting her existence. There are practically no records showing she is her mother’s daughter. Having had enough, Aranya decides to stand up and fight for her rights and her identity.
Aranya is a character that will resonate with more women in our country than we would like to admit. The abuses, the curses and the way she was treated is the story of millions around the world. Which is why this book takes a hold on its reader right from the beginning – its relatable. If the readers themselves haven’t faced it, then atleast they know someone who has. Granted that not everyone has a powerful person like Aranya’s grandfather in the family supporting her but most of us women have to fight for what’s our birth right. Aranya is portrayed as this strong modern woman, who has had enough of oppression and wants to fight for what is hers. The side characters are portrayed equally well though Aranya stands out.
For a debut author, Ratna Vira has picked a less explored path and has carved out her own way. The excellent and uncommon plot is accompanied by a great narration and beautiful language. What else can one expect from a good book? This will resonate with a lot of readers and will have a grip over them, long after the book is put down. I also have to say that the simple cover of the book with the picture of a beautiful girl with innocent eyes is really catchy too.
An Excellent Read!
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/07/Dau...
Aranya is a character that will resonate with more women in our country than we would like to admit. The abuses, the curses and the way she was treated is the story of millions around the world. Which is why this book takes a hold on its reader right from the beginning – its relatable. If the readers themselves haven’t faced it, then atleast they know someone who has. Granted that not everyone has a powerful person like Aranya’s grandfather in the family supporting her but most of us women have to fight for what’s our birth right. Aranya is portrayed as this strong modern woman, who has had enough of oppression and wants to fight for what is hers. The side characters are portrayed equally well though Aranya stands out.
For a debut author, Ratna Vira has picked a less explored path and has carved out her own way. The excellent and uncommon plot is accompanied by a great narration and beautiful language. What else can one expect from a good book? This will resonate with a lot of readers and will have a grip over them, long after the book is put down. I also have to say that the simple cover of the book with the picture of a beautiful girl with innocent eyes is really catchy too.
An Excellent Read!
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/07/Dau...
June 7, 2019
Please just stop writing books.
August 14, 2014
Daughter By Court Order follows the life of Aranya, or Arnie, who has been physically and psychologically abused time and again, by…her own mother! This abuse has understandably left her scarred and unsure of herself, even now, when she has had a stellar academia, and has juggled the role of a single mother of two and a career woman with seeming ease. Now, Arnie has her task cut out, as her very existence is being snuffed out by her family, to keep her out of her inheritance. Though Arnie was born into a family that has always been in the public eye, her mother has somehow led the courts of law to believe that Arnie doesn’t exist!
Debutant Ratna Vira manages to raise a plethora issues relating to women empowerment, child abuse, rights to property and so on. Unfortunately, many women in India still face most or all of the problems that are raised here. This makes Daughter By Court Order an important book by its own right, just for raising these issues in a regular fictional setting. I also loved the many motivational quotes strewn across the book.
The plot moves from the present to the past, mostly on the back of Aranya’s assorted memories of her growing up years. You would relate to a family embroiled in long drawn property-related strife, as they are so commonplace. The characters of Aranya, Chhoti Phua, Aranya’s kids and ex-husband are well defined.
Where the cracks start showing is with the characterization of Aranya’s mother, Kamini. From monster to shrew to adulteress, Kamini just has every vice in the book. And she has a very comical dressing sense to boot! It is just too much to relate to, if you know what I mean. After a certain point, it just feels like you are seeing a caricature villain of the 80s’ Hindi movies – of the Shakti Kapoor variety. Maybe comical, but you lose the effect.
Another big problem here is Aranya herself. Halfway through the book, her loyalties are still on the fence! I understand the wishful thinking that one would go through, but Arnie’s resolve is too tenacious, what with each minor thing either breaking her or driving her to faint, or worse, making her believe that now there will be a truce! I mean, this from a woman who has borne four decades of abuse is a tad too unbelievable, and makes the reader disinvest from the character of the protagonist.
Coming to the narration, though the language is good, at times it just feels too…whiny! I wondered whether the plot was based on real life incidents, because one can feel the author and the narration tip heavily towards just one character and her mental tirades. The problem with a partial narration is that you don’t make the other characters as believable, and hence, again, make the reader disinvest in the goings-on. Everyone who is on the other side from Arnie is by default painted black, without one redeeming factor! Now this may be based on real life, but, as the saying goes, ‘Fiction, unlike truth, has to make sense’!
Finally, there are the unanswered questions. Why is Kamini so cruel to her own daughter? Though Arnie keeps asking this to herself, neither she nor the readers get a conclusive answer to this central question. Arnie’s equation with her ex husband (are they separated, divorced, getting back together?) is also never satisfactorily explored.
Daughter By Court Order is a bold book, and would be of special interest for people who like feminist literature that is not the regular chic-lit. You only wish that the narration was impartial and it didn’t have to belittle or caricaturize the other characters to bring out the goodness of its protagonist.
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shoot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
Debutant Ratna Vira manages to raise a plethora issues relating to women empowerment, child abuse, rights to property and so on. Unfortunately, many women in India still face most or all of the problems that are raised here. This makes Daughter By Court Order an important book by its own right, just for raising these issues in a regular fictional setting. I also loved the many motivational quotes strewn across the book.
The plot moves from the present to the past, mostly on the back of Aranya’s assorted memories of her growing up years. You would relate to a family embroiled in long drawn property-related strife, as they are so commonplace. The characters of Aranya, Chhoti Phua, Aranya’s kids and ex-husband are well defined.
Where the cracks start showing is with the characterization of Aranya’s mother, Kamini. From monster to shrew to adulteress, Kamini just has every vice in the book. And she has a very comical dressing sense to boot! It is just too much to relate to, if you know what I mean. After a certain point, it just feels like you are seeing a caricature villain of the 80s’ Hindi movies – of the Shakti Kapoor variety. Maybe comical, but you lose the effect.
Another big problem here is Aranya herself. Halfway through the book, her loyalties are still on the fence! I understand the wishful thinking that one would go through, but Arnie’s resolve is too tenacious, what with each minor thing either breaking her or driving her to faint, or worse, making her believe that now there will be a truce! I mean, this from a woman who has borne four decades of abuse is a tad too unbelievable, and makes the reader disinvest from the character of the protagonist.
Coming to the narration, though the language is good, at times it just feels too…whiny! I wondered whether the plot was based on real life incidents, because one can feel the author and the narration tip heavily towards just one character and her mental tirades. The problem with a partial narration is that you don’t make the other characters as believable, and hence, again, make the reader disinvest in the goings-on. Everyone who is on the other side from Arnie is by default painted black, without one redeeming factor! Now this may be based on real life, but, as the saying goes, ‘Fiction, unlike truth, has to make sense’!
Finally, there are the unanswered questions. Why is Kamini so cruel to her own daughter? Though Arnie keeps asking this to herself, neither she nor the readers get a conclusive answer to this central question. Arnie’s equation with her ex husband (are they separated, divorced, getting back together?) is also never satisfactorily explored.
Daughter By Court Order is a bold book, and would be of special interest for people who like feminist literature that is not the regular chic-lit. You only wish that the narration was impartial and it didn’t have to belittle or caricaturize the other characters to bring out the goodness of its protagonist.
Originally reviewed at Vaultofbooks.com, a close-knit community of fanatical readers. We are looking for perceptive readers who can write well, and we are eager to provide lots of free books in exchange for reviews. Shoot us a mail at contact@vaultofbooks.com
September 28, 2014
Family is everything, right? In your moments of extremes, their support is what you crave for. But what If your family, your own flesh and blood, refuse to acknowledge that you even exist? What happens when your own mother, who kept you in her womb for nine months screeches in the open court for the whole wide world to hear that she does not remember having you? What do you do then?
This is a story of Aranya, a daughter who's very existence was denied by her own family. A daughters story of standing up after a long life of dejection and humiliation, for her identity, for her dignity and most importantly, for her children.
Being a law student, I have seen Civil litigations drag on for more than decades. But with enough faith and hope justice is delivered. All that is needed for this is Patience. For justice system may be lengthy but it's not unfair and truth comes around eventually, even when the chance seem bleek. And then there is God.
This is an extraordinary book. it is similarly different to all the books doting upon the idea of feminism. It bought back memories of my home State and a particular set up that I've seen unclose and know all too well. I can only imagine the courage that would have been taken for writing this (even if it claims to be fiction)
Pick it up and read it Today. Afterall
Miracles do Happen :)
This is a story of Aranya, a daughter who's very existence was denied by her own family. A daughters story of standing up after a long life of dejection and humiliation, for her identity, for her dignity and most importantly, for her children.
Being a law student, I have seen Civil litigations drag on for more than decades. But with enough faith and hope justice is delivered. All that is needed for this is Patience. For justice system may be lengthy but it's not unfair and truth comes around eventually, even when the chance seem bleek. And then there is God.
This is an extraordinary book. it is similarly different to all the books doting upon the idea of feminism. It bought back memories of my home State and a particular set up that I've seen unclose and know all too well. I can only imagine the courage that would have been taken for writing this (even if it claims to be fiction)
Pick it up and read it Today. Afterall
Miracles do Happen :)
July 31, 2014
The book was a very different kind of an experience for me. When I first read about the book, I was shocked. I mean, which mother can hate the sight of her child, she did not even want her pre-mature born daughter to recover and wanted her to move out of the incubator. :(
In the book, the author has taken the liberty to slowly develop each character and by the end of the book I felt I knew each of them so well. Coming from a debut author, this was a great read. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter was nice too. The uncommon plot, along with a good narration, does keep the reader hooked but at certain points, I felt the author could have done away with a few paragraphs here and there. That was the only downside for me with this book.
Read full review here - http://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com/...
Ratna Vira
In the book, the author has taken the liberty to slowly develop each character and by the end of the book I felt I knew each of them so well. Coming from a debut author, this was a great read. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter was nice too. The uncommon plot, along with a good narration, does keep the reader hooked but at certain points, I felt the author could have done away with a few paragraphs here and there. That was the only downside for me with this book.
Read full review here - http://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com/...
Ratna Vira
January 4, 2017
I read Daughter By Court Order and can't thank the author enough for it. I have suffered in a dysfunctional family with a mother like the one mentioned in your story. My mother not only beat me, she also abused me and made me feel that was all I deserved. I went through theraphy but could never answer the question - why does she hate me so much. And I felt alone. I was told that mothers are not like that. This book has given me peace and answers. It was a difficult time to read it. I kept putting it down and crying. But the words drew me back. To understand the reality of life, read this book. I am now going to read Ratna Vira's second book.
April 15, 2015
This was a book beyond words.. and not in a good way!
I was really looking forward to reading this and even signed up for its giveaway.. (In the hindsight, good I didn't win it)
This book is nothing but a huge disappointment.. Just another off-the-mill crappy excuse for Shobha De style of literature under the guise of serious hard hitting topic..
Bottom line: Who ever wrote the back cover of the book knew his job too well.. Probably that's what helped the sales of this excuse of a book!
I was really looking forward to reading this and even signed up for its giveaway.. (In the hindsight, good I didn't win it)
This book is nothing but a huge disappointment.. Just another off-the-mill crappy excuse for Shobha De style of literature under the guise of serious hard hitting topic..
Bottom line: Who ever wrote the back cover of the book knew his job too well.. Probably that's what helped the sales of this excuse of a book!
January 28, 2020
Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun, not leaving a night mare in the darkness of the soul”. A child called it by Dave James Pelzer, is a nonfiction, autobiographical bestseller. Through this we can understand on maltreatment, neglect, isolation and physical violence against the child Dave, mostly by his family and his mother. And is it a true story of a women fighting power, money, deceit, and treachery for her right to be recognized as a daughter
February 19, 2017
What a random book! Some bits you feel for the protagonist, but you hardly feel a woman's financial struggle when there's a Rolex on her wrist! The author seems confused and only touches the surface of the turmoil that a family feud causes. Not once did I have tears. And this from someone who cries while reading the newspaper
August 11, 2014
Very real and very good read.
April 24, 2015
My primary reason for not liking the book was the language. Twenty per cent of the book is Hindi curse words written in English.
October 17, 2020
Emotional read on court battle
Property disputes can be ugly and this book embeds a family saga with the fact of disputes and how to mitigate. Must read
Property disputes can be ugly and this book embeds a family saga with the fact of disputes and how to mitigate. Must read
October 21, 2020
Worst kind of mother i have ever seen or heard. Who can be so cruel to her own daughter?
December 13, 2016
Disappointment!
April 3, 2022
Daughter by court order - Ratna Vira
2015 was the year when I had purchased this book. Completed reading it today. Many times in between, I contemplated reading it but then never did so, don't know the reason why... 😊 As everyone must be knowing, I love to hoard books (I say hoard, because I my owned and to read pile of books is way too big 😁), and I pick up my next book purely on instict and that's the reason this one took so long... !!
The edition that I have, has a beautiful cover with a black and white photo of a young girl. I don't know why, but all this while, I had a perception that it's a story of a mother fighting for her daughter's custody, but only when I started reading it, I understood that it's about a daughter's fight against her evil mother. Sprawled over 369 pages, is the story of Aranya, Kamini Dhari's daughter whose existence is denied off since childhood. Her mother Kamini Dhari ruins Arnie's childhood through mental and physical abuse which results in her low self esteem. The joint family of the Dharis are mute spectators as Kamini along with her maternal family, the Sharmas turns tables in her way. All this drama is revealed in bits and pieces as Arnie's memories while the story continues in the present. Aranya or Arnie as she is addressed most of the time, comes to know that her ancestral property is being sold off by Kamini Dhari and a court case is going on and she decides to demand a share in the same. This is the time, when the revelation hits her - Her name is completely missing in the family tree presented in the court. And thus begins Arnie's journey - a fight for her existence as well as for the rightful share in the ancestral property.
The book is full of court room drama, the clash of egos between the members of Dhari and the Sharma families, the power of position and money etc etc. All the characters are described very neatly. Very well written and keeps the reader hooked till the end and as very rightly said, it's a very unusual subject for a debut novel but the author has done full justice to it. The most beautiful thing that I found is that each chapter begins with a quote and most of them are my favourites 😊.
When I started off, I was confused about Kamini's behavioural pattern and wondered why a mother would do this to her daughter. As the story started unfolding, slowly and steadily, I learnt about a different strata of the Indian Society which I knew nothing of.. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one as it was surprising (I had different perception of the story when I started off), very gripping and about a subject that was completely new to me. Highly appreciated and recommended from my side !! 😊
©️Manisha Varun Bhatiya
03.04.2022
2015 was the year when I had purchased this book. Completed reading it today. Many times in between, I contemplated reading it but then never did so, don't know the reason why... 😊 As everyone must be knowing, I love to hoard books (I say hoard, because I my owned and to read pile of books is way too big 😁), and I pick up my next book purely on instict and that's the reason this one took so long... !!
The edition that I have, has a beautiful cover with a black and white photo of a young girl. I don't know why, but all this while, I had a perception that it's a story of a mother fighting for her daughter's custody, but only when I started reading it, I understood that it's about a daughter's fight against her evil mother. Sprawled over 369 pages, is the story of Aranya, Kamini Dhari's daughter whose existence is denied off since childhood. Her mother Kamini Dhari ruins Arnie's childhood through mental and physical abuse which results in her low self esteem. The joint family of the Dharis are mute spectators as Kamini along with her maternal family, the Sharmas turns tables in her way. All this drama is revealed in bits and pieces as Arnie's memories while the story continues in the present. Aranya or Arnie as she is addressed most of the time, comes to know that her ancestral property is being sold off by Kamini Dhari and a court case is going on and she decides to demand a share in the same. This is the time, when the revelation hits her - Her name is completely missing in the family tree presented in the court. And thus begins Arnie's journey - a fight for her existence as well as for the rightful share in the ancestral property.
The book is full of court room drama, the clash of egos between the members of Dhari and the Sharma families, the power of position and money etc etc. All the characters are described very neatly. Very well written and keeps the reader hooked till the end and as very rightly said, it's a very unusual subject for a debut novel but the author has done full justice to it. The most beautiful thing that I found is that each chapter begins with a quote and most of them are my favourites 😊.
When I started off, I was confused about Kamini's behavioural pattern and wondered why a mother would do this to her daughter. As the story started unfolding, slowly and steadily, I learnt about a different strata of the Indian Society which I knew nothing of.. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one as it was surprising (I had different perception of the story when I started off), very gripping and about a subject that was completely new to me. Highly appreciated and recommended from my side !! 😊
©️Manisha Varun Bhatiya
03.04.2022
October 2, 2021
To be honest, the only reason I picked this book to read was the enduring rumour around the story being a thinly-veiled autobiography. If true, it presents the author's illustrious mother and uncle in a very bad light. I'm sure there is a certain exaggeration but if the basic premise is true, then the public image of this 'intellectual' family is very different from reality.
Coming to the book, the story is gripping especially Aranya's repeated abuse at the hands of her mother - that part makes you cringe. Her Choti Phua's character is also pretty interesting and brings a lot of life to the story. Aranya certainly came from a privileged background and was far more empowered to fight the court case. That's why it was a little difficult to empathise with her financial situation especially when you've a Rolex on your wrist and can afford vacations to London. Far more difficult is the struggle of a common Indian woman who neither has the clout nor the money to fight these long civil dispute cases given the speed (or the lack of it) with which our courts work. Still that does not take away her rightful share in ancestral property, and her struggles as a single mother.
That aside, I'm glad Ratna Vira chose an unconventional topic as her debut novel. It raises an important issue of a woman's place in inheritance, how with changing mores and shrinking families women must get their equal share in family legacy as well as inheritance. It also shows that a woman can be the abuser too, emotionally manipulative leaving lifelong emotional scars.
Coming to the book, the story is gripping especially Aranya's repeated abuse at the hands of her mother - that part makes you cringe. Her Choti Phua's character is also pretty interesting and brings a lot of life to the story. Aranya certainly came from a privileged background and was far more empowered to fight the court case. That's why it was a little difficult to empathise with her financial situation especially when you've a Rolex on your wrist and can afford vacations to London. Far more difficult is the struggle of a common Indian woman who neither has the clout nor the money to fight these long civil dispute cases given the speed (or the lack of it) with which our courts work. Still that does not take away her rightful share in ancestral property, and her struggles as a single mother.
That aside, I'm glad Ratna Vira chose an unconventional topic as her debut novel. It raises an important issue of a woman's place in inheritance, how with changing mores and shrinking families women must get their equal share in family legacy as well as inheritance. It also shows that a woman can be the abuser too, emotionally manipulative leaving lifelong emotional scars.
October 5, 2018
The book is well-written but full of antipathy towards the author's mother. The autobiographical aspect is only thinly veiled, and the picture of the mother seems to stem from resentment towards the fame and popularity of a glamorous and successful icon who compounded matters by denying her daughter's rightful inheritance. Though the reader finds the court case that dominates the second half of the book morally justified to assert the author's rights by law, he/she is unable to reconcile the public personas of Nalini Singh and Arun Shourie with their respective depictions as a virulent, foul-mouthed shrew and a sanctimonious hypocrite, both licentious and power-hungry to the core. Their depictions seem to be coloured by bias, vindictiveness and deep-rooted complexes that are unresolved.
The author paints the world white and black: She is the white picture of innocence, courage and morality tortured by the bad black world of her mother and her entourage who inflict suffering on her. There are no shades of gray to alleviate this stark tale of the eternal struggle between good and evil playing out within a family hollowed by selfishness and moral turpitude.
The author paints the world white and black: She is the white picture of innocence, courage and morality tortured by the bad black world of her mother and her entourage who inflict suffering on her. There are no shades of gray to alleviate this stark tale of the eternal struggle between good and evil playing out within a family hollowed by selfishness and moral turpitude.
October 7, 2018
The book is well-written but full of antipathy towards the author's mother. The autobiographical aspect is only thinly veiled, and the picture of the mother seems to stem from resentment towards the fame and popularity of a glamorous and successful icon who compounded matters by denying her daughter's rightful inheritance. Though the reader finds the court case that dominates the second half of the book morally justified to assert the author's rights by law, he/she is unable to reconcile the public personas of Nalini Singh and Arun Shourie with their respective depictions as a virulent, foul-mouthed shrew and a sanctimonious hypocrite, both licentious and power-hungry to the core. Their depictions seem to be coloured by bias, vindictiveness and deep-rooted complexes that are unresolved.
The author paints the world white and black: She is the white picture of innocence, courage and morality tortured by the bad black world of her mother and her entourage who inflict suffering on her. There are no shades of gray to alleviate this stark tale of the eternal struggle between good and evil playing out within a family hollowed by selfishness and moral turpitude.
The author paints the world white and black: She is the white picture of innocence, courage and morality tortured by the bad black world of her mother and her entourage who inflict suffering on her. There are no shades of gray to alleviate this stark tale of the eternal struggle between good and evil playing out within a family hollowed by selfishness and moral turpitude.
July 28, 2021
A useless, boring book.
Story woven around 'richie rich' characters with strong political and corporate connections
A lady with all the traits of a villain — foul mouthed, quarrelsome, greedy, adulterous and so on — abuses her own daughter since her birth and didn't include her name in the family tree to deprive her from her legitimate share in ancestral property. This evil mother has made her ivy league educated husband into a mere walking piece of flesh. Inspite of the ill treatment — physical and mental — this meek daughter has excelled in academia and has made a place for herself in corporate sector. The meek daughter, who is mother of two kids and separated from her husband, fights the battle against her mother in court, gradually turns strong and gets the justice.
Story woven around 'richie rich' characters with strong political and corporate connections
A lady with all the traits of a villain — foul mouthed, quarrelsome, greedy, adulterous and so on — abuses her own daughter since her birth and didn't include her name in the family tree to deprive her from her legitimate share in ancestral property. This evil mother has made her ivy league educated husband into a mere walking piece of flesh. Inspite of the ill treatment — physical and mental — this meek daughter has excelled in academia and has made a place for herself in corporate sector. The meek daughter, who is mother of two kids and separated from her husband, fights the battle against her mother in court, gradually turns strong and gets the justice.
November 23, 2021
An affluent single mother of two, Aranya Dhari is entangled in a legal feud with her own mother, over their ancestral property to which Aranya has legal rights to and yet left out by her mom. This sums up what the book is about. The book cover, the title and the blurb are so misleading. Between the pages of the book is a paltry attempt at writing a soul stirring family drama but it sadly was just a huge letdown to me.
April 4, 2024
good narrative and storytelling, especially narrating of emotions and inner thoughts. Would have loved to understand a little more about processes/procedural side but understand this was more of her story.
April 8, 2018
When you fight someone for what is rightfully yours, especially if the one your are fighting is your mother then the fight drains you both emotionally and mentally. In this book Aryana is fighting her own mother for her very identity. She is getting betrayed by her own mother whom one is biologically trained to trust and believe.
Ratna Vira has nicely put up story which throws light on how our society is still driven by the thought of a male heir, the very misogynistic society that we live in. That no matter how useless a son is, he will always carry the family name forward and how a girl in Indian society is still treated like not being a part of family.
Absolutely loved reading the book, the way Ratna has described how the life of the girl changes and how she always craved for her mother’s love which she never got but ensured that her kids are never deprived of it.
I also liked the way the she has painted the various characters. The nuances of the various characters described by her is absolutely brilliant.
Absolutely brilliant. Highly recommended.
February 18, 2022
"That day, Arnie focused less on the tragedy and the rejection by her parents and more on what needed to be done. And that was how it all began."
Aranya (Arnie) was the neglected child in the Dhari family. She grew up with a dominant and a ruthless mother, Kamini, who wished that her daughter died in the incubator in Paris when she was born. All her love was showered towards her son, Arnie's brother, Randeep (Randy). However, she was loved by her dadaji and her Nani. Even her father, the favorite son of Dadaji, a Cambridge graduate becomes a silent spectator after his marriage with Kamini and he stops working and lying all day in a corner.
Arnie, a mother of two, learns one day from her favorite chhoti pua that the house she grew up in - "Civil Lines" was up in the court and would be sold soon. That's when she realizes that it was only her name that was missing in the family tree.
She asks justice from Kamini asking for her share and as to why her name was missing in the court papers. Kamini gets more furious and tells her to step back from the case telling that she wouldn't get a single penny from Civil Lines.
Arnie decides to fight for her share. Not just for money, but to prove that she was the Granddaughter of Sir Eshwar Dhari. Will she win the case? What are the twists and turns in the story?
Aranya (Arnie) was the neglected child in the Dhari family. She grew up with a dominant and a ruthless mother, Kamini, who wished that her daughter died in the incubator in Paris when she was born. All her love was showered towards her son, Arnie's brother, Randeep (Randy). However, she was loved by her dadaji and her Nani. Even her father, the favorite son of Dadaji, a Cambridge graduate becomes a silent spectator after his marriage with Kamini and he stops working and lying all day in a corner.
Arnie, a mother of two, learns one day from her favorite chhoti pua that the house she grew up in - "Civil Lines" was up in the court and would be sold soon. That's when she realizes that it was only her name that was missing in the family tree.
She asks justice from Kamini asking for her share and as to why her name was missing in the court papers. Kamini gets more furious and tells her to step back from the case telling that she wouldn't get a single penny from Civil Lines.
Arnie decides to fight for her share. Not just for money, but to prove that she was the Granddaughter of Sir Eshwar Dhari. Will she win the case? What are the twists and turns in the story?
January 15, 2015
Note : A Review of this book is up @ Readers' Muse
A summary that promises the tale of an unwanted daughter and tackling the social stigma of gender inequality is sure to catch the eyes for avid readers. Add the writers’ background (her parents are renowned journalists) to the summary, the book is sure to create a wave. Throw in some brilliant promotional plans by the publishers and la! We have a best seller. That’s this book is a nutshell.
Our protagonist, Aranya is the quintessential unwanted female child loathed by her own mother, mistreated by her brother and let down by her father. Thanks to unconditional love from her grandparents and aunts, she manages to grow into a confident adult who can stand up for herself in-spite of her own mother plotting against her. She goes onto to win a court battle against her mother who categorically denies that she has a daughter (Thus the title).
Characterisation: Majority of the characters barring a few were well penned. The story line aided the characterisation, for, the subject requires not just protagonists, but the supporting characters as well to pack a punch. The only character that required a lot more depth was that of Aranya’s husband. His characterisation was rather shallow and didn’t quite do justice to the whole story line. Aranya’s kids desrve a special mention. It is easy to show multitudes in an adult’s character. Showing variance and making a child character emote is not an easy task. The writer sure aced it!
Narration & Story line: The theme of gender inequality requires a compulsive narration. Especially when the protagonist’s own mum is portrayed as a misogynist who spews venom on her own daughter, the writer is forced to an arduous position to cook up something truly compulsive. This writer managed to put forth a compelling story. The narration did have some fair share of slips but that could be overlooked, for, the crux of the story was narrated well enough.
There are two ways of emoting: Active (Shouting out, using brash words) and passive (Silent tears, sad smile!). The writer has portrayed both ways with such perfection that even a novice reader can distinguish between all sorts of emotions. In such stories laden with sadness, writers by enlarge tend to get sadness, pain and anger all confused. This writer managed to create distinction between the three most over abused emotion.
Language: Needless to say that the off spring of a journalist and a highly educated economist can’t possibly mess up with language. The writer’s knowledge of the language aided in delivering all the right emotions that a given situation requires. It is pleasantly and mildly shocking that the writer is a rookie.
To sum it up, in a country that worships mothers, a tale of neglect and hatred with a compelling narration is bound to become a best-seller.
VERDICT: Must read. The plight of a daughter can’t be portrayed better than
this.
RATING: 4.5 on 5
A summary that promises the tale of an unwanted daughter and tackling the social stigma of gender inequality is sure to catch the eyes for avid readers. Add the writers’ background (her parents are renowned journalists) to the summary, the book is sure to create a wave. Throw in some brilliant promotional plans by the publishers and la! We have a best seller. That’s this book is a nutshell.
Our protagonist, Aranya is the quintessential unwanted female child loathed by her own mother, mistreated by her brother and let down by her father. Thanks to unconditional love from her grandparents and aunts, she manages to grow into a confident adult who can stand up for herself in-spite of her own mother plotting against her. She goes onto to win a court battle against her mother who categorically denies that she has a daughter (Thus the title).
Characterisation: Majority of the characters barring a few were well penned. The story line aided the characterisation, for, the subject requires not just protagonists, but the supporting characters as well to pack a punch. The only character that required a lot more depth was that of Aranya’s husband. His characterisation was rather shallow and didn’t quite do justice to the whole story line. Aranya’s kids desrve a special mention. It is easy to show multitudes in an adult’s character. Showing variance and making a child character emote is not an easy task. The writer sure aced it!
Narration & Story line: The theme of gender inequality requires a compulsive narration. Especially when the protagonist’s own mum is portrayed as a misogynist who spews venom on her own daughter, the writer is forced to an arduous position to cook up something truly compulsive. This writer managed to put forth a compelling story. The narration did have some fair share of slips but that could be overlooked, for, the crux of the story was narrated well enough.
There are two ways of emoting: Active (Shouting out, using brash words) and passive (Silent tears, sad smile!). The writer has portrayed both ways with such perfection that even a novice reader can distinguish between all sorts of emotions. In such stories laden with sadness, writers by enlarge tend to get sadness, pain and anger all confused. This writer managed to create distinction between the three most over abused emotion.
Language: Needless to say that the off spring of a journalist and a highly educated economist can’t possibly mess up with language. The writer’s knowledge of the language aided in delivering all the right emotions that a given situation requires. It is pleasantly and mildly shocking that the writer is a rookie.
To sum it up, in a country that worships mothers, a tale of neglect and hatred with a compelling narration is bound to become a best-seller.
VERDICT: Must read. The plight of a daughter can’t be portrayed better than
this.
RATING: 4.5 on 5
August 19, 2014
‘Daughter by Court Order’ is the debut work of Ratna Vira. This story is the need of the hour. How a woman struggles for her identity, how she fights for her rights is what this book is all about. This book perfectly shows what most of the women in India has to face.
The cover looks simple but will definitely push a reader to pick it and read the blurb. And the blurb is so interesting that I believe readers can hardly put it down. The name very much suits the content. When the main protagonist fight for her rights, her identity against her own family and drags them to court, no title suits better than this.
It is pretty tough to believe that how a mother abuses her child, how she curses her and doesn’t want to get her out from the incubator but that is how this books starts. Kamini the mother of Aranya aka Arnie (the main protagonist) always abused and cursed her daughter. The start was a bit indefinite and can make readers a bit unsettled but as the story moves on and starts to juggle between past and present, it becomes interesting and pacey.
The story reaches a new height when Arnie finds that her mother had deliberately left her out from the benefactors. Let alone inform her about her grandfather’s will, they had hidden her existence from the court. Arnie decides to take a stand and fight for her right or fight for her existence or fight to prove that she is the daughter of the reputed Dhari family of Delhi. The way the story sails by describing how Arnie fights in the court for her identity and still manages her two children and a house loan approaching her head.
The narrating style is good crafted with beautiful words. But at times readers might feel this book is a bit prolonged. The characters are very well described and very much relatable. After completing the book the readers can easily say that they know each of them well.
The story line is good but can be shortened at few places. The author has chosen a direct narrative style which makes the main protagonist very much visible but I felt the rest of the characters lacked spotlights. But the wonderful message that lies behind this story line will force the readers to ignore all the flaws and complete the book in one go.
Final Words: Ratna has presented a very delicate plot in her debut work which will take readers in an emotional journey. A book that tells about child-abuse, woman-empowerment can easily be called as need of the hour.
For more reviews click on: www.timidfingers.blogspot.in
The cover looks simple but will definitely push a reader to pick it and read the blurb. And the blurb is so interesting that I believe readers can hardly put it down. The name very much suits the content. When the main protagonist fight for her rights, her identity against her own family and drags them to court, no title suits better than this.
It is pretty tough to believe that how a mother abuses her child, how she curses her and doesn’t want to get her out from the incubator but that is how this books starts. Kamini the mother of Aranya aka Arnie (the main protagonist) always abused and cursed her daughter. The start was a bit indefinite and can make readers a bit unsettled but as the story moves on and starts to juggle between past and present, it becomes interesting and pacey.
The story reaches a new height when Arnie finds that her mother had deliberately left her out from the benefactors. Let alone inform her about her grandfather’s will, they had hidden her existence from the court. Arnie decides to take a stand and fight for her right or fight for her existence or fight to prove that she is the daughter of the reputed Dhari family of Delhi. The way the story sails by describing how Arnie fights in the court for her identity and still manages her two children and a house loan approaching her head.
The narrating style is good crafted with beautiful words. But at times readers might feel this book is a bit prolonged. The characters are very well described and very much relatable. After completing the book the readers can easily say that they know each of them well.
The story line is good but can be shortened at few places. The author has chosen a direct narrative style which makes the main protagonist very much visible but I felt the rest of the characters lacked spotlights. But the wonderful message that lies behind this story line will force the readers to ignore all the flaws and complete the book in one go.
Final Words: Ratna has presented a very delicate plot in her debut work which will take readers in an emotional journey. A book that tells about child-abuse, woman-empowerment can easily be called as need of the hour.
For more reviews click on: www.timidfingers.blogspot.in
January 4, 2017
There come times when you feel the need to feed your brain, to break out of your comfort zone regarding books, to challenge your mind. In one of those times, I picked up ‘Daughter by Court Order’ by acclaimed author, Ratna Vira. Coupled with a nice cup of coffee and warm blanket, it turned out to be one of the most inspiring and thought provoking novels that I had read.
It revolves around the life of single mother of two young kids, Aranya Dhari. Despite of being abused and neglected by her mother since childhood and facing multiple problems in her life, she has fended off well for herself and her children. She is a strong female protagonist with a mind of her own and gives a refreshing break from damsels in distress we usually read about. Over a seemingly normal cup of tea, she discovers a harsh truth about her family. A decade long battle in the court over her grandfather’s expansive property and that her very existence is kept out of the court’s knowledge and thus she sets out on her journey to be declared a daughter. A Daughter by Court Order.
As the book progresses, so does she in her understanding of her family. Old idealistic images start to break as she begins to realize the true colors of her oh-so-god-like family members. The character development is portrayed fantastically. You can feel yourself developing as you try to register everything, each chapter leaving you thirsty for more and you keep telling yourself that you will sleep after the next chapter.
Another thing that sets it apart from your regular books is the court drama. The research the author did to paint the various scenes and depict varied emotions shows. I also particularly liked the dialogue between the protagonist and her children. Those showed the usually untouched side of working mothers; the tender and affectionate side. The way she receives love and support from her children, friends and even long-separated husband acts as a ray of hope for people in similar situations. The quick and just action by the court reinstates our trust in the country’s judicial system. My only grievance is that some threads were left loose and didn’t tie up in the end, like the protagonist’s visit to her gynaecologist. But those occurrences are very few and trivial, thus not leaving the reader discontented in the end.
I would recommend this book to any and all those who are looking for fresh, realistic fiction with a strong protagonist and engaging plotline, along with days of mulling over the reality of families in India.
It revolves around the life of single mother of two young kids, Aranya Dhari. Despite of being abused and neglected by her mother since childhood and facing multiple problems in her life, she has fended off well for herself and her children. She is a strong female protagonist with a mind of her own and gives a refreshing break from damsels in distress we usually read about. Over a seemingly normal cup of tea, she discovers a harsh truth about her family. A decade long battle in the court over her grandfather’s expansive property and that her very existence is kept out of the court’s knowledge and thus she sets out on her journey to be declared a daughter. A Daughter by Court Order.
As the book progresses, so does she in her understanding of her family. Old idealistic images start to break as she begins to realize the true colors of her oh-so-god-like family members. The character development is portrayed fantastically. You can feel yourself developing as you try to register everything, each chapter leaving you thirsty for more and you keep telling yourself that you will sleep after the next chapter.
Another thing that sets it apart from your regular books is the court drama. The research the author did to paint the various scenes and depict varied emotions shows. I also particularly liked the dialogue between the protagonist and her children. Those showed the usually untouched side of working mothers; the tender and affectionate side. The way she receives love and support from her children, friends and even long-separated husband acts as a ray of hope for people in similar situations. The quick and just action by the court reinstates our trust in the country’s judicial system. My only grievance is that some threads were left loose and didn’t tie up in the end, like the protagonist’s visit to her gynaecologist. But those occurrences are very few and trivial, thus not leaving the reader discontented in the end.
I would recommend this book to any and all those who are looking for fresh, realistic fiction with a strong protagonist and engaging plotline, along with days of mulling over the reality of families in India.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
Interesting! We have two identical reviews (word-to-word) which piqued my curiosity from Arti Chugpai and Richa Gupta! Seems to be the same person.
I disagree with the reviewer(s) and I read the book as it is presented - a work of fiction. The author has shown up the hypocrisy that exists in families and the bias towards the girl child. Given the patriarchy that exists in society and the brutality that exists in reality, the story has been told with unusual restraint and I don't detect the viciousness and bias.
Yet, the reviewer(s) seem to have taken this many leaps further than the book itself! And I find this intriguing. The reviewer(s) seem to have some inside information about Nalini Singh and Arun Shourie that I did not find in the book or in the author's many interviews! If parallels have to be made, many people could fit the description of Kamini, including Indrani Mukherjea, who according to media reports murdered her own daughter Sheena Bora.
In this day of coming out and with the #MeToo movement being such a strong calling out of sexual predators, perhaps we should call out those who do the same to their daughters. Do Arti (and Richa, or the other way around) know something about Nalini Singh and Arun Shourie that the rest of us should know? Their public personas mean nothing if they are hypocrites and if their deeds parallel those in the book.
Women like Kamini and Indrani, and I don't know about the others that the reviewer(s) name, are difficult to decode and understand. I agree with the reviewer(s) that the vindictiveness and deep-rooted complexes of such women and the men who blindly support them are unresolved. The book shows the real pressures and challenges for women to step out and face up to their families. They are shamed and suppressed if they dare to raise their voice against injustice done to them by the powerful.
I would strongly recommend you read the book - it will help understand the ways of some of the society stalwarts who do different things in their private lives as compared with their more public face.
I disagree with the reviewer(s) and I read the book as it is presented - a work of fiction. The author has shown up the hypocrisy that exists in families and the bias towards the girl child. Given the patriarchy that exists in society and the brutality that exists in reality, the story has been told with unusual restraint and I don't detect the viciousness and bias.
Yet, the reviewer(s) seem to have taken this many leaps further than the book itself! And I find this intriguing. The reviewer(s) seem to have some inside information about Nalini Singh and Arun Shourie that I did not find in the book or in the author's many interviews! If parallels have to be made, many people could fit the description of Kamini, including Indrani Mukherjea, who according to media reports murdered her own daughter Sheena Bora.
In this day of coming out and with the #MeToo movement being such a strong calling out of sexual predators, perhaps we should call out those who do the same to their daughters. Do Arti (and Richa, or the other way around) know something about Nalini Singh and Arun Shourie that the rest of us should know? Their public personas mean nothing if they are hypocrites and if their deeds parallel those in the book.
Women like Kamini and Indrani, and I don't know about the others that the reviewer(s) name, are difficult to decode and understand. I agree with the reviewer(s) that the vindictiveness and deep-rooted complexes of such women and the men who blindly support them are unresolved. The book shows the real pressures and challenges for women to step out and face up to their families. They are shamed and suppressed if they dare to raise their voice against injustice done to them by the powerful.
I would strongly recommend you read the book - it will help understand the ways of some of the society stalwarts who do different things in their private lives as compared with their more public face.
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