Bra Strap: Stories hidden beneath the strings

by Vartika Sharma Lekhak

A Bra Strap is not supposed to be seen, at least this is what the social norms dictate in many cultures. We try to hide it behind the thick straps of underslip or hook it in the blouse so that it is not exposed. It becomes almost a sisterhood obligation to tuckin bra straps of fellow females if their strap crosses its boundary 'unknowingly'. However hard one may try, the straps are still there, having an invisible presence. They taunt you from those layers of fabrics which are trying helplessly to smother them. They snap and they move with any movement of their owner. Despite all the cautions, all the deliberation, the straps are still there, staring stubbornly into your face. This is what the book exposes. The stories of everyday women, real women, who hide their identity, their femininity, their weaknesses and desires behind the layers of commitment, duties, social obligations, but the 'realyou' is still there, like a brastrap, snapping and exposing.

Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2020

About the author

Vartika Sharma Lekhak is a writer based in India. She is the author of short-story collection – Bra Strap and two anthologies – When Women Speak Up, and The Take Off.
The short-story collection Bra Strap – the stories hidden beneath the strings, gives voice to the subdued tales of women from different walks of life. The Anthology ‘When Women Speak Up’, published by WomensWeb, features leading women voices including her contribution, ‘The Girl With Sealed Vagina.’ The Take Off, released by Cyclops, is India’s first book bringing true stories of Indian cyclists.
She is a post-graduate in History from JNU and educator by profession. Many of her ‘outspoken’ thoughts on various women issues, such as rape, dowry, gaslighting have been published in both print and electronic media in India and International.
Currently, she is working on her novel which is inspired by the struggles of domestic violence victims. To get a glimpse of her incubating novel, check the blog: https://nocountriesforwomen.wordpress...

Reviews

[Peehu Bhardwaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious to read the book after reading its introduction. The first story itself, 'The Girl with Sealed Vagina', hooked me completely. It reminded me of Nirbhaya and many such take capitals. Another story, Campa Bai, brought out a different perspective, where a prostitute makes you think who is more liberated.
I loved most of the stories and liked the connect it had with everyday women. more power to your pen dear Writer

[Ashwini · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title intrigued me to read the book. Bra strap is an amalgamation of short women centric stories. Great stories simply written by the author. When I started reading the book I loved the first story, when i read the second story I thought I like it more and then the feeling just kept on repeating with every next story that I read. Some stories are relatable, some bring smile, some tears and some gratitude that they are not ur stories. Must read for all.

[DALIP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right At The Very Start, I Have Absolutely No Hesitation In Putting It On Record That Bra Strap Is Not The Sort Of Book You Read And Put Away On The Shelf. Simply Because Vartika Sharma Lekhak Has Penned A Book
That Leaves You With A Lot To Introspect Over Long After This Anthology Is Read.
The Bra Strap Is A Neat But Also Disturbing Read As It Starkly Mirrors The Plight Of Women Across Various Strata Of Society In Present Times. It Reflects The Double Speak Of How Women Put On A Pedestal On One Hand In Public And Simultaneously Knocked Down To Teach Them A Lesson Or Put Them In Their Place Behind Closed Doors.
This Gripping Anthology Consists Of Nine Different Tales Opening With The Girl With Sealed Vagina Which Is Not Just Hard Hitting But Also Comes Very Close To Reflect What Could Possibly Have Inspired It.
As An Opening Tale For Bra Strap, It Successfully Hooks The Reader Attention Like A Killer Punch In The Solar Plexus Almost Reeling Over With The Impact. That Paves The Way Of What Is To Follow Across The Remaining 8 Stories.
Speaking For Myself, I Was So Deeply Engrossed That I Simply Found It Hard To Put Down The Bra Strap And Yet At The Same Time I Needed To Take A Break After Each Tale To Let It Sink In And Soak In It’s Finer Nuances As Each Of The Nine Tales Is A Wake Up Call To All That Is Happening To Women Out In The Open And Behind Closed Doors- No Longer On A Day To Day Basis But Almost Minute To Minute But It Is Treated As A Sensational Story And Little Else And That Is The Tragedy Of It All!!!

[Malang Mutasir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already read Author's previous story, The Girl With Sealed Vagina, in the popular book #whenwomenspeakup.
I found it kind of good plot for a meaningful Bollywood movie like 'Stree'. True to that strong writing, this book also keeps you engaged with beautiful and powerful portrayal of women.
The variety in settings of the stories, such as a train journey in 1974, brothel in Delhi's red light area, an old woman in village, keeps the stories fresh and engaged. Kudos to the author for a powerful short story collection. A Must read.

[Nidhi Dhayani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !wow !wow.!
I had literally no clue what the book was all about . So I grabbed the book and was glued to it . The girl with the sealed vagina is one of the best stories.
A few of the characters I could relate with . Love the details the author has put into the characters . Worth reading !!