Meyeder Smritikatha

• Author: সুতপা ভট্টাচার্য (Sutapa Bhattacharya)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350407721
• Pages: 144
• Weight: 297 gm

Book Description:

মেয়েদের স্মৃতিকথা (Meyeder Smritikatha) is an exploration of the concept of "self" through the autobiographies of Bengali women. In this thought-provoking collection, Sutapa Bhattacharya delves into the realm of self-exploration and self-realization as seen from the experiences of women. Unlike traditional memoirs that lean heavily on historical facts, this work highlights the inner journey of women and the way they have perceived their identities in a patriarchal society.

Each chapter in the book is titled with the word 'আত্ম' (Self), emphasizing the central theme of self-discovery. Bhattacharya shifts the focus from societal expectations and constraints placed on women to the deeper questions of personal identity and autonomy. For ages, society has dictated what it means to be a woman, often limiting it to a set of qualities and roles. The question "Who am I?" is rarely posed to women; instead, they are taught to ask "What must I be?"

Through varied life situations, across different times and social backgrounds, Meyeder Smritikatha offers an invaluable narrative of women's lives, shedding light on the diverse ways they have navigated the social structures that bind them. It is a reflective and poignant journey into the spirit of women, examining their self-awareness, their dreams, and the silent revolutions they have engaged in to break free from traditional molds.