Small Remedies [Paperback] Deshpande, Shashi

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: Shashi Deshpande

• Language: English

• Edition: 2001

• ISBN: 9780140294873

• Pages: 336

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.0 x 1.0 inches

About the Book:

In Shashi Deshpande’s compelling novel, The Dark Holds No Terrors, the lives of two women intertwine in a narrative about personal and societal struggles. The story focuses on Savitribai Indorekar, an orthodox Hindu woman who breaks free from her family to pursue a career in music. She elopes with her Muslim lover, Ghulaam Saab, choosing a life that transcends cultural and religious boundaries in pursuit of her passion. In contrast, Leela, a strong-willed and gentle woman, dedicates herself to Communism and the betterment of factory workers in Bombay.

Fifty years after these pivotal events, Madhu, Leela’s niece, travels to Bhavanipur, Savitribai’s home during her final years, with the intent of writing a biography of Bai. However, Madhu is grappling with her own grief after the loss of her only son, Aditya. As she delves into the lives of Bai and the people around her, Madhu seeks a path out of her own sorrow, hoping to make sense of the complexities of her own life while uncovering the hidden truths of Savitribai's journey.

This novel is a rich exploration of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that demands personal sacrifices. Through Deshpande’s sensitive portrayal, The Dark Holds No Terrors examines the tensions between personal desires and societal expectations, offering an intimate, thought-provoking reading experience.