THE DARK HOLDS NO TERRORS

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: Shashi Deshpande

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9780140145984

• Pages: 224

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches

About the Book:

That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande is a poignant and deeply introspective novel that explores the emotional and psychological toll of a woman's silence in the face of oppression, both personal and societal. The story follows Sarita, a woman who, years after the tragic drowning of her younger brother, is haunted by her mother's bitter words: "Why are you still alive—why didn't you die?"

Now an adult, Sarita returns to her family home after her mother's death, ostensibly to care for her aging father, but in truth, to escape the brutal, nightly abuse inflicted by her husband. In the quiet solace of her father's company, Sarita reflects on the course of her life—the stifling childhood in a small town, her overbearing mother, and her marriage to Mohan, a charismatic poet.

As Sarita confronts her past and present, she must come to terms with the silence that has defined her existence. Deshpande masterfully delves into the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and the struggle for personal freedom, portraying a woman’s journey of self-realization and emotional healing. That Long Silence is a compelling narrative of strength, endurance, and the quest for identity amidst the pressures of family and marriage.