(translated by Rahul Soni)
Rating: 5/5
Good stories revolve in unknown worlds under unusual pretences, but the best of the lot showcase the regular life in an extraordinary way. Dopehri is a wholesome account of an elderly woman and her journey from loneliness to realisation.
Amma Bi is the Begum of Lal Haveli in Lucknow, a widow with a son settled abroad. The only one who checks up on her is her house servant, Jumman, and her late husband’s old friend, Saxena Sahab. Out of loneliness and fear, Amma Bi decides to take in a lodger, Sahiba, who soon runs into trouble. And Amma Bi must do all in her power to help the girl she’s started to think of a daughter.
There aren’t many stories out there that showcase lives of 40-50-60 year old women that don’t revolve around their families and children. This book is the transition between the stories out there and the stories we need. The book, in less than a hundred pages, along with a strong plot, also talks about how women, especially in India, view themselves and their position in society.
Amma Bi is someone who I’ve come to adore. She is rigid, resilient but has her quirks and humor. Sahiba is the image of a strong, independent woman, as opposed to how Amma Bi is showcased; a generation’s gap but they both learn to co-exist in harmony. Every character brings in a different segment of our society into the story and its portrayal is beautiful!
I read the English translation because of my lack of command in Hindi (the original language) and the translation just added to the humor! However, I did try and read excerpts from the original writing and it is simply radiant!
I definitely recommend this book, especially to older people who are just now beginning to read. The book is a great read for all age groups, either way.
Reviewed by Muskan Rajani
Комментарии