Book Review - The Daughters Of Shantiniketan by Debalina Haldar

 

The Roys are a reputed aristocratic family living in Kolkata. Their home Shantiniketan is a standing tribute to Rabindranath Tagore and his legacy. The Roys are patriarchal to the core and there is no place for modernism in Shantiniketan – be it lifestyle or Tagore’s works. The women in the house have embraced their fate and make the best of their days doting on their kids.

Charulata is a budding singer who has spent most of her life within the walls of Shantiniketan. She lives a protected life, surrounded by the male members of her family – namely her grandfather, her elder uncle, a younger uncle and cousins. She dots heavily on her mother, for her father walked out of their lives when she was just a child. Charulata’s world revolves around Tagore and her own family. She is the quintessential obedient daughter, granddaughter and the girl who would always consider her family over her own needs.

But then she meets Bolai, a guy who dares to give a modern twist to Tagore’s works through his songs. Everything that Charulata has grown up believing is suddenly subject to doubts and interpretations as a new and tantalizing world opens before her. Would she let go of all the beliefs that have shaped her into the woman she is today, or would she let go of the chance to perceive the world from a different angle, only to stay loyal to the world she has grown up in?

The writing style, in one word is – beautiful. There is a lot of grace in the narrative. The author has written this story at leisure, and it is to be read in the same way – at leisure, in silence and calming solitude. Soulful songs in Bengali provide an old-world charm to the story. The author’s description of a traditional, aristocratic household in Kolkata is perfect and brings the scenes and the locales to life.

Tagore reigns supreme in the narrative. One can envision the Kolkata of his time through the author’s description. The great poet’s influence can be felt throughout the book. One gets a glimpse of how his works inspire generations of artists even today.

Charulata’s character has been etched very well. Her doubts, her fears, her anxieties and her worries bring her persona to life. Every character in the story is well-portrayed and invokes strong emotions, be it anger or compassion.

The ending, however, could have been portrayed differently as I feel there was a movie-like quality to the same. I would have also loved to see some more interactions between Bolai and Charulata as their relationship feels slightly rushed.

Debalina Haldar is a fantastic writer and The Daughters of Shantiniketan is one of her finest works yet. I would recommend this book to everyone looking for soulful and poignant reads.