“A Calendar too crowded “is a wonderful collection of various short stories and poems woven around the theme of women written by Sagarika Chakraborty and published by Niyogi books [ ISBN: 978-93-81523-06-3].
Welcome
to the enticing world of women!!
This
book brings out the beauty of the various roles women play. Day in and day out
throughout our lives we are a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, a
daughter-in-law-, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a lover and much more to
somebody. In trying to be all this we forget our real worth – the true worth of
being a woman. Every woman who reads this book will definitely connect with at
least one story and exclaim in delight “Hey
that sounds so much like more story.” As you flip through the pages you can
actually hear their tinkling bangles and giggling voices.
The
journey from 15th century where women writers hid their writings for
their grandchildren to be discovered and published to the 21st
century where we have women writers who have the capability to present such
heart touching topics in such lucid manner, we surely have come a long way.
Each and every story or poem tugs your heart and reminds of some woman you know
who has gone through something similar.
This
book is an excellent attempt for a first time author and it will leave you with
tears in your eyes as you read through; tears – not of pain or regret but more
so only for one reason as you question the unquestionable “Has the condition of woman really changed?” The simple narration
highlights the strength of women and at the same time brings out their
vulnerability. I truly felt for the first time we women are indeed very complex
creatures and it is a daunting task to understand us.
Reading
this book reminded me of a forward message I had received long time back (It aptly fits the book’s description J
)
This
book talks about the various moods of woman somewhat like this:
“An angel of truth and a dream of fiction,
she’s afraid of a wasp, will scream at mouse but will tackle a stranger alone in
the house. Sour as vinegar, sweet as rose. She will kiss you one minute, then
turn up her nose. She will win you in rage, enchant you in silk. She will be
stronger than brandy, milder than milk,. At times she will be vengeful, merry
and sad. She will hate you like poison and love you like mad….”
Celebrating
the joy of being a woman through various days in a year and woving interesting
stories and poems around them is definitely an enthralling attempt by Sagarika.
My
personal favourite “An Equal Friendship”.
Believe me till now I thought I am staunch feminist, but this letter challenged
the same. It has opened so many doors for me to look at the outer world
from. It has not only challenged my
beliefs but also provided answers to so many questions I had since a long time.
I liked the use of italics by the author
to highlight some specific words in the narration to bring out their deeper
meaning. This book is full of some memorable one liners will quote the one that
I loved the most here:
“If
literacy is to sign your name, education is to realize the identity the name
bestows on you.”
Beginning
with January as you reach December, my heart actually let out a sigh thinking “No….not so fast.” Just the Arabian
Nights you don’t want the stories to stop.
Last
but not the least truly a befitting tribute to woman hood. Definitely a must
read for both as:
Men – This
will help you understand the women in your life better and respect them more.
Women – Will
ONCE AGAIN make you feel proud to be a woman!
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