Book Review : Under The Bakula Tree


Book Name: Under The Bakula Tree
Author: Prasanna Raghavan
Genre: Literary & Contemporary Fiction
Format: Kindle
Print Length: 55 pages
Rating: 3.5/5
Publisher: Self-Published

Under The Bakula Tree by Prasanna Raghavan is a literary and contemporary fiction short story book. It is about female friendship and supporting each other.

Book Blurb On Amazon


Sorrowful, traumatic, and intensely romantic, Under the Bakula Tree, set in Kerala, is the story of a widow tormented by patriarchal traditions. A mother of two, she finds love again, but as a widow, it is forbidden.


Then something happens; a sisterhood turns a corner, ready to take up her challenge. They meet under an old Bakula tree, where Sara finds the secrets to find love again.


Review


This book carves a touching portrayal of female strength in the face of societal crisis and restraints of caste and family rivalry. The plot revolves around three women and their struggles that lead to finding peace in their unwavering friendship. The stories they never dared to share with anyone unfold before each other under the old Bakula tree.


Despite facing terrible circumstances, from getting poisoned to a death threat, they survived and looked forward to a better life starting again. The character development was sketchy, but the author detailed the personality appearance of protagonists and minor ones. The story highlights a woman's struggles after falling in love with a man from a different caste. It may lead to the forced marriage of women and the killing of the male character. 


Readers will like this book for the following things:


  • A genuine picture of female friendship is something this book depicts. It suggests the female bond is not about jealousy, envy, and putting others down. Instead, they will always come to uplift each other in struggle and celebrate each other's wins.

  • Happiness lies in small things, like, in this book, the conversation of three friends sharing their problems and dreams under the old Bakula tree. 

  • It is about the hardships and struggles of women. Readers can feel connected with the story. Even today, in some villages, women face such issues and crises. It will be a source to spread the word, to give them hope, and to promote more such bonds, helping women to rise.


Things that can leave an unsatisfactory impression on the readers include:


  • The story ends with the departure of one of the female protagonists towards her new beginning, but it appears incomplete without letting the readers know what happens next. Did she meet her new beginning, or did she get caught?

  • The story appears in a rush. It may be due to it being a short story.


The overall experience of reading this book is bitter, sweet, and saddening. It is about women's empowerment, social injustice, and the power of female friendship pulling each other out of the disaster.


Buy it from Amazon - Under The Bakula Tree

This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program. 

I’m participating in #TBRChallenge2023

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