Book Review
Anshu Bhojnagarwala’s Tara is a fast-paced novella which
deals with the themes of love and self-actualisation. Tara is a scrawny,
dark-complexioned creature of just 2.2 kg when she is born. In spite of having
affectionate and supportive parents, Tara grows up to inherit a complex about
her dark skin, thanks to a society that sets much store by fairness creams. She
faces some rejection from individuals whom she tries to befriend. As a young
woman, Tara wants to marry and be a mother but is not able to find a suitor,
again, due to her complexion. Then she gives up the chase and becomes a
teacher.
Himanshu walks into her
life as the guardian of a student. Love happens. Tara discovers romance but
only to be soon disappointed. Himanshu disappears. Eventually she discovers
that he has reached the dream world of London where he forges a new alliance.
That is an unnerving rejection for Tara.
Tara is practical enough
to get on with life. She agrees to the arranged marriage with Nikhil who turns
out to be a good husband. Tia is born to them. Though a facsimile of her mother
physically, Tia is confident about herself. The darkness of her complexion
doesn’t bother her a bit.
Years later, as menopause
catches up with Tara, Himanshu returns. His marriage was not successful. Tara’s
heart skips a beat too many. How does she deal with the situation? What does
she learn about love as well as herself? That’s the most interesting part of
this novella.
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| Anshu Bhojnagarwala |
While the issue of
complexion is trivial to those who can think beyond that, it can make life
miserable for one who feels insecure about oneself. Why do you feel insecure
anyway? What is real beauty? Does the complexion matter at all if you know who
you are and what you are capable of? What does love mean actually?
These are some pertinent questions
raised and answered by Anshu Bhojnagarwala in this short book. It is a very
simple story narrated in a very straightforward style which makes it very easy
to read. The questions it raises are relevant and thought-provoking.
Love is not attainable in
its ideal form. No one can love unconditionally and in abstraction. Love is an
acceptance of the other as he or she is. Even in that acceptance there are many
practical considerations. Too much of idealism can kill simple loves though it
may generate some kind of universal love that goes out to whole sections of
people. Anshu Bhojnagarwala explores these interesting issues in her short but
gripping narrative.
The book can be downloaded here.
Nice review 👍 Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
My pleasure.
Deleteinteresting review
ReplyDelete;)
DeleteYou have never failed to surprise me. Is there anything in the world of words that you have not mastered.
ReplyDeleteI am humbled, Rakhi.
DeleteVery nice and potential review sir, its not only the fairness cream adv. its also the mobile apps which has big contribution in making the complexion fair.
ReplyDeleteIts really an important issue to be discussed and the author has gone for it.
Some of the most beautiful people I've come across don't have fair skin. I wish people understood themselves.
DeleteWow...I am completely floored by this review, Tomichan and humbled too. Thanks for reading the story and understanding the underlying intent so well. This has made my day, especially a blue rain-soaked Monday!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's pouring cats and dogs here in Kerala, Anshu. :)
DeleteVery Nice. I appreciate it
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.