Love’s complexion and complexity

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.

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.