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_askthebookbug 's review for:
Kumari Devi
by Benyamin
• r e v i e w •
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I happened to come across Kumari Devi purely by coincidence and boy, what a brilliant book it turned out to be. I first read Jasmine Days by Benyamin some time last year but it's truly something that I came to love Kumari Devi more. It's fascinating how Benyamin moves the readers with a story of barely 65 pages in length, by not only educating us about different cultures, but also by highlighting the darker side of things/traditions. Kumari Devi is a well known tradition in Nepal where prepubescent girls are worshipped. They follow a rigorous process of selecting the right girl to take the place of Kumari Devi. This story speaks of the downfall that associates with the girls who are betrayed by certain factors that stop them from being the goddess.
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Chanku is contacted by his uncle who's in desperate need of a domestic help and through a Nepali watchman he finds Sunina Shakya Devi. An elderly Nepali woman of few words, Sunina is hired by the middle aged couple in spite of the scepticism shown by the mistress of the house. Just when Chanku breathes a sigh of relief, he is again called but this time, with complaints against the help. Sunina's sharp tongue and her vibrant way of dressing isn't comprehensible by his aunt. Each time Chanku convinces his relatives to focus on Sunina's work ethics rather than getting flustered by her words or clothes. But an incident revolving around black magic starts making rounds in the colony and things get out of hand. The elderly woman is forced to leave the country and Chanku can't help but feel sympathetic towards her.
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Sunina's story is much deeper than her appearance as a maid and when Chanku learns the truth about her unfortunate life in Nepal, he is left heartbroken. From being so close to becoming Kumari Devi, Sunina pours her heart out about how cruel life has always been to her. The tradition of a young girl being treated as a goddess might sound pleasurable but no one often thinks of the girls who couldn't make it. Sunina's ability to be independent from a very young age is truly inspiring to read but at the same time makes one feel melancholic. Originally written in Malayalam, Kumari Devi packs a punch. Both impactful and thoughtful in nature, this work of fiction is a must read. I found this on Juggernaut app and finished it in just one sitting. I felt deeply moved by the message Benyamin conveyed so subtly. If you're looking for a quick yet wonderful read, this one's for you.
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Rating : 4.5/5.
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I happened to come across Kumari Devi purely by coincidence and boy, what a brilliant book it turned out to be. I first read Jasmine Days by Benyamin some time last year but it's truly something that I came to love Kumari Devi more. It's fascinating how Benyamin moves the readers with a story of barely 65 pages in length, by not only educating us about different cultures, but also by highlighting the darker side of things/traditions. Kumari Devi is a well known tradition in Nepal where prepubescent girls are worshipped. They follow a rigorous process of selecting the right girl to take the place of Kumari Devi. This story speaks of the downfall that associates with the girls who are betrayed by certain factors that stop them from being the goddess.
.
Chanku is contacted by his uncle who's in desperate need of a domestic help and through a Nepali watchman he finds Sunina Shakya Devi. An elderly Nepali woman of few words, Sunina is hired by the middle aged couple in spite of the scepticism shown by the mistress of the house. Just when Chanku breathes a sigh of relief, he is again called but this time, with complaints against the help. Sunina's sharp tongue and her vibrant way of dressing isn't comprehensible by his aunt. Each time Chanku convinces his relatives to focus on Sunina's work ethics rather than getting flustered by her words or clothes. But an incident revolving around black magic starts making rounds in the colony and things get out of hand. The elderly woman is forced to leave the country and Chanku can't help but feel sympathetic towards her.
.
Sunina's story is much deeper than her appearance as a maid and when Chanku learns the truth about her unfortunate life in Nepal, he is left heartbroken. From being so close to becoming Kumari Devi, Sunina pours her heart out about how cruel life has always been to her. The tradition of a young girl being treated as a goddess might sound pleasurable but no one often thinks of the girls who couldn't make it. Sunina's ability to be independent from a very young age is truly inspiring to read but at the same time makes one feel melancholic. Originally written in Malayalam, Kumari Devi packs a punch. Both impactful and thoughtful in nature, this work of fiction is a must read. I found this on Juggernaut app and finished it in just one sitting. I felt deeply moved by the message Benyamin conveyed so subtly. If you're looking for a quick yet wonderful read, this one's for you.
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Rating : 4.5/5.