Take a photo of a barcode or cover
_askthebookbug 's review for:
Undertow
by Jahnavi Barua
• r e v i e w •
.
Before I even read Undertow, I indulged in Rebirth, Jahnavi Barua's second novel which portrayed the beauty of motherhood. It wasn't all roses but I loved reading about the protagonist who spoke to her unborn child about her past and present, all the while imagining their future together. It didn't take me long enough to figure out that Jahnavi is a talented writer. The sort of writer who has the ability to move you through words. Undertow just cemented that fact all over again. Undertow, like Rebirth signifies the importance of human relationships and I could also notice a significant shift in her writing flair from the latter novel. Having read it, I can't help but feel disappointed that this beautiful work of hers wasn't shortlisted for the JCB prize for literature. But like I conveyed to the author, JCB or not, her book has successfully managed to connect with thousands of readers.
.
1983 was supposed to be a year of joy for Rukmini because she was to wed Alex but little did she have to celebrate when her family severed ties with her. Caste, religion and skin colour were important to Usha than her daughter's happiness. While her father Torun, could have stood up for Rukmini, he chose not to. Rukmini moves to Bangalore with Alex but over the years, things take a sour turn for her. Twenty-five years later, Loya stands in front of the same Yellow House in Assam that her mother grew up in. Will Loya be able to mend back ties that were broken all those years ago? Undertow is a book that focuses on fragile familial bonds that sometimes comes under strain. Keeping aside the human involvement in the novel, what fascinated me more was the beauty of Assam that Jahnavi cleverly managed to capture within these pages.
.
Jahnavi writes about the river as if it is Brahmaputra that courses through her veins and not blood. She speaks of Assam in a manner that a mother speaks of her child, full of love and warmth. Her love for native food and dress, of the sky and even the land is utterly beautiful to read. I often feel that a writer's love for a place reflects in the words he/she writes. It is clear that Jahnavi adores Assam and through her books, she lures in others to witness its beauty. Undertow, in more than one ways won my heart. Be it in carving all the characters in a relatable manner, highlighting the innumerable emotions that a human is capable of feeling or just in plainly pointing out the shortcomings of people; she has excelled in it all. This story, as simple as it may sound is written in a profound mannner, making me watch Rukmini's loss like it was my own or Torun's regret like it was my very own father's. The ending, contrary to what others felt, pleased me immensely. Crafted smartly, Jahnavi now has me eagerly waiting for the sequel. Until then, I'll be content with what she has offered me through this novel. I highly recommend this.
.
Rating : 4.8/5.
.
Before I even read Undertow, I indulged in Rebirth, Jahnavi Barua's second novel which portrayed the beauty of motherhood. It wasn't all roses but I loved reading about the protagonist who spoke to her unborn child about her past and present, all the while imagining their future together. It didn't take me long enough to figure out that Jahnavi is a talented writer. The sort of writer who has the ability to move you through words. Undertow just cemented that fact all over again. Undertow, like Rebirth signifies the importance of human relationships and I could also notice a significant shift in her writing flair from the latter novel. Having read it, I can't help but feel disappointed that this beautiful work of hers wasn't shortlisted for the JCB prize for literature. But like I conveyed to the author, JCB or not, her book has successfully managed to connect with thousands of readers.
.
1983 was supposed to be a year of joy for Rukmini because she was to wed Alex but little did she have to celebrate when her family severed ties with her. Caste, religion and skin colour were important to Usha than her daughter's happiness. While her father Torun, could have stood up for Rukmini, he chose not to. Rukmini moves to Bangalore with Alex but over the years, things take a sour turn for her. Twenty-five years later, Loya stands in front of the same Yellow House in Assam that her mother grew up in. Will Loya be able to mend back ties that were broken all those years ago? Undertow is a book that focuses on fragile familial bonds that sometimes comes under strain. Keeping aside the human involvement in the novel, what fascinated me more was the beauty of Assam that Jahnavi cleverly managed to capture within these pages.
.
Jahnavi writes about the river as if it is Brahmaputra that courses through her veins and not blood. She speaks of Assam in a manner that a mother speaks of her child, full of love and warmth. Her love for native food and dress, of the sky and even the land is utterly beautiful to read. I often feel that a writer's love for a place reflects in the words he/she writes. It is clear that Jahnavi adores Assam and through her books, she lures in others to witness its beauty. Undertow, in more than one ways won my heart. Be it in carving all the characters in a relatable manner, highlighting the innumerable emotions that a human is capable of feeling or just in plainly pointing out the shortcomings of people; she has excelled in it all. This story, as simple as it may sound is written in a profound mannner, making me watch Rukmini's loss like it was my own or Torun's regret like it was my very own father's. The ending, contrary to what others felt, pleased me immensely. Crafted smartly, Jahnavi now has me eagerly waiting for the sequel. Until then, I'll be content with what she has offered me through this novel. I highly recommend this.
.
Rating : 4.8/5.