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When the Wildflowers Bloom
by Rupa Bhullar
• r e v i e w •
When the Wildflowers Bloom is Rupa Bhullar's second novel, one that speaks of courage and trust. Her debut book Indigo Sun which was published in 2017 received high praise and although I haven't read it, the good buzz surrounding it intruiged me to read her latest novel. Written in a simple yet effective manner, When the Wildflowers Bloom is primarily the story of Tara Grewal but addresses the unfortunate situation of countless women who are trapped in abusive marriages. Through Tara, Bhullar narrates the resilience and strength it takes to walk out of toxic relationships. The first few pages reminded me of the movie Thappad, the one in which the wife is publicly humiliated by her husband. When Tara finally realises the extent of emotional and physical trauma that she has been enduring for the past 17 years, she considers her options. At almost 40, she carves out a new life for her.
When Tara wakes up dazed, she sees the friendly faces of her family nursing her back to health. After the previous night's humiliation, she has a decision to make but is it easy to walk out on a marriage of 17 years that gave her two wonderful children? She visits her grandparent's house in rural Punjab and it instantly brings back good memories. It is here that she discovers her dimmed spark and with the help of a friend, she throws herself into the betterment of a school that has been neglected for decades. Tara's journey is not easy as she's constantly reminded of her past but with the help of her family and friends, she walks confidently with time. The simple love that the villagers bestow upon her, the idle rural life with nothing to disrupt her thoughts and new unexpected friendships ultimately convinces her that life need not be complicated and that she always has a choice.
Bhullar writes effortlessly, her description of places and it's beauty seemingly vivid. Tara's story, although inspiring was predictable making the reading process a monotonous one. I do however, recommend this to those who are trying to seek strength to take that leap of faith.
3.6/5.
When the Wildflowers Bloom is Rupa Bhullar's second novel, one that speaks of courage and trust. Her debut book Indigo Sun which was published in 2017 received high praise and although I haven't read it, the good buzz surrounding it intruiged me to read her latest novel. Written in a simple yet effective manner, When the Wildflowers Bloom is primarily the story of Tara Grewal but addresses the unfortunate situation of countless women who are trapped in abusive marriages. Through Tara, Bhullar narrates the resilience and strength it takes to walk out of toxic relationships. The first few pages reminded me of the movie Thappad, the one in which the wife is publicly humiliated by her husband. When Tara finally realises the extent of emotional and physical trauma that she has been enduring for the past 17 years, she considers her options. At almost 40, she carves out a new life for her.
When Tara wakes up dazed, she sees the friendly faces of her family nursing her back to health. After the previous night's humiliation, she has a decision to make but is it easy to walk out on a marriage of 17 years that gave her two wonderful children? She visits her grandparent's house in rural Punjab and it instantly brings back good memories. It is here that she discovers her dimmed spark and with the help of a friend, she throws herself into the betterment of a school that has been neglected for decades. Tara's journey is not easy as she's constantly reminded of her past but with the help of her family and friends, she walks confidently with time. The simple love that the villagers bestow upon her, the idle rural life with nothing to disrupt her thoughts and new unexpected friendships ultimately convinces her that life need not be complicated and that she always has a choice.
Bhullar writes effortlessly, her description of places and it's beauty seemingly vivid. Tara's story, although inspiring was predictable making the reading process a monotonous one. I do however, recommend this to those who are trying to seek strength to take that leap of faith.
3.6/5.