A Multigenerational Tale of Love and Hatred

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Book: Letters To My Mother

Author: Vikkas Arun Pareek

Publishers: Vishwakarma Publications

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 4/5

How I came to know about this book:

This book was released around the same time as mine, both backed by the same literary agency, 'The Book Bakers.' I was on the hunt for reads in a similar genre, so I decided to give it a go.

What the book is about :

"Letters to My Mother" by Vikkas Arun Pareek is a poignant exploration of three generations of mother-daughter relationships, interwoven with a narrative that spans 80 years. This emotionally charged story revolves around Shakuntala, born in 1935, her daughter Janaki, born in 1957, and her granddaughter Meera, born in 1980. The central theme revolves around the jinx of mother-daughter relationships, characterised by a unique blend of hatred and love for each other.

What I have loved about the book :

One of the most striking aspects of the narrative is how history seems to repeat itself within these generations. The bitterness, misunderstandings, and deep-seated grudges echo through the decades. However, what emerges as the ultimate winner in this multi-generational saga is forgiveness. Despite the vengeance and losses experienced by these women, the story ultimately champions the power of forgiveness as a redemptive force.

The narrative unfolds through the exchange of letters between mothers and daughters, a unique storytelling approach that adds depth and intimacy to the characters' emotions. These letters serve as a captivating vehicle for conveying each character's inner thoughts, regrets, and hopes.

Another worth mentioning aspect of the novel is that it interweaves real-life incidents be it India’s Independence, the Emergency period, or the 9/11 attack in the story making the characters more realistic and related to the readers.

What I felt could have been better :

A notable weakness in the book is the uniformity in the style of letters written by Shakuntala and Janaki, despite the generational gap between them. This consistency can feel somewhat jarring and unrealistic, undermining the uniqueness of each character's voice.

Also, Shakuntala's life unfolds for 80 years, and her journey is filled with dramatic and political events that sometimes border on the extraordinary.

The book's ending may leave some readers, including me, dissatisfied as it does not give a proper closure. However, the author may have kept the last paragraph as a cliffhanger, potentially setting the stage for a sequel.

Why one should read or not read this book:

Throughout the book, Pareek displays a commendable sensitivity in his portrayal of female characters and the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships. "Letters to Mother" avoids the pitfall of being preachy or resorting to slut-shaming, allowing the characters and their experiences to shine authentically.

Overall, "Letters to Mother" is an emotional rollercoaster that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Whether you're seeking an emotional journey or a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, this book definitely is a read.

Disclaimer:

The book contains child abuse and trauma which may be unsetteling for some readers.

The book is available on Amazon at https://amzn.in/d/hbOqd9E

The book contains child abuse and trauma... Have you ever faced or know someone who faced such trauma and how you/he/she overcame them in life? Share in the comments.