Of Love and Choices

Kamalika_Reads 11

Book: In the Game of Love

Author: Meenakshi Kumar

Publishers: Vitasta Publishing Private Limited 

Genre: Fiction

Rating: 3.5/5

How I came to know about this book:

I happened to cross paths with Meenakshi Kumar on WhatsApp through some mutual groups, and when she mentioned her book, I decided to give it a try.

What the book is about :

The book 'In the Game of Love: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back' centres around Suman, an IIM graduate, her husband Kunal, and his office secretary, Tara. It highlights the life of an Indian woman who frequently prioritises family and home over her own desires and dreams.

What I have loved about the book :

The author has a good command of English and has vividly portrayed backdrops in minute details, making the readers completely immersed in the scenes unfolding. Suman, the protagonist with an IIM degree, makes a bold decision to leave her thriving career at its peak to prioritise household responsibilities. Such a choice may resonate as liberating for some. 

What I felt could have been better :

While the novel presents a decent read, my personal reflections were tinged with conflict, particularly, when viewing the female perspective. The narrative falters by subtly casting aspersions on women choosing a career path.

The crux of the problem lies not in Suman's choice but in the unnecessary denigration of alternative paths. The novel introduces Tara as the sole working woman, regrettably portraying her in an objectionable shade by labelling her no less than a "whore." Compounding the issue is the portrayal of an outspoken and liberal roommate, Arunima, whose life is depicted as distorted. This judgmental tone adds an unwarranted layer of bias, undermining a more empowering portrayal of diverse female roles, and reinforcing regressive norms about femininity.

The dynamics between characters aggravate the problems. The question arises: If Tara had not been painted as a backstabber, would Kunal have ever recognised the sacrifices made by Suman? This narrative choice diminishes the value of Suman's sacrifices by suggesting they would not have been acknowledged otherwise.

A more powerful and empowering narrative could have emerged had Tara, portrayed as a strong, independent woman, received the respect she deserved. Kunal's realisation of Suman's sacrifices could have occurred without tarnishing Tara's character, creating a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of women's choices. Hope the author will consider this aspect for the future representation of women and their decisions.

Why one should read or not read this book:

The book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the intricate details of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations. The author's captivating writing style, interwoven with detailed descriptions of vibrant marketplaces and marriage house decor, provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama.

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

The book takes the plot of a woman pitted against another woman which I am dead against. Do you agree with the concept of women being the biggest enemy of women? Drop your thoughts in the comment box.