Women for women...

Kamalika_Reads 14

Book: Beneath the Veneer

Author: Sreya Sarkar

Publishers: The Alcove Publishers

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 4.5/5

How I came to know about this book:

Sreya reached out to me long before her book was published to ask about my experiences with the book publishing process. When her book finally came out, the blurb intrigued me. And with March being the month to celebrate Women’s Rights, it felt like the perfect read for the occasion.

What the book is about :

Sreya Sarkar intricately weaves together the lives of six women in the imaginative town of Rangbihar near Delhi, delving into the harsh realities of woman trafficking while celebrating the strength and resilience of women. The story feels grounded in the everyday affairs we see in newspapers, adding a layer of authenticity to its narrative.

What I have loved about the book :

One of the commendable aspects is its portrayal of women standing strong for one another. It's refreshing to see diverse characters, including a lawyer, a doctor, an Arjuna awardee athlete, a pickle factory owner, a house helper, and a housewife turned banking clerk, form an unlikely yet powerful bond. This coming together, reflects the complexities and richness of womanhood.

The narrative maintains a gripping pace, keeping the thriller alive with fast-paced scenes that propel the story forward. The ending, although dramatic, provides a satisfying conclusion to the story, leaving the reader with a sense of closure.

What I felt could have been better :

There are moments where the plot ventures into clichés, such as the presence of an ashram behind the flesh trade, young girls being trapped in love affairs, and women being compared to deities during Navratri festivities. While these elements contribute to the dramatic tension, they could have been handled with more nuance to avoid predictability.

Moreover, there is a notable absence of strong positive male characters in the narrative. Introducing one or two good men could have balanced the portrayal of gender dynamics, offering a point of hope amidst the darkness. For instance, giving the inspector a more prominent role and exploring a romantic angle with Farzeen, or providing Falguni and her husband Chandru with meaningful interactions could have could have added depth to the storyline.

Why one should read or not read this book:

"Beneath the Veneer" is a compelling tale of female solidarity and resilience in adversity. Sarkar's narrative skillfully highlights the importance of standing together in the fight against injustice, making the novella a poignant and thought-provoking one. If you love layered women-centric plots, you know what your next read should be.

Grab your copy at Amazon: https://amzn.in/d/1ElX4YS