Redefining, reinventing, reigniting
On Our Bookshelf | March 2023
Dear Readers,
The books we highlighted during Women’s History Month are thoughtful explorations of identity, influence, and sacrifice. The authors and - in the instances of fiction writing - their characters are redefining, reinventing, and reigniting the space and roles women are given in literature. And we don’t just celebrate these women in March; we support their gripping and larger-than-life personalities by writing book reviews, preordering their upcoming stories, and placing holds at our local library. We bet on them. And we bet on you to help keep their stories alive too. The books below are a good place to start…
Until next time,
Mishika and Sri
Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Reviewed by: Monica Chakraborty
The rising tide of 1947 Partition lends itself to the momentum of an ever-intensifying plot in Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s latest masterpiece.
“Independence” narrates the journeys of three sisters, each catapulted into different journeys amid the violent division of land that created India and Pakistan. There is Priya, ambitious in her passion to become a doctor in a time when females were not permitted such vocation; Deepa, who makes incredibly dangerous choices in the pursuit of self-realization and true love; and Jamini, forging a life of her own in the stagnancy of being left behind. Despite their inextricable bond, the sisters are unique in their motivations, desires, and secrets, which are revealed as each navigates their new circumstances.
History blends seamlessly into the sisters’ narratives as the catalyst in their lives. As a second generation immigrant, this book taught me a substantial amount about India’s political factions during the tumultuous time of its independence and partition. Divakaruni's research is evident as she incorporates historical figures, radio broadcasts, newspaper headlines, and poignant songs of the time period into the story.
The standout theme throughout the novel is the existence of good people in the world, even amidst warring political factions, religious riots, and innumerable casualties. Fans of Banerjee’s prior works will recognize the author’s incomparable storytelling talent, from the resplendently lyrical writing style of each preface, to her ability to coax readers back to the light after dragging our hearts through senseless violence. Even if this happens to be the first Banerjee novel you pick up, those who appreciate historical fiction, female-driven stories, or want to understand more about the 1947 Partition will surely meet a character that finds a home in their hearts in “Independence.”
📚 Get your copy of “Independence.”
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Reviewed by: Monica Chakraborty
Step into the bustling and culturally diverse country of Singapore, as seen through the eyes of a population that is often overlooked and yet, everywhere: the maids.
Three Filipina maids, Cora, Angel and Donita, maneuver the politics, romance, and bad actors in their employers’ home. The story is driven forward by the undercurrent of a fellow maid, Flordeliza, who is tangled in an accusation of murdering her employer, which compels the three women to band together to find the truth.
The author skillfully tackles a wide scope of topics pertinent to the immigrant working class in Singapore from the concept of loyalty to their own, the dichotomy of building a better life while remaining true to one’s cultural roots, and standing up to authority. Most strikingly, Balli Kaur Jaswal unapologetically reveals the ways in which maids in Singapore are treated as second class citizens. Jaswal peppers in evidence such as private Facebook groups which expose deep-seated entitlement from employers, cites restrictions placed upon maids, even on days off, and addresses the prejudices and stigmatizations that come with being Filipina while working to keep their permits in Singapore.
As the story unravels, some details seem to lack adequate context. However, most eventually become interconnected to the underlying mystery. Woven into the novel are vivid descriptions of Singaporean food, tropical setting, and celebrations, making this an enjoyable read for anyone who wants to explore the intricate fabric of Singaporean culture.
Jaswal’s novel issues a clear social message: immigrant maids are a vulnerable group, who are stuck into ingratiated systems designed to exploit them. Readers will eagerly chase an answer to the question of whether Cora, Angel, and Donita can fight against that system to build a different life for themselves, or become entangled in the web of injustice
📚 Get your copy of “Now You See Us.”
Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin
Reviewed by: Ameek Bindra
"Real Self-Care" by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD provides a unique perspective on self-care for women of color. The book is divided in two parts: the first section critiques the superficial approach to self-care in the media, and the second provides actionable ways to practice "real" self-care.
Dr. Lakshmin shares her unfiltered mental health journey, making her advice more relatable and authentic. The patient examples she provides help readers understand the nuances of self-care, covering topics such as boundary-setting, saying "no," and prioritizing oneself. Her personal experiences and interactive exercises make the book more engaging, while her use of metaphors is both refreshing and enlightening.
I appreciated Dr. Lakshmin's nod to the pressures and expectations placed on South Asian women - not exclusively historically, but even in present day. She discusses the well-known quote "what will people say?", and the influence of this question in her marriage and, later, divorce. In a sharp yet straightforward quiz format, Dr. Lakshmin provides examples of how to build and preserve boundaries to give yourself agency and empowerment. The scenarios are not all life-changing. For instance, she discusses how to decline a friend's invitation to a bachelorette party. She then walks through each answer choice and explains the correct, or most effective, method.
Dr. Lakshmin's book is unlike the other self-help books I have picked up. Instead, it is a deep well of reflection and life experience.
📚 Get your copy of “Real Self-Care.”
Sunny by Sukh Ojla
Reviewed by: Dilpreet Kainth
A romance unlike any other: “Sunny” is the story of a young woman falling in love with herself.
The titular character in Sukh Ojla’s debut is a relatable and nuanced protagonist who, after moving back in with her parents at 30, struggles with self-confidence and mental health challenges, while leading a codependent life with her friends, boss, ex-lover, and family.
Sunny's relationship with her mom is particularly powerful, as we see their relationship evolve from one built on a choreography of lies to one that is filled with deep understanding. Ojla uses the setting of the kitchen, where Sunny and her mother make sabji with the Sikh Channel playing in the background, to paint an all-too-relatable picture of the dutiful Punjabi daughter who makes every effort to hide her real pain and loneliness from her mom.
Ojla also addresses the difficult truth that adult relationships change, sometimes to the point of dissolution. Sunny unpacks moments of racism, microaggressions, and gaslighting from some of her longtime friends that ultimately plant the seeds of a friendship breakup. Readers will root for Sunny as she has raw confrontations with these so-called friends and have her back as she navigates the grief and acceptance that comes with those endings.
“Sunny” is a gift to those who have struggled with insecurity, validating the messy, painful, and beautiful parts of navigating loneliness and growth. Readers will feel like they are having a one-on-one conversation with Sunny, whose flawed yet wholeheartedly lovable character is made even more relatable by Ojla’s tempered blend of humor and heartache.
To view all of the books featured on our page and/or purchase them from independent booksellers:
We’re grateful to Bookstr for profiling us as their “Bookstagrammer of the Week.” Learn about our intentions in starting BGB in this spotlight. Mishika also discloses the name of her favorite bookstore in NYC!
“Dirty Laundry” by Disha Bose
“Working to Restore” by Esha Chhabra
“Advika and the Hollywood Wives” by Kirthana Ramisetti
“Chrysalis” by Anuja Varghese
love the bookstr profile!