Literary

Book review: 'The Dowry Death' analyses some of the problems faced by Indian women

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 30 Aug 2018, 02:04 pm

Although India has a rich cultural diversity, the fate of women across different strata of society is the same, where women are often harassed, forced to be subservient to men, sometime driven to suicide or killed for dowry.

Dr. Jyoti, through her book, The Dowry Death, has projected a deep analysis of the problems faced by women and ways to come out of it so that they can gain some motivation and fight back.

Is there any solution to this difficulty? Will the society ever change? Will the women get a chance to live their lives independently?

The author explores these issues and tries to give a detail answer to these complications.

After a girl child is born, it is not celebrated in most families since a boy is considered to be a blessing in the family.

When she slowly grows up, it is injected in her mind that she is inferior, she has many limitations and she has been born to serve others.

Hence, her confidence is completely shaken at an early age. When she is married off, she must adjust herself in an alien world and if she is unable to do so, her life becomes miserable.

Also, it is expected from her that she would give the family a male child after marriage and the decision of the bride is often not considered.

Therefore, the position of a woman is highly vulnerable in the society no matter how much our civilization has progressed.

Exceptions are there but this problem has not been completely eradicated.

Dr. Jyoti talks about these issues in detail in her book.

Most women are not aware of their rights and hence, they are afraid to showcase their views and raise their voices against corruption.
 

The Dowry Death has been divided into 27 precise chapters which are coherent and lucid.

The topics discussed are common yet important and everyone can relate to it.

Dowry death and other crimes committed against women are the areas where focus should be given, and it must come to an end.

Right to live freely is the basic right given to all, irrespective of gender, religion, caste and creed.

Therefore, women, under any circumstance, should not give up and choose death as their only option to escape such harsh situations.

The author has repeatedly highlighted this point so that people may find it helpful since sometimes all we need is a few motivational words to survive.

This book is a must-read for all the women.

(Reviewed by Sayantani Sengupta)