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Sita's Curse- The Language of Desire

Most of the books that we read give us a blend of things. Most definitely, they offer us entertainment, pleasure, fun, drama, emotions churned in a story. Those which give us beyond them are not just books but more. Feelings, longings  and learnings from such books stay for long. So the latest one that I have read and has been the talk of book-town has made such impact. It speaks about erotica, sex, temptation, a woman’s desire. You said its a taboo in our society. Yes! we are not supposed to discuss about it, they say girls are not supposed to talk about it at all. Suppression rules in our society. But I love it when its defied.

Having wrapped it last week, I have chosen to review it now.  Sreemoyee Piu Kundu’s book ‘Sita’s Curse- The Language of Desire’is the one that has revisited a woman’s sexual journey from a young girl to a fully grown up woman.

Title:  We have all read and known Sita in the Ramayana’s version, this is a different take entirely but isn’t it the author’s way of questioning the curse that every woman has to live through. Sita’s curse is an intriguing title that leads to lot of curiosity. Quite a thoughtful title. And there is a connection more to it. To start off, the protagonist Meera was always made to play the role of Sita in school.

One Line: It is an attempt to define woman in a new avatar, her sexual being, her form that has always been there but suppressed, ignored, declared dead but now someone decides to break free…

At a certain age Meera’s mother says… You are not supposed to tell this to anyone. The memories from the past flooded me.  I remember my Mum telling me the same.  The moment our bodies begin to undergo the changes, we are told a rule of things to do and not to do. And there is no explanation to many things forever.

Story:  Meera Patel loves to spend her childhood with her twin brother Kartik. She loves to play with him, sleep with him and touch him innocently. But soon adolescence touches upon her and takes her into her stride. Their mother instructs brother and sister should live in different rooms now. She is baffled as Kartik has always been her strength, her support, her confidant, her best friend. Due to irreversible circumstances,  Kartik is ousted from her life forever but he never dies in her thoughts.  Soon Meera reaches her marriageable age, too young though is married to a man in Mumbai. He keeps her away for an year and then finally the wife gets a chance to live with her husband. Till this time she has kept the bundle of her sexual desires under wraps dying to be exploded anytime. But soon she finds herself caged in an abusive relationship.

The mother in law wants her to be blessed from the Guruji who has his own ways of making woman realize their desires. Life moves on for her but there are no kids happening. The woman in her has its temptations that can’t wait any longer. Meera finds and creates her own standing in her cringed living space. She evolves but their is more to a woman than just her everyday routine life. When she learns computers,  the online world opens up experiences and satisfaction like never before.

Read it for : The book is engaging from start till end except a few passable moments. The writing flows with sheer brilliance blended with great imagination of the author. The human passion and desire has been dealt sensually. Women have always been shielded from talking about sex, about their desires, about their body, lust but not here. There is no sign of fear or veil in the writing. The voice of the woman is the strength of the book. There is enough erotica to entertain in here too.   But its not about entertainment, its the story of real woman who speaks a language of desire. There is stifle, suffocation in Meera’s life but there comes  liberation eventually.

The Low points:  Every book has its highs and lows. At some points, Meera’s personality gets overshadowed by her obsession with sex. The sudden disappearance of Kartik from Meera’s life and at the other hand the inflow of his memories that hit Meera  at the unpredicted moments did not go in well with me. Yosuf’s, the online friend of Meera, his character was not as convincing as expected.

Overall, do pick it up. This one is touching and thought provoking equally. It should be read by both men and women. And I am sure every woman will find a voice in the book. A relief to read all that is Hush hush!!!!

 

Happy Reading !!!

 

15 thoughts on “Sita's Curse- The Language of Desire

  1. One thing about the book is that its promoted very well. I have been seeing Sita’s curse lately on social media. I was not very keen on the book and by going with your review, I would rather stay away with this one for now, I have a long list waiting foe me 🙂

    Well done with the review

  2. I enjoyed ur detailed review of Sita’s curse and the author seems to be honest to tackle the subject of conditions of women in society. Will look for it soon:)

    1. The story is not about every woman but yes its definitely something which many woman have been through..

  3. Interesting Review. There are very rare books I buy on its review basis, this one is gonna be among them.
    …regards

  4. I read one review earlier, where the blogger said that it’s a bad book. But the way you have described it here, it sounds it our story, barring getting married to someone and living alone, also the twin factor. But yes, all we Indians can identify with it. Will search for it on Flipkart.

    1. The book has been received differently by different readers. I loved it because it talked about the desire that is seldom talked. On the other hand there were few things that I did not like but they were not too many.

  5. Thanks, I am glad the review helped you decide whether you wanna pick the book now or later. Hope to see you around more.. Keep reading!

      1. Hi , that would be great, i live in Fiji and i cant get it shipped to me i am dying to read it . i really appreciate it

  6. It gives me immense pleasure to write to you. I’m delighted to let you know that Dr Bhaavna’s last book the deliberate Sinner topped the list of bestselling books in 2014.
    Here are some of the acknowledgments.

    http://www.slideshare.net/mobile/simplify360/the-11-most-loved-fiction-novels-of-2014

    http://qz.com/325622/chetan-bhagats-half-girlfriend-wasnt-indias-favourite-book-last-year/

    It was also listed in the landmarker as the bestselling book of 2014 and many other forums.

    Now She is working with the biggest publishing house i.e Penguin for her next book, Mistress of Honour.
    She has written a book depicting the courage and bravery of Indian soldiers in various operations and battles which is inspired from true stories. The unmatched sacrifice and love for a nation can only be recited through the life of a true soldier and that is the intention behind writing this book.

    The script covers various operations from the history of Indian Defense Forces; Incidents captured in the book range from Operation Blue star to the battle of Kargil. The book intends to not only encourage youth towards joining armed forces but also refreshes and reminds people of the immense sacrifice made my our soldiers in the line of duty.

    it also brings out the endurance of the soldiers’ families who selflessly let go off their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers for the safety of the nation. It takes more than grandeur to kill and die for the nation.
    We will be delighted if you could review the book.
    Thanking you!

    Regards
    Madhur

    1. Hi Madhur, very intelligently you are handling the pr of Bhaavna’s book but let me tell you her book was a waste of time in my opinion.

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