I have always been interested in different lifestyles and different cultural practices across India. Of these, the Bengali household and their customs and cuisines have been topics of interest for me. When I got “Innocence has a name and other stories” I was so happy to have come close to a Bengali household. The author has introduced the readers to the indigenous lives of Bengalis.
Mithali’s Innocence
The plot unveils the birth of Mithali, the daughter of Professor Debapratim Bhattacharya. Mithali’s character is the life of the whole book. The eponymous story also mentions how the innocence of Mithali has been exploited and the same makes her special. The story connects the readers with her at a personal level. Though the preceding stories about her childhood are also palpable, this story is what hooks the readers.
Though the book is an anthology the stories are snippets from the same household. Each story has a statement to make. Statements against gender discrimination, body shaming, color shaming, and more. The book makes us realize that irrespective of the place or creed, the judgments and some regressive thoughts of the society are just the same.
Bengali culture
As I am intrigued to learn about a different culture, the close trip to Bengali culture is a take-home for me. Cuisines, cultural practices, and daily lives – I was enjoying the plot at several levels. On one hand, the storyline of each story was simply sweet and enjoyable. On the other hand, seeing the culture up-close. If you are going on a literature drive with deep philosophical preachings, this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for a read that is close to the earth and heartwarming, this is the one. It is a quick read over a coffee with 64 pages. Worth the time.
Wow this book sounds like a good and simple read, still shares a wide variety of social message. I would like to grab my copy soon, thanks for your review.
This book has a Bengali flavour that would be fun to explore for non-Bengalis like me. The culture and the everyday household things must make it quite an interesting read.
Though this seems to be a short read your review seems to convince me to pick this book up sooner. I love the plot
I like that you have shared a short and sweet review of the book, seems like a must read for someone who loves to explore Bengali culture.
I love your honest review that helps the reader decide whether this is the book to pick and read today. That's what a good review is all about. For me, this looks like a nice read with the exploration of Bengali Cuisine, cultural practices, and daily life with a female-oriented theme.
Looks like a good read but does this book have Bengali jargon that a non-Bengali may not understand? Let me know otherwise I would love to check it out.
Seems like an interesting blend of short heartwarming stories and a take away lesson too. I can do with a quick read, so would check it out certainly.
Seems like an interesting blend of short heartwarming stories and a take away lesson too. I can do with a quick read, so would check it out certainly.
The anthology sounds good. Even I am intigued with Bengali culture and have no idea about it. Short stories are an easy read. Thank you for sharing the review.
Beautiful, honest and in-depth analysis of the anthology.
This book seems interesting and intriguing, thanks for sharing an honest review, I would love to get my copy for sure.