Anupama Jain’s When Padma Bani Paula will seem like a lighthearted narrative about the prodigal daughter who rebels against family only to return to the fold duly chastened. However, as one delves further into the story a thought-provoking statement on Indian ideals emerges.
Despite the stresses of running with the wolves, in other words fulfilling the demands of the global rat race, Indians, as a community, are able to keep their heads above the water and avoid burnouts. Hardly does one hear about Indians searching for therapists to unburden their smouldering souls. The reason is wherever in the world they may be, there usually somebody in the family who offers up a willing shoulder to cry on. When Padma Bani Paula is the classic example of how strong a rock an Indian family provides its members. The book very simply yet succinctly brings out to the reader that however much we may vilify traditional commitments to the family, when we are hanging at the end of the thin branch, the support of the family is what we can count on to cushion our fall!
As an author Anupama’s ready wit is delectable and incomparable. Her skill of transforming an ordinary situation into an extraordinary one by the turn of a phrase and a jocular metaphor is just brilliant. While on the subject of language, I have always enjoyed how this author can spin anecdotes using a few words placed strategically. You have to read When Padma Bani Paula to appreciate this facet of her writing.
The book is paced extremely well not letting me put it down until I reached the last word. Though I suspect there are snatches where the author relies on incidents from her own youth, much of the tale is an excellent mingling of imaginative storytelling spiced with regional flavour.
I would recommend When Padma Bani Paula as an entertaining yet thoughtful read for all those who are looking for a racy, home-spun zesty yarn.
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