The Forbidden Daughter
by Shobhan Bantwal
Published by Kensington Books
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Maria Hoeffer
In this heart-wrenching drama, Shobhan Bantwal gives us a captivating glimpse into contemporary Indian culture, including the emerging dark side of gender selective abortions. Tackling this difficult subject head-on, Bantwal presents Isha, a young mother given a horrendous choice–her unborn daughter or her family, wealth, status and security.
Isha’s decision to keep her baby ultimately leads to a dreadfully treacherous life. Shunned by her family and cut off from her entire social network, Isha is forced to fend for herself and her daughters in a society that no longer acknowledges her.
In the second half of the novel, Isha finds herself ensnared in the dark world of selective abortions. Holding evidence which could expose a prominent doctor’s illegal and immoral acts places Isha in the center of a dangerous target, threatening to harm her and all those close to her. Bribery, blackmail, kidnapping, murder–this thriller turns fast-paced and heart-stopping until the exciting final conclusion.
Bantwal peppers the story with romance and Indian culture, creating a clear vision of the complex life in modern small-town India. She portrays the tremendous pressure on young Indian married women to produce a male heir, even now in 2008. Though Isha’s life and culture are probably very different than that of the majority of readers, we are drawn to her, struggle along with her and cheer for her until the very end.
Though the subject of The Forbidden Daughter is a difficult one emotionally, we are compelled to keep reading, to stand as a light with Isha against this dark world. Emotionally charged and poignant, this novel forces us to examine the fate and future of women in contemporary India.
Armchair Interviews says: Powerful story for powerful subject.
Author’s Web site: http://www.ShobhanBantwal.com