Madhu Bazaz Wangu

A thought provoking variety of different short stories to sit back and read at your leisure, from relatable life struggles and emotions, life cycles, through to different ways of life, cultures, and traditions. Take time to think about each one, the meaning, the moral, the hope or inspiration that can be taken from the story. Some stories will relate to what a reader has experienced in their own life, or are going through now, others will be take your mind deeper. Some stories will connect with you more, depending on where your life is right now. Madhu's writing paints a captivating, vivid picture, that effortlessly transports you in to each story and all it's details, as it always does when reading her books, which is why I love her as a writer.… (meer)

This story was a fascinating read, the Indian culture, traditions and beliefs pour from the pages so effortlessly, yet it was also emotional in parts when your eyes are opened by the author through this fictional tale, on how some small parts of India still live and think today. The author has shown great strength and bravery to bring such controversial subjects to readers outside of India.

The story is set around Kumud, a selfless lady who runs an orphanage for girls and her life's mission is to help those in need. Having grown up in Neela Nagar, Kumud knows only too well what the future holds for these girls without any help given to them. In parts of India women are treated as second class citizens in every sense, why would they need education when their only purpose is to serve and provide domestic duties to their family and then husbands. What is worse is that if their husband was to die, they are seen as a threat to her husbands family, if they don't escape the only choice they have is the fear of living like a slave or commit Suttee.

'It's a women's nature not to think too deeply.' - the Elder

Suttee is an outlawed ritual in India when a widow would cremate herself along with her dead husband, in the belief that they will stay together in heaven and guarantee a place in heaven for several generations. She fears what her life will be like and feels this is her only way out. This brings great awareness to the small town she belongs too and generates many benefits to the town. Although this has been banned, some small villages who have deep installed beliefs still practice it today.

Kumud's past haunts her and when she receives a phone call from her old town telling her another Suttee could take place she has no option but to return and do all she can to stop it from happening. Can the people of Neela Nagar begin to change and see the ancient tradition of Suttee in Neela Nagar stopped or are those beliefs to deeply rooted?

A tremendous amount of research, travel, interviews and dedication by the author has brought this astounding story to life. A story that gave me shivers in places and in others put a smile on my face, a thought provoking, powerful read that pulls at your heart, hopefully this awareness can bring changes to century old traditions and practices.… (meer)