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A review by zabiume
The Dark Holds No Terrors by Shashi Deshpande
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A hard-to-stomach, but ultimately compelling read. There's an undertone of cynicism throughout this book that feels earned, rather than a quirk of the main character. Deshpande does an excellent job of exploring the the trauma of womanhood, as well as Saru's (the main character's) own trauma — and the ways these two intersect.
Although the feminist critique she offers feels a little too on-the-nose at times, Deshpande has a brilliant insight into attitudes and behaviors that the Indian society in the 90s might have otherwise normalized. The mix of first person and third person POV does a surprisingly seamless job in explaining the main character's fragmented state of mind, as well as weaving the story through flashbacks and the present. If you can excuse the occasional tangent from the main character or the occasional colloquialism, this is definitely a worthwhile read.
Although the feminist critique she offers feels a little too on-the-nose at times, Deshpande has a brilliant insight into attitudes and behaviors that the Indian society in the 90s might have otherwise normalized. The mix of first person and third person POV does a surprisingly seamless job in explaining the main character's fragmented state of mind, as well as weaving the story through flashbacks and the present. If you can excuse the occasional tangent from the main character or the occasional colloquialism, this is definitely a worthwhile read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse