A single mother leaving her 3 minor children and vanishing… How can anyone resist a blurb like that?
My curiosity got better of me and I immediately downloaded the book. But when I started reading, I just couldn\’t put it down and when I finished the book in a day(it\’s been ages since I finished any book in a day), the book refuses to leave my mind.
Kasturi Patra\’s \”A mother\’s goodbye\” is a rare piece of literature because it ventures into spaces that no one wants to go or show; like the darker side of motherhood. Mother\’s love is immortalized as selfless and limitless, but what happens to a mother who runs out of it? Women are expected to be overflowing with love and affection but does anyone spare a thought about who fills their cup of love? Or what/who is draining it?
And what happens to children who are left in the lurch with no fault of theirs? How do they come to terms with the harsh reality?
This is a soul-stirring book that asks so many uncomfortable questions. But it also makes a compelling read because of the wonderful writing which moves from lyrical to candid to confrontational effortlessly. The children- 17 year old Avik, 16 yr old Mou and 8 year old Ishaan have their own journeys, each one forced to grow up too soon and come to terms with the bitter truth staring them in the eye, in their own ways. Their bonding is both heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time. The understanding and warmth between Avik and Mou especially warmed the cockles of my heart and stayed with me…
Do they meet their mother? Does she come back?
The author answers these questions but only after confronting the reader and making them think about deeper more pertinent questions about a woman\’s identity, unrealistic societal standards and the impact of weighty expectations on both mothers and their children.
A stunning debut novel. Kasturi Patra , I am a fan now…