Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: BooksClinic Publishing / Zankar
Publication Date: January 1, 2021
Pages: 158
Rating: 5/5
Buy at: Buy at BooksClinic | Buy at Amazon | Listen at Storytel | Add to Goodreads
Summary and Story
“An illustrative symbol of women empowerment – The CEO Magazine”. That is what perfectly defines Aanandi by Jyoti Jha. The story of a remarkable young girl. An inspiring story of a determined woman to be self-reliant.
Beginning in a small village in Bihar, it is a story spanning decades as Aanadi battles cultural and economic limitations with little or no support. Rising above poverty with single-minded determination using education and self-reliance. Narrated in episodic chapters that are standalone short stories woven together effortlessly.
Review:
If you have been following me for a while, you would know that I have always loved picking books in Hindi. There is indeed a special charm of reading a book in your own language. And I have also tried to introduce (and re-introduce) English book readers to Hindi literature via my blog.
Ever since I heard of Aanandi by Jyoti Jha in 2021, I had been keen to pick up her book. I had first met the author (virtually) during the Blogchatter A2Z 2020 as she shared a travelogue that she went ahead to compile in a book, Around the World Through My Lens. When I found that the book was available on Storytel as an audiobook, I picked it up instantly.
The author’s Hindi literature debut has taken the literary world by storm. A story that is as much about the state of women in India from the 1960s to the modern-day as it is about Aanandi. A story so rooted in India deserved to be told in Hindi. The writing is fluid and immersive. Listening to an author narrate her own book is always a treat.
Aanandi’s character is not without fault. She does make compromises putting her own health at risk. Turning a blind eye to maintain peace in the family.
The book picks on a horde of topics well woven into the narrative. Women empowerment, education opportunities, social limitations, misogyny, and lack of reproductive rights.
Let’s be honest. There is indeed a dearth of good Hindi and regional literature. The reason has more to do with the economics and the lack of readership. It breaks my heart to see translated pop-culture books considered the best ones in Hindi when there are such excellent books out there. As long as we have authors like Jyoti Jha, modern Hindi literature is in good hands.
If you enjoy reading Hindi books, I highly recommend you pick Aanandi. And if you enjoy audiobooks, it is available at Storytel and is such a treat.
About the Author
An HR-turned-Author, Jyoti Jha is an MBA by qualification and has been associated with corporates like Infosys and Whirlpool in the past. After almost a decade of globe-trotting, she pursued her compelling passion of expressing through words and embarked upon the journey of exploring the field of literature.
An esteemed winner of ‘The Times of India Write India Season 3’, she has authored the books, ‘The Realms of Human Emotions’, ‘Around The World Through My Lens’, and ‘Aanandi‘. Awarded ‘Savitribai Phule Rashtriya Samman’ on International Women’s Day, and having featured as ‘Iconic Authors 2022’ by Aesthetics International, she has been awarded as ‘Author of the year’ in The LIT FEST 2020, and has won the title ‘Best Reviewer of the year 2020 and 2021’ by The Literary Mirror.
A literary critic, columnist, and lyricist, she has been a proud panelist and guest speaker in talk shows at prestigious institutions like IIM Lucknow, IIT Delhi, IIT Jammu, and Christ College. Having been interviewed and featured at one of the top literary journals of the country, Jyoti has been an honorable jury member at the Literary Club, IIT BHU for Storytelling, and an honorable guest at Kashiyatra, IIT BHU, Varanasi for Hindi Poetry. She has been an esteemed guest speaker and host at a unique talk show ‘The Lit Talks’ on a reputable OTT Platform. Her debut Hindi novel ‘Aanandi’ has been featured at the Pune International Literary Festival (PILF) 2021.
Visit her online at MyViewsAndReviews.com, Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva andNoor Anand Chawla in collaboration with RRE Studios and ShowCase Events.
March 24, 2022 @ 11:13 pm
I’ve read Anandi and enjoyed it immensely. In fact I’ve read all of Jyoti’s books and this one stands out. Didn’t know it’s available as an audio book too.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:49 pm
You are absolutely right, Sonia. There is a certain charm to this one. Her narration was the icing on the cake. 😊
March 25, 2022 @ 9:01 am
Oh I found the title familiar. It’s by Jyothi. It’s great to see bloggers going places and achieving greater heights. All the best to her.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:50 pm
That is so true. Always love seeing a fellow blogger going places. 😊
March 26, 2022 @ 9:45 am
Congratulations to Jyoti, and thank you for reviewing her book. Sounds like a promising read. Shall get it for my Mom, as she loves reading Hindi books.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:51 pm
My pleasure, Mayuri. 😊 Hope your mom enjoys it as much as I did.
March 26, 2022 @ 5:24 pm
I love reading Hindi books and am always looking for recommendations. Anandi sounds interesting and I’ll surely try and get my hands on it soon.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:52 pm
Do pick it up Varsh. I hope you enjoy it. 😊
March 27, 2022 @ 6:25 pm
I will take forever to finish it even if I attempt as I am a very slow reader of hindi. But so happy that it is avaliable as an audio book. Your review has made it a must read now. Thank you for it Ritu.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:53 pm
My pleasure, Kaveri. 😊 I can completely relate to the reading speed in Hindi. It took me a while too.
March 27, 2022 @ 6:46 pm
loved the review! I love listening audio books
May 7, 2022 @ 5:53 pm
Thank you Vidhya 😊
March 27, 2022 @ 9:18 pm
The review and the profile of the author is tempting me to hear the audio book. Loved the way you have outlined the plot without giving away the essence of the story.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:53 pm
Thank you, Harjeet. 😊 Do go for it.
March 27, 2022 @ 11:18 pm
Thank you for reviewing the book. Not much of a hindi reader, but an audiobook i can definitely listen too. Will surely give this a ear!
May 7, 2022 @ 5:54 pm
My pleasure, Zenobia 😊
March 27, 2022 @ 11:22 pm
Sounds like an uplifting read. And I’m so glad you enjoy reading Hindi novels. And it’s a wonderful review. Thank you for sharing.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:54 pm
Thank you Tarang 😊
March 28, 2022 @ 4:08 pm
I love to listen more than i would read. a sure shot book for me to pick up. Thank u for the review
May 7, 2022 @ 5:55 pm
We are indeed kindred spirits, Jasmine 😊. Most of my reads this year have been audiobooks.
March 28, 2022 @ 4:12 pm
I do think books written in hindi does add intense mood to the material or story. Like same story u watch in Hindi or English one will definitely like the feeling and depth added because of the language
May 7, 2022 @ 5:56 pm
Exactly, Flavia. There is a certain charm in reading books in Hindi. 😊
March 28, 2022 @ 4:51 pm
I am reading the book right now. You are absolutely right, Jyoti has narrated it really well. Her voice is very soothing.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:57 pm
I loved her voice. Looking forward to her next audiobook. 😊
March 28, 2022 @ 10:33 pm
Such a well written review. It has evoked my interest in picking this book for my next read. In fact will go for an audio version.
May 7, 2022 @ 5:58 pm
Thank you Swati 😊. The audiobook is a treat!
March 29, 2022 @ 2:45 pm
Id definitely recommend to my friends who read Hindi books and I loved your honest reviews as always
May 7, 2022 @ 5:59 pm
Thank you so much Sindhu 😊
March 29, 2022 @ 3:18 pm
I love stories about strong women and this def seems in that wheelhouse. Thanks for sharing, will check it out
May 7, 2022 @ 5:59 pm
My pleasure, Meetali 😊. Do check it out.
March 29, 2022 @ 3:41 pm
I have never read a Hindi book before but you have given this book 5 stars in your review and therefore I am tempted to read it. I will try to get a copy and read it. Great review!
May 7, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Thank you, Shail.😊 Go for it. It is the perfect one for first time readers.
March 29, 2022 @ 4:24 pm
Anandi is in audio book too? Wow.. I have read jyoti jhas all the books. She writes very well.
May 7, 2022 @ 6:01 pm
Yes indeed, Monidipa. 😊
March 29, 2022 @ 8:18 pm
I would love to read her books and I have heard about this book before too
May 7, 2022 @ 6:01 pm
Do pick it up, Jhilmil 😊
March 29, 2022 @ 9:30 pm
I have always loved Jyoti’s work. I have already added Anandi to my TBR. Heard a lot about this book.
May 7, 2022 @ 6:02 pm
This book is a treat, Abha. 😊 Do pick it up.
March 30, 2022 @ 1:48 am
Wow, I’ve never read this author’s books but your review is quite precise and clear! thanks!
May 7, 2022 @ 6:02 pm
Thank you Kashish. 😊 Jyoti is a brilliant writer. Do check out her books.
March 30, 2022 @ 2:34 am
Congratulations to Jyoti, so first point is she is from our own blogging comunity, second, she is Jha too and most important point – You gave beautiful, detailed review. It’s the next read and going to be gift of the year to all my near & dear ones. Thank you so much for the review. 🙂
May 7, 2022 @ 6:03 pm
Ha ha. All the more reason to pick it up, Pooja. 😊
April 11, 2022 @ 7:49 pm
Thankyou so much Ritu, for hearing out the book and for such heartwarmingly lovely review! I am so delighted you liked the story 🙂 Really touched with the kind gesture!
Thankyou so much everyone for such encouraging thoughts and your well wishes 🙂 Really means a lot coming from a wonderful fellow community!
May 7, 2022 @ 6:05 pm
The pleasure is all mine, Jyoti. 😊 I absolutely loved the book and the way you narrated it. It deserves all the accolades and more. And I am so glad you decided on an audiobook too.
May 3, 2022 @ 11:10 pm
I didn’t know about this book by Jyoti… Thanks for telling us!
May 7, 2022 @ 6:06 pm
Thank you Noor 😊