Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: June 19, 2022
Pages: 336
Rating: 5/5
Buy at: Amazon | Book Depository | Add to Goodreads
Summary
Originally written in Bengali as Narach and translated into English by Arunava Sinha, Chronicles of the Lost Daughters is the author’s English literature debut. Debarati Mukhopadhyay wrote the bestseller Narach to share stories of lesser-known facts from the colonial Bengal. Practices such as indenture that we rarely read about in history books. Events such as the sinking of “Sir John Lawrence” with over 700 on board that never made it to the pages of history. Stories of commoners who have always been ignored and marginalized.
From abominable customs, lies, deceit, education, and class struggle, to a forgotten episode of history, it takes one through the peaks and troughs of the history of Bengal.
Chronicles of the Lost Daughters by @Author_debarati, translated from Bengali by @arunava #BookReview @HarperCollinsIN #ChroniclesOfTheLostDaughters #BohoPonderings Click To Tweet
Review:
Set in the times of the Bengali renaissance, Chronicles of the Lost Daughters explores the socio-cultural politics of 19th-century Bengal including caste hierarchies, real-life figures, and events.
The thought-provoking read primarily follows the story of Bhubonmoni, a young widow, forced to flee the village with her brother Krishnoshundor’s family. Only to be tricked into slavery. It is also about a young rebel Shourendro wishing to make a difference.
History meets fiction where real-life figures and events are seamlessly woven in. The banished emperor of Lucknow, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, and his dream of recreating it in Mitiabruz, Calcutta. The struggle and achievements of Dr. Kadambini Gangapadhyay against widow remarriage. The implementation of the Age of Consent Act.
The writing is lyrical and fluid and will have you turning the pages. True to its name, it relates the stories of lost daughters. Sati may have been abolished but it did little to raise the state of the women. Women’s education faced immense opposition all thanks to the prevailing superstitions. Girls as young as eight were married off. Most died of marital rape but the orthodox society looked the other way. Polygamy was rampant and women had little or no agency.
Translated works always have my heart. India has a rich history of regional literature and we often miss out on such gems.
Kolkata is one of my hometowns and I always enjoy reading about it. The fast-paced read leaves you angry and upset at the sheer audacity of the “learned” men and all they got away with. The obnoxious customs upholding the idea of religion. The dark underbelly of the social impact of colonial times. The author does not sugar-coat and says it how it is.
If you enjoy historical novels, I highly recommend you pick up the book. It is a must-read. The author has more translated books in the pipeline and I cannot wait to read them.
Chronicles of the Lost Daughters by Debarati Mukhopadhyay @Author_debarati tr. @arunava #BookReview #ChroniclesOfTheLostDaughters @CindyAnnDSilva @nooranand #BlogaberryDazzle #BohoPonderings Click To Tweet
About the Author
Debarati Mukhopadhyay is one of the most popular authors of contemporary Bengali literature. A young Government officer by profession, she has written more than 20 bestselling novels including Narach, Dakat Raja, Glanirbhabati Bharat, Shikhandi, Ishwar Jakhan Bandi and Aghore Ghimiye Shiva. Her corporate world novel Dasgupta Travels was shortlisted for the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar in 2021. Many of her novels, such as Narak Sanket, Ranrkahini, and Shikhandi have been adapted for the silver screen. Debarati is a prolific writer and contributes regularly to Bengal’s prominent literary magazines and journals. As an officer, bestselling author, travel-enthusiast, an amateur violinist and mother to an infant, Debarati is considered a youth icon in Bengal who volunteers her time to guide government-job aspirants. A widely recognized public speaker, Debarati can be often found delivering motivational talks at educational seminars, conferences, and at the halls of Ramakrishna Mission.
Follow her online at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Goodreads.
I would like to thank the author for providing an advanced review copy of the book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
June 21, 2022 @ 9:42 pm
Love your review of the “chronicles of the lost daughters “ you tempt me to get the book. I’m intrigued with anything to do with Indian history especially colonial times…
July 6, 2022 @ 3:19 pm
Thank you so much Brinda 😊. I hope you enjoy reading it although it does get overwhelming at times.
June 24, 2022 @ 3:38 pm
Dear the title has such a pull that inspite of not being a history lover I actually am interested in it
July 6, 2022 @ 3:20 pm
Exactly Flavia. It is quite a read.
June 25, 2022 @ 1:33 pm
Wow Ritu, I really really want to read this one n i will too… I love books with an element of history. Thank you so much for the recommendation.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:20 pm
My pleasure, Kaveri 😊
June 25, 2022 @ 7:24 pm
What an amazing review, Ritu. Bengal is known for its socio-political situations. Like you have rightly said, Debarati does full justice to her subject. From someone so young, a government officer, a young mom, and yet churning out bestsellers is commendable indeed. Bengalis generally are very talented in different forms of art.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:22 pm
Thank you so much Harjeet 😊. The author in indeed quite accomplished. Her profile is very impressive.
June 25, 2022 @ 11:54 pm
I’m reading a lot of indian mythology books by new authors. I’ll check this too. The review was good.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:22 pm
Thank you Monidipa 😊
June 26, 2022 @ 11:11 am
Your review is very good! I would love to read this book and will definitely get a copy.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:22 pm
Thank you Shail 😊
June 26, 2022 @ 11:29 am
Ritu mam, review is too good. I thought author will be old lady but when I saw Author profile I am delighted. Young, mom, govt. Officer and author of bestselling novel. Love to read her all books.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:25 pm
Thank you so much, Neeta 😊 Her profile is indeed very impressive.
June 26, 2022 @ 3:09 pm
This seems like an intriguing read and quite a good one to check out! Thanks so much for sharing and for writing such a detailed review.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:25 pm
Thank you so much Meetali 😊
June 26, 2022 @ 4:37 pm
This author profile is very inspiring to begin with. The book sounds fabulous. Honest and upfront.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:26 pm
Quite true, Sonia. And lots that we barely know about.
June 26, 2022 @ 6:08 pm
You have been going on and on about the book. There is so much history we still don’t know about. I am sure glad authors are writing about it.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:27 pm
Exactly 😊. And I am going to nag until you pick it up 😁
June 26, 2022 @ 9:26 pm
Always look forward to your recommendations! Hailing from Bengal, the culture, literature, tradition and very fragrance of the land is a huge huge part of me and who I am. Will definitely get my hands on this!
July 6, 2022 @ 3:27 pm
Thank you so much Kashish 😊.
June 26, 2022 @ 10:07 pm
A review with a rating of 5 on 5 definitely deserves to go on my next read for books. I too have heard some raving reviews of this author and would love to read her books soon.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:28 pm
All five stars for sure. I too am looking forward to reading more from her.
June 27, 2022 @ 9:27 am
Superb review Ritu, the book seems so good and after reading your review I am surely going to read it soon.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:28 pm
Thank you so much Smita 😊. Do pick it up.
June 27, 2022 @ 12:44 pm
It seems an interesting plot but also seems to anger me looking at the course if events. I might t want to skip this
July 6, 2022 @ 3:29 pm
I can totally understand, Sindhu. It can be triggering.
June 27, 2022 @ 10:32 pm
I’ve barely come across a 5/5 from you. I should definitely give this a shot.
July 6, 2022 @ 3:30 pm
You must. Would love to read your thoughts on it.
June 28, 2022 @ 11:32 am
Loved reading your review. I am surely going to read this one Soon
July 6, 2022 @ 3:31 pm
Thank you so much Neelam 😊
June 28, 2022 @ 7:30 pm
Damn! This looks like it deserves a read! Thank you for sharing!
July 6, 2022 @ 3:31 pm
Definitely. Do pick it up. 😊
August 8, 2022 @ 7:56 am
I enjoy reading historical fiction and this book sounds great.
April 17, 2023 @ 10:02 pm
Sounds like a pretty interesting book – I am going to explore more of this author. Thanks for the recco Ritu.
April 18, 2023 @ 11:57 am
Such a lovely cover and a wonderful review. I am very fond of stories of Bengali household/culture (and Marathi as well. Any recommendations?). And I love Arunava Sinha’s writing. So beautiful. I am reading (very slowly though) a collection of Bengali stories translated by Arunava Sinha.