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The Illuminated
'When the light shifts, you see the world differently.'
A superbly nuanced work of fiction, Anindita Ghose's first novel The Illuminated revolves around two Shashi and Tara. After the sudden death of her celebrated husband, Shashi is alarmed to realize that overnight, she has lost her life's moorings. Meanwhile, their fiercely independent daughter Tara, a Sanskrit scholar, has been drawn into a passionate involvement with an older man, which threatens to consume her in ways she did not imagine possible.
Amidst a rising tide of religious fundamentalism in India that is determined to put women in their place, Shashi and Tara attempt to look at themselves, and at each other, in a new light. But is it possible to emerge from an eclipse unscathed?
An astonishing feat of the imagination, The Illuminated is as sophisticated in the quality of its prose as it is provocative in its thematic focus on questions of identity. A remarkable novel of ideas, it marks the arrival of a tremendous new literary talent.
A superbly nuanced work of fiction, Anindita Ghose's first novel The Illuminated revolves around two Shashi and Tara. After the sudden death of her celebrated husband, Shashi is alarmed to realize that overnight, she has lost her life's moorings. Meanwhile, their fiercely independent daughter Tara, a Sanskrit scholar, has been drawn into a passionate involvement with an older man, which threatens to consume her in ways she did not imagine possible.
Amidst a rising tide of religious fundamentalism in India that is determined to put women in their place, Shashi and Tara attempt to look at themselves, and at each other, in a new light. But is it possible to emerge from an eclipse unscathed?
An astonishing feat of the imagination, The Illuminated is as sophisticated in the quality of its prose as it is provocative in its thematic focus on questions of identity. A remarkable novel of ideas, it marks the arrival of a tremendous new literary talent.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 87 reviews
September 19, 2021
Honestly, I didn’t know what to make of The Illuminated when I first started reading it. I read a couple of pages and for some reason didn't get back to it. It didn’t call out to me then. I had received an ARC and thought I would read it eventually before the finished copy was out in the market. It didn’t come to be. However, when the finished copy was sent to me, I thought let’s do this. Let us read The Illuminated and so I did. Dear reader, I was in for a roller-coaster ride, a ride that was calm, in its own manner quite tumultuous, deceptively simple, with no twists and turns, and the kind you have to surrender to completely.
Relationships are messy, but that’s how they are. I guess because humans who are in those relationships are complex themselves. Each carrying their own burden, trying very hard to make sense of the world. Shashi and Tara, the mother and daughter at the center of this novel are quite the same. Each trying to make their way in the world, after the death of the center of their lives – the husband and the father. Anindita throws her characters in unfamiliar waters, and it is up to them to sink or swim. Being who they are, they swim. Sometimes in the opposite direction, so as not to cross each other – but what comes of it ultimately is what you will know after reading the book.
The Illuminated is about women – women from different spheres, class, sensibilities, and more than anything women who lead such complicated inner lives – that are brought to fore. From affairs of the heart to desires of the body to how one feels in a marriage, to living in a country where an organisation decides how you should be in the world, Ghose gives us a view (albeit a minor one) into a world unknown to those who live outside of it.
I was mostly reminded of Anita Desai’s writing as I made my way through the book. Initially I thought I could hear Jhumpa Lahiri’s voice, but I was mistaken. It is just Ghose’s own tone that finally makes the book what it is. The themes of loneliness, liberty, of always overlooking one’s shoulder as a woman in modern India, and more than anything longing is constant throughout the book.
The title The Illuminated is self-explanatory. It is of the illumination, of the precise moment of epiphany that Shashi and Tara come to feel is the crux of the book. Of seeing the light that maybe was always there but just got hidden for a long time by the sun. The metaphors do not get in the way of the reading at all. They are subtle, and you get it if you get it.
Anindita’s writing is detailed. I particularly loved Shashi’s parts – the slowness, the sudden change in the tapestry of her life, the choices she then makes, and the determination with which she propels ahead is told skilfully and with most empathy by the writer. It took me a while to get used to Tara. Somehow, I just couldn’t relate to her. There were times I wished I would read more of Shashi and less of Tara, but I also understand that we need Tara’s perspective as readers because that’s where the balancing act happens. At the same time, the parallel but most significant part of the story is also the organisation MSS – that seems to have taken over the responsibility of showing women their place in the society – and how Shashi and Tara navigate their lives around it.
The writing took me some time to get used to, but like I said Anindita’s voice is unique and lures you in after a point. The Illuminated is a nuanced, sometimes faltering, sometimes finding its way and getting there, and sometimes just knowing what it wants to say debut book that stands on its own. I am looking forward to what comes next from Ms. Ghose.
Relationships are messy, but that’s how they are. I guess because humans who are in those relationships are complex themselves. Each carrying their own burden, trying very hard to make sense of the world. Shashi and Tara, the mother and daughter at the center of this novel are quite the same. Each trying to make their way in the world, after the death of the center of their lives – the husband and the father. Anindita throws her characters in unfamiliar waters, and it is up to them to sink or swim. Being who they are, they swim. Sometimes in the opposite direction, so as not to cross each other – but what comes of it ultimately is what you will know after reading the book.
The Illuminated is about women – women from different spheres, class, sensibilities, and more than anything women who lead such complicated inner lives – that are brought to fore. From affairs of the heart to desires of the body to how one feels in a marriage, to living in a country where an organisation decides how you should be in the world, Ghose gives us a view (albeit a minor one) into a world unknown to those who live outside of it.
I was mostly reminded of Anita Desai’s writing as I made my way through the book. Initially I thought I could hear Jhumpa Lahiri’s voice, but I was mistaken. It is just Ghose’s own tone that finally makes the book what it is. The themes of loneliness, liberty, of always overlooking one’s shoulder as a woman in modern India, and more than anything longing is constant throughout the book.
The title The Illuminated is self-explanatory. It is of the illumination, of the precise moment of epiphany that Shashi and Tara come to feel is the crux of the book. Of seeing the light that maybe was always there but just got hidden for a long time by the sun. The metaphors do not get in the way of the reading at all. They are subtle, and you get it if you get it.
Anindita’s writing is detailed. I particularly loved Shashi’s parts – the slowness, the sudden change in the tapestry of her life, the choices she then makes, and the determination with which she propels ahead is told skilfully and with most empathy by the writer. It took me a while to get used to Tara. Somehow, I just couldn’t relate to her. There were times I wished I would read more of Shashi and less of Tara, but I also understand that we need Tara’s perspective as readers because that’s where the balancing act happens. At the same time, the parallel but most significant part of the story is also the organisation MSS – that seems to have taken over the responsibility of showing women their place in the society – and how Shashi and Tara navigate their lives around it.
The writing took me some time to get used to, but like I said Anindita’s voice is unique and lures you in after a point. The Illuminated is a nuanced, sometimes faltering, sometimes finding its way and getting there, and sometimes just knowing what it wants to say debut book that stands on its own. I am looking forward to what comes next from Ms. Ghose.
January 1, 2022
Frankly, I did not enjoy this book. The writing is decent, and in some instances, rather lovely but I didn’t fall in love with the story and its characters. I thought the narrative was haphazard and not very well-managed. It wasn’t the case of non-linearity but seemed more like a structural issue. The descriptions were inconsistent and the nuances were too obvious to be enjoyed. I understand the political statement being made through the story, and it is a relevant one, but I wish the author did not underestimate her readers and didn’t think it was necessary to explain every single subtext and messaging - it gets exhausting, and sometimes, even irksome. I thought the characters were unlikeable - and this isn’t something I usually mind, people are flawed - but they didn’t seem true to themselves and that is not something I enjoy. It gave me a strange feeling of literary facade when reading it. Additionally, it often felt that the author was being quite ostentatious with her readings and knowledge, and that if done skilfully, usually doesn’t matter but here it was palpable and sometimes unpalatable. I think the style is supposed to be similar to Jhumpa Lahiri’s, as it mimics her penchant for crafting a world filled with indigenous traditions and words, but here it felt forced instead of Lahiri’s effortless beautiful storytelling.
I also found some embarrassing grammatical errors in the book and a few instances which were propagating Pavlovian bigotry in its mild sense - as the prose is a feminist one, I expect more from the author than her drawing parallels between “the act of cleaning” and “Draupadi’s boon/curse of restoration of her virginity” every year. That is hardly truly feminist, is it? More attention should have been paid by the bookmakers here. Would not recommend this if you’re looking for something genuine but might do well for non-Indian readers looking to understand more about the Indian society and thinking, but that too, only on a superficial level.
I also found some embarrassing grammatical errors in the book and a few instances which were propagating Pavlovian bigotry in its mild sense - as the prose is a feminist one, I expect more from the author than her drawing parallels between “the act of cleaning” and “Draupadi’s boon/curse of restoration of her virginity” every year. That is hardly truly feminist, is it? More attention should have been paid by the bookmakers here. Would not recommend this if you’re looking for something genuine but might do well for non-Indian readers looking to understand more about the Indian society and thinking, but that too, only on a superficial level.
September 26, 2021
There are books you read. There are books you feel. And then, there are books you live.
The Illuminated is one such book – a book that has described a woman’s fears, sacrifices, mistakes, and ordeals so precisely that you will see glimpses of your entire life in it.
This is the story of Shashi and Tara, a mother-daughter duo, who are grappling with the death of their husband and father, respectively.
‘Grappling with loss.’ Be honest – what do you think of when I say these words? Directionless women? Women drowning in pools of tears? Women lost in darkness? If you thought of a similar picture, then I don’t blame you. I blame our drama shows and our Bollywood movies.
Although, actual loss doesn’t feel like this, right? There is paperwork to be taken care of, the deceased’s belongings to be discarded, and guests who need to be fed. Amongst all this, is it right to point fingers at Sashi, who hasn’t been able to shed tears? Or is it right to point out Tara, who can’t muster the courage to go home because she is still coming to terms with a romantic betrayal?
This is the story of these two women paving their way in this misogynistic society. But like I said – this book is meant to be lived. Not very unlike Murakami’s works, ‘The Illuminated’ too, hit me just at the right places.
Having grown up while enjoying my own company, I am now pushing myself to talk to new people in college. And these 2 months of incessant talking have taught me one thing – when you talk to the wrong people, you feel bewitched and entranced. But when the right person comes along, they make you see everything clearly. And this is what happened with Tara:
“Are we altered by love in the way astronauts are altered when they return from space? Tara realized it had played tricks with her memory.”
See what I meant when I said that I lived this book? But don’t just take my word. Read it for yourself and see. Oh, and be ready for a tremendous book hangover…
The Illuminated is one such book – a book that has described a woman’s fears, sacrifices, mistakes, and ordeals so precisely that you will see glimpses of your entire life in it.
This is the story of Shashi and Tara, a mother-daughter duo, who are grappling with the death of their husband and father, respectively.
‘Grappling with loss.’ Be honest – what do you think of when I say these words? Directionless women? Women drowning in pools of tears? Women lost in darkness? If you thought of a similar picture, then I don’t blame you. I blame our drama shows and our Bollywood movies.
Although, actual loss doesn’t feel like this, right? There is paperwork to be taken care of, the deceased’s belongings to be discarded, and guests who need to be fed. Amongst all this, is it right to point fingers at Sashi, who hasn’t been able to shed tears? Or is it right to point out Tara, who can’t muster the courage to go home because she is still coming to terms with a romantic betrayal?
This is the story of these two women paving their way in this misogynistic society. But like I said – this book is meant to be lived. Not very unlike Murakami’s works, ‘The Illuminated’ too, hit me just at the right places.
Having grown up while enjoying my own company, I am now pushing myself to talk to new people in college. And these 2 months of incessant talking have taught me one thing – when you talk to the wrong people, you feel bewitched and entranced. But when the right person comes along, they make you see everything clearly. And this is what happened with Tara:
“Are we altered by love in the way astronauts are altered when they return from space? Tara realized it had played tricks with her memory.”
See what I meant when I said that I lived this book? But don’t just take my word. Read it for yourself and see. Oh, and be ready for a tremendous book hangover…
August 25, 2021
Seems like my books have a pattern this year - existential crisis.
What defines India today? What defines an Indian in today's times? In particular what defines an Indian woman? And finally what defines a poor rural Indian woman ?
These are hard questions to address and only a philosopher who is a poet can aim to address it effectively. Ghose manages it fluently. The book is a smooth read, language is simple but poetic and keeps you hooked.
The book is probably based in the dystopian present but keeps to the story of the protagonists, a bereaving wife, daughter and their house help, and does not really let the dystopia become the protagonist. Though, at times I wanted it to, wonder if the writer intentionally exercised constraint in this regard. May be that could be for another book.
Disclaimer: I know the author very well and while only a small percentage of English language books written by Indian writers are worth their salt, don't miss this one. I hope this books finds many readers.
What defines India today? What defines an Indian in today's times? In particular what defines an Indian woman? And finally what defines a poor rural Indian woman ?
These are hard questions to address and only a philosopher who is a poet can aim to address it effectively. Ghose manages it fluently. The book is a smooth read, language is simple but poetic and keeps you hooked.
The book is probably based in the dystopian present but keeps to the story of the protagonists, a bereaving wife, daughter and their house help, and does not really let the dystopia become the protagonist. Though, at times I wanted it to, wonder if the writer intentionally exercised constraint in this regard. May be that could be for another book.
Disclaimer: I know the author very well and while only a small percentage of English language books written by Indian writers are worth their salt, don't miss this one. I hope this books finds many readers.
January 20, 2023
I really enjoy books that put my emotions through the ringer and then some, and this one hit that mark for me. I found the characters to be really well developed and easy to connect with throughout the book. The storytelling was absolutely phenomenal and the plot flowed easier than water down an unclogged drain pipe. The only “flaw” is that I wish it had been a tiny bit shorter, the chapters towards the end seemed to have lost their direction a bit and seemed to unnecessarily drag on. That being said, it could also have been my mood because I was desperate to get to the end to see how things panned out.
If you’re looking for a women focussed book whose prose will stay with you long after you put it down then this is definitely one you should pop on your TBRs.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus for having me on the blog tour for this one.
If you’re looking for a women focussed book whose prose will stay with you long after you put it down then this is definitely one you should pop on your TBRs.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus for having me on the blog tour for this one.
February 20, 2022
This was a Book Club read, and as is often the case, I left too little time to read it, and rushed through towards the end. Post discussion, I went back to some of the parts that I may not have given enough time to, and this reflects both.
The book is people with some very interesting characters- Sashi and Tara are both delightful in their own way, but there is a host of secondary characters, and an even larger number of minor characters. I loved them all, particularly the minor characters where the author concentrates on just one or two aspects of their personality but sketches in enough details to make them really come alive.
Sashi and Tara are both discovering themselves in different ways. Sashi, who's personality was to a large extent shaped by being the wife of a larger than life husband, is coming to terms with being herself. Her rebellion at the end comes as a bit of a surprise, but when you look back, you realise it is entirely in keeping with character. Tara who always got what she wanted on her terms is used by a man she gave a lot of herself to. She also has to deal with the unexpected and untimely death of the father who doted on her. I would have liked if some more time had been spent on their reconciliation- would it really have been as simple as it was shown?
Two other characters I loved were Poornima and Noor. Marginalised in some ways, but in control of themselves- neither would define herself as a victim, though in their own ways both were prisoners of their identity.
Apart from the characters, was the basic premise. The growth of "MSS", a controlling, patriarchal organization which enjoys tremendous clout and tries to control every aspect of public and private life. While, in the book, it was caricatured to some extent, it resonates with a lot of what is happening today. Meenakshi and the state run by woman is an obvious counterpoint to it- an experiment which may or may not succeed, but one that many women fantasise about.
Two things about craft. The author uses India (specifically Bengali) words and situations without a translation. Most other books either translate in the text itself, or provide a glossary- I liked that the book did neither. Some of these words are even used to describe situations- Robi Mallik is described as collapsing like a katputli, the word draws the picture better than anything else could have done. The book is also a multi sensory experience. You can almost feel the steam escaping from the luchi when Sashi pokes a hole in the surface.
Lastly, how can I not mention the stunning cover. Phases of the moon, with three cut outs that reveal silver moons. I am glad I didn't buy a Kindle edition.
The book is people with some very interesting characters- Sashi and Tara are both delightful in their own way, but there is a host of secondary characters, and an even larger number of minor characters. I loved them all, particularly the minor characters where the author concentrates on just one or two aspects of their personality but sketches in enough details to make them really come alive.
Sashi and Tara are both discovering themselves in different ways. Sashi, who's personality was to a large extent shaped by being the wife of a larger than life husband, is coming to terms with being herself. Her rebellion at the end comes as a bit of a surprise, but when you look back, you realise it is entirely in keeping with character. Tara who always got what she wanted on her terms is used by a man she gave a lot of herself to. She also has to deal with the unexpected and untimely death of the father who doted on her. I would have liked if some more time had been spent on their reconciliation- would it really have been as simple as it was shown?
Two other characters I loved were Poornima and Noor. Marginalised in some ways, but in control of themselves- neither would define herself as a victim, though in their own ways both were prisoners of their identity.
Apart from the characters, was the basic premise. The growth of "MSS", a controlling, patriarchal organization which enjoys tremendous clout and tries to control every aspect of public and private life. While, in the book, it was caricatured to some extent, it resonates with a lot of what is happening today. Meenakshi and the state run by woman is an obvious counterpoint to it- an experiment which may or may not succeed, but one that many women fantasise about.
Two things about craft. The author uses India (specifically Bengali) words and situations without a translation. Most other books either translate in the text itself, or provide a glossary- I liked that the book did neither. Some of these words are even used to describe situations- Robi Mallik is described as collapsing like a katputli, the word draws the picture better than anything else could have done. The book is also a multi sensory experience. You can almost feel the steam escaping from the luchi when Sashi pokes a hole in the surface.
Lastly, how can I not mention the stunning cover. Phases of the moon, with three cut outs that reveal silver moons. I am glad I didn't buy a Kindle edition.
August 22, 2021
"There is something curious about a woman's anger. A spark can set alight a whole forest, once wet and green. And it burns and burns, fuelled by the memory of past injustices borne not just by them but the women before them- their mothers and grandmothers, sisters and aunts, friends and maids, the women in stories, witches, princesses, queens and goddesses."
Before I talk about the book itself, let me just briefly mention that the acknowledgements at the back of the book is one of the best acknowledgements I have ever read. It's more than showing gratitude to certain people, it provides us with the idea of how and who influenced this book and in what ways. A perfect thing to read after completing the book.
The illuminated is a story of women, in different circumstances, in different positions but united with common past and hoping for a common future. But primarily it's about a mother (Shashi) and a daughter (Tara) struggling with their own set of problems amid the rising tide of religious fundamentalism. Shashi, grief-stricken with the lose of her husband finds herself adrift and without a purpose while Tara, all consumed by the affair with an older man retreats into the Himalayas to make peace with her current situation.
"Lyrical throughout yet so deceptively easygoing", here, I'm quoting Andre Aciman's quote from the back of the book because this is exactly how, if put into words the experience of reading it feels. Ghosh, I don't know how but manages to capture small small nuances of Indian people, their tick-tack habits and manners, giving them a familiar feel which seems authentic and not just "researched". This book is very timely to be honest, so much so that it puts the present India so perfectly that while reading, you nod at yourself frequently, agreeing with everything Ghosh has to say about the politics of today because you know the stuff she is talking about. I mean aren't we all familiar with the magical properties of Gaumutra!? The only issue or criticism is the incredulity of what happens in the end which seems so far fetched and abrupt! Not gonna spoil it but it was hard to believe. Other than that, a stellar debut!
Before I talk about the book itself, let me just briefly mention that the acknowledgements at the back of the book is one of the best acknowledgements I have ever read. It's more than showing gratitude to certain people, it provides us with the idea of how and who influenced this book and in what ways. A perfect thing to read after completing the book.
The illuminated is a story of women, in different circumstances, in different positions but united with common past and hoping for a common future. But primarily it's about a mother (Shashi) and a daughter (Tara) struggling with their own set of problems amid the rising tide of religious fundamentalism. Shashi, grief-stricken with the lose of her husband finds herself adrift and without a purpose while Tara, all consumed by the affair with an older man retreats into the Himalayas to make peace with her current situation.
"Lyrical throughout yet so deceptively easygoing", here, I'm quoting Andre Aciman's quote from the back of the book because this is exactly how, if put into words the experience of reading it feels. Ghosh, I don't know how but manages to capture small small nuances of Indian people, their tick-tack habits and manners, giving them a familiar feel which seems authentic and not just "researched". This book is very timely to be honest, so much so that it puts the present India so perfectly that while reading, you nod at yourself frequently, agreeing with everything Ghosh has to say about the politics of today because you know the stuff she is talking about. I mean aren't we all familiar with the magical properties of Gaumutra!? The only issue or criticism is the incredulity of what happens in the end which seems so far fetched and abrupt! Not gonna spoil it but it was hard to believe. Other than that, a stellar debut!
September 30, 2022
Anindita Ghose's debut novel is a confident exploration of possibilities in the face of a life altering loss. What starts as a personal journey of identity of two women - Shashi and Tara after the sudden death of Robi - the modern "patriarch" who is ok with dependence - ends up becoming a political commentary. I felt the last few chapters rushed and the author indulges in fantasy to prod along.
I liked the parts with Shashi - her adjusting to the new reality, her new found confidence and ultimately the choices she gets to make. Tara on the other hand is a spoilt child of sorts who is not really likeable despite a tumultuous exploitation arc. The male characters are across the spectrum and seem to be squeezing the woman out of decisions no matter out of malice or consideration (sometime both are one and the same).
There is an idea of the night that is throughout the book - The cover seems like phases of the moon, the characters are named Shashi, Tara, Poornima, the chapter titles are named after moon's phases. One of the characters offers as consolation "perhaps the dwarfed moon can shine bright only when the fiery sun sets". I did briefly wonder if Illuminated here was said in the context of borrowed light.
If you go light on the metaphors and artistically crafted sentences - the book is a simple story. I am not sure if I really loved the book, but if not for the ending - i felt a normal closure could have made this book a lot more human centric.
Seems like an author to watch out for.
I liked the parts with Shashi - her adjusting to the new reality, her new found confidence and ultimately the choices she gets to make. Tara on the other hand is a spoilt child of sorts who is not really likeable despite a tumultuous exploitation arc. The male characters are across the spectrum and seem to be squeezing the woman out of decisions no matter out of malice or consideration (sometime both are one and the same).
There is an idea of the night that is throughout the book - The cover seems like phases of the moon, the characters are named Shashi, Tara, Poornima, the chapter titles are named after moon's phases. One of the characters offers as consolation "perhaps the dwarfed moon can shine bright only when the fiery sun sets". I did briefly wonder if Illuminated here was said in the context of borrowed light.
If you go light on the metaphors and artistically crafted sentences - the book is a simple story. I am not sure if I really loved the book, but if not for the ending - i felt a normal closure could have made this book a lot more human centric.
Seems like an author to watch out for.
October 17, 2021
2.5. I see where it was going and I sort of liked how it ended, but it was too meandering a path to get there…
September 19, 2021
❝The question of feelings is as inconsequential as the sliced cucumber salad at an Indian wedding feast.❞
The novel begins with the unexpected death of Robi Mallick, a highly acclaimed & prominent architect. We follow his widow and daughter come to terms with his death & try to navigate a world that is increasingly hostile to women.
Although this is Ghose’s debut novel, her writing is sharp, intricate & unafraid. I did not expect to be very impressed by the political undertones of the book, but her portrayal of “MSS - Mahalaxmi Seva Sangh,” a fictional right-wing religious fundamentalist group on the rise in India was excellent. In that aspect, this book heralds the dangers of letting these fundamentalists run the show.
In the beginning, we encounter Shashi as she has just lost her husband while they were visiting their son in the US. Without him she is untethered and lost. Having lived in his shadow for so long, she doesn’t know who she is without him. She teaches at a juvenile home & has lived a cocooned lifestyle, first in her father’s home & then in her husband’s home. She is overlooked - her son spends weeks finding the perfect gift for his father when he comes home, but gets her random gift-packs of perfume. When she returns home, she feels “like an interloper” in her house without Robi.
Shashi’s character was my favourite in the book. Her parts were written with deft observations. One of my favourite lines in the book is when she says, “Robi had a good marriage. I was a small part of it. I mourn him. But I also mourn me.”
Then we meet Tara, Robi’s beloved daughter who is locked away in Dharamshala & only learns of her father’s death much later. She is a Sanskrit scholar who is reeling from a heartache. After a passionate affair with an older man that has overshadowed her academic career, she finds herself struggling to mend her heart. The news of her father’s death only worsens her heartache. Anindita’s portrayal of heartbreak is so raw & intimate that it had me bawling my eyes out!
About the political aspect -
The “MSS” is a social group who think it is their prerogative, or rather, their moral obligation to take the world back to ‘morality’, mostly by showing women their place in the world. They push their agenda into schools, universities, politics and even the private lives of citizens. One of the things they hope to achieve is passing the “Lakshman Rekha Bill”, which will ban women from living alone. Anyone who’s remotely being paying attention will know just how powerful this sort of lobbying has become & how we can no longer dismiss these groups as being being a nuisance. Anindita paints a world that is macabre for its women, but the real horror is the fact that given the circumstances, it is quite plausible.
I really liked the ending, it was a pleasant surprise. My only qualm about the book is that it was a bit heavy on the Sanskrit poetry and history, & that the last 50 pages were a little overcrowded. Overall, a fabulous novel.
The novel begins with the unexpected death of Robi Mallick, a highly acclaimed & prominent architect. We follow his widow and daughter come to terms with his death & try to navigate a world that is increasingly hostile to women.
Although this is Ghose’s debut novel, her writing is sharp, intricate & unafraid. I did not expect to be very impressed by the political undertones of the book, but her portrayal of “MSS - Mahalaxmi Seva Sangh,” a fictional right-wing religious fundamentalist group on the rise in India was excellent. In that aspect, this book heralds the dangers of letting these fundamentalists run the show.
In the beginning, we encounter Shashi as she has just lost her husband while they were visiting their son in the US. Without him she is untethered and lost. Having lived in his shadow for so long, she doesn’t know who she is without him. She teaches at a juvenile home & has lived a cocooned lifestyle, first in her father’s home & then in her husband’s home. She is overlooked - her son spends weeks finding the perfect gift for his father when he comes home, but gets her random gift-packs of perfume. When she returns home, she feels “like an interloper” in her house without Robi.
Shashi’s character was my favourite in the book. Her parts were written with deft observations. One of my favourite lines in the book is when she says, “Robi had a good marriage. I was a small part of it. I mourn him. But I also mourn me.”
Then we meet Tara, Robi’s beloved daughter who is locked away in Dharamshala & only learns of her father’s death much later. She is a Sanskrit scholar who is reeling from a heartache. After a passionate affair with an older man that has overshadowed her academic career, she finds herself struggling to mend her heart. The news of her father’s death only worsens her heartache. Anindita’s portrayal of heartbreak is so raw & intimate that it had me bawling my eyes out!
About the political aspect -
The “MSS” is a social group who think it is their prerogative, or rather, their moral obligation to take the world back to ‘morality’, mostly by showing women their place in the world. They push their agenda into schools, universities, politics and even the private lives of citizens. One of the things they hope to achieve is passing the “Lakshman Rekha Bill”, which will ban women from living alone. Anyone who’s remotely being paying attention will know just how powerful this sort of lobbying has become & how we can no longer dismiss these groups as being being a nuisance. Anindita paints a world that is macabre for its women, but the real horror is the fact that given the circumstances, it is quite plausible.
I really liked the ending, it was a pleasant surprise. My only qualm about the book is that it was a bit heavy on the Sanskrit poetry and history, & that the last 50 pages were a little overcrowded. Overall, a fabulous novel.
September 24, 2021
The element of the book that I believe will stay with me the longest are the characters, especially the women. How a writer could bring is women from various sections of society, from various upbringings and different goals in life under one roof, with different problems all revolving around more or less the same causes is something that kept me hooked to this book. Two women, both losing the man they loved in different ways for different reasons, only to realise how they had often shadowed them – in totally different lights. The book draws parallels from its own narrative.
Beyond a person, this book shows movements on large scales. An organization that is bent on restoring the “proper balance of roles” in society. A fisherwoman who broke all stereotypes. A man serving his life towards upholding the importance of a language, only to build his legacy.
The book is layers and layers of storytelling and highlighting important themes – feminism, unhealthy expectations from women, the rules imposed on them for no reason, how solidarity is not what always stands behind a woman. From reclaiming the present to contemplating the past. The book also showcases a theme of abuse, and the way it was played was what made this book a 5-star read for me.
And finally, the writing style. The smooth flow will entrance you in the story within a couple pages and it’ll be hard to put this one down at all. Simplistic yet poetic, with thought-provoking lines that make you do a double take.
I absolutely loved reading this and I cannot recommend this book enough.
Beyond a person, this book shows movements on large scales. An organization that is bent on restoring the “proper balance of roles” in society. A fisherwoman who broke all stereotypes. A man serving his life towards upholding the importance of a language, only to build his legacy.
The book is layers and layers of storytelling and highlighting important themes – feminism, unhealthy expectations from women, the rules imposed on them for no reason, how solidarity is not what always stands behind a woman. From reclaiming the present to contemplating the past. The book also showcases a theme of abuse, and the way it was played was what made this book a 5-star read for me.
And finally, the writing style. The smooth flow will entrance you in the story within a couple pages and it’ll be hard to put this one down at all. Simplistic yet poetic, with thought-provoking lines that make you do a double take.
I absolutely loved reading this and I cannot recommend this book enough.
August 15, 2021
This novel’s gravitational pull will be hard to resist! The Illuminated is clearly the work of an author in keen control of their craft. As a compelling tale of personal rediscovery and an engaging diagnoses of society’s pathologies, it is ‘unputdownable’. And that’s putting it mildly. Must. Not. Miss.
May 4, 2023
As an Indian feminist fiction, The Illuminated by Anindita Ghose covers a large range of issues from caste to gender identity. It seems like a farce on the people and the ways of society. This story revolves around women, precisely two women, Shashi and Tara, mother and daughter.
Tara, the daughter, is a scholar of Sanskrit. She seems to be very spoiled, arrogant and self centered from the very beginning. She identifies herself as a feminist and considers herself to be independent and headstrong. Though, as the story progresses the reader can't help but notice how much full of contradictions her character is in reality. In some ways she stays problematic till the end. We need to keep in mind, not everyone who is inviting you home for dinner, is intending to sleep with you.
Her father, Robi, was the embodiment of a modernized take on upper class "Babu"s. He is very urbanized in his ways of dealing with people outside his domestic sphere. He's the life of the party, makes transactions in cash strictly in an envelope. He does not want to seem middle class at all. But the only time he is acting middle class is when it is regarding his domestic matter. For example, he litters the bathroom sink with foam and strands of beard when he shaves, never cleans the mess. Because, just like his middle class counterparts he too believes that that is particularity a woman's duty. He even prohibits his wife from learning to drive, because, "No Mallick woman should have to drive in a city where these bloody villagers never learnt how to dip their headights.''
The mother and the wife here, Shashi, suffers from the loss of identity. She had lived in a shadow in her husband’s presence. The fact that she felt lucky to get to complete her P.G. degree even after marriage shows how women are conditioned to be satisfied with given the bare minimum. She was able to complete the degree on the condition of spending "a long hour every evening around the kitchen, as was expected from her". Like the young newly married Shashi, her student Asha, several years later also observes how lucky she was to have a husband who lets her work. She seems to overlook the fact that she has been living her life on the man's condition. She's happy, because she thinks she's given safety. Both of them gave up on their own dreams for the sake of their families.
Anindita Ghose beautifully portrays the number of exploits women face and the sacrifices they have to make to keep the family life rolling. these often remain unnoticed or are part of what is expected from them.
The superficiality of religious barriers are shown in the fact that irrespective of their religious backgrounds people agreed to avoid gifts from the widow. Jose, remarks that, even though not a Hindu himself, "in death we all believe the same".
The state of Meenakshi presents a radical contrast to the present patriarchal ways the society is set to function. In its proposed 30% reservation for the men in future it mocks the reservation of women in our cabinets.
The author uses sarcasm and irony to criticize people, society, and politics. A smartly crafted picture of India, its anti fundamentalist approach is praiseworthy. Comical senses are aroused when after and during serious situations the members of the MSS empty sachets of Gomutra™ into their mouths.
Through the course of the story the two women grow. They become aware of their own shortcomings, their vulnerability, and fragility. They step out of their comfort zone and ego to discover themselves anew. Poornima, the woman hailing from a remote village from bengal inspires Shashi to realize the impotance of a world of one's own.
The story comes to a full circle as Tara, the 25 year old who had been spoonfed the pulp of oranges, finally learns to eat an orange segment on her own. Thus, symbolically embarking her journey towards her psychological independence, by stepping out of her father's shadow.
India is a complexly woven nation full of cultural, religious, class based, caste based and many other types of diversities. Writing a feminist novel in the setting as complicated as this was not an easy task. But the author succeeded in making the dish stand out. I do not agree with all the perceptions of the book though. Nonetheless, the reading experience was somewhat enjoyable.
Tara, the daughter, is a scholar of Sanskrit. She seems to be very spoiled, arrogant and self centered from the very beginning. She identifies herself as a feminist and considers herself to be independent and headstrong. Though, as the story progresses the reader can't help but notice how much full of contradictions her character is in reality. In some ways she stays problematic till the end. We need to keep in mind, not everyone who is inviting you home for dinner, is intending to sleep with you.
Her father, Robi, was the embodiment of a modernized take on upper class "Babu"s. He is very urbanized in his ways of dealing with people outside his domestic sphere. He's the life of the party, makes transactions in cash strictly in an envelope. He does not want to seem middle class at all. But the only time he is acting middle class is when it is regarding his domestic matter. For example, he litters the bathroom sink with foam and strands of beard when he shaves, never cleans the mess. Because, just like his middle class counterparts he too believes that that is particularity a woman's duty. He even prohibits his wife from learning to drive, because, "No Mallick woman should have to drive in a city where these bloody villagers never learnt how to dip their headights.''
The mother and the wife here, Shashi, suffers from the loss of identity. She had lived in a shadow in her husband’s presence. The fact that she felt lucky to get to complete her P.G. degree even after marriage shows how women are conditioned to be satisfied with given the bare minimum. She was able to complete the degree on the condition of spending "a long hour every evening around the kitchen, as was expected from her". Like the young newly married Shashi, her student Asha, several years later also observes how lucky she was to have a husband who lets her work. She seems to overlook the fact that she has been living her life on the man's condition. She's happy, because she thinks she's given safety. Both of them gave up on their own dreams for the sake of their families.
Anindita Ghose beautifully portrays the number of exploits women face and the sacrifices they have to make to keep the family life rolling. these often remain unnoticed or are part of what is expected from them.
The superficiality of religious barriers are shown in the fact that irrespective of their religious backgrounds people agreed to avoid gifts from the widow. Jose, remarks that, even though not a Hindu himself, "in death we all believe the same".
The state of Meenakshi presents a radical contrast to the present patriarchal ways the society is set to function. In its proposed 30% reservation for the men in future it mocks the reservation of women in our cabinets.
The author uses sarcasm and irony to criticize people, society, and politics. A smartly crafted picture of India, its anti fundamentalist approach is praiseworthy. Comical senses are aroused when after and during serious situations the members of the MSS empty sachets of Gomutra™ into their mouths.
Through the course of the story the two women grow. They become aware of their own shortcomings, their vulnerability, and fragility. They step out of their comfort zone and ego to discover themselves anew. Poornima, the woman hailing from a remote village from bengal inspires Shashi to realize the impotance of a world of one's own.
The story comes to a full circle as Tara, the 25 year old who had been spoonfed the pulp of oranges, finally learns to eat an orange segment on her own. Thus, symbolically embarking her journey towards her psychological independence, by stepping out of her father's shadow.
India is a complexly woven nation full of cultural, religious, class based, caste based and many other types of diversities. Writing a feminist novel in the setting as complicated as this was not an easy task. But the author succeeded in making the dish stand out. I do not agree with all the perceptions of the book though. Nonetheless, the reading experience was somewhat enjoyable.
September 18, 2021
#bookthoughts
The illuminated - Anindita Ghose
Firstly if you’re on the fence about buying this book I would say just buy it for the cover. It’s like when I saw piranesi at a bookstore I would have paid any price and bought it as it was just so gorgeous and sometimes for us book lovers it can be that shallow. I spent as much time admiring the cover as reading the book.
But this was one captivating read I must say. It’s about two women, Shashi and her daughter Tara and the aftermath of the death of the Robi, the husband/ father. Both these characters, two women in modern India both from different generations are relatable characters to spend time with. I really like how @aninditaghose has brought them to life.
While Shashi has to now live life as a widow she contemplates what it means to be a married woman and how she sees herself in the future and Tara whose father has been her constant rock has to now navigate the world without him.
India today and the women who inhabit it with their struggles, their different roles and ideals has been portrayed at its most believable best. Ghose has made a powerful statement with a fictional movement called MSS and how it might be for women if we allow Hindu movements like RSS to gain power unchecked and to counter that she created a powerful woman politician who created a separate state overnight. The last 50-80 pages where the author tried to get these political ideologies together and show us a different world if such extremes come to life was not as well done as the rest of the book and felt flat. I felt like the essence of what she was trying to say got lost in the execution . Apart from the last 50 pages it was a readable and gorgeous read and I saw semblances of my all time favourite Jhumpa Lahiri in Ghose’s writing.
Thank you @harpercollinsin @vivekisms for the review copy.
#theilluminated #aninditaghose #harpercollinsindia #indianbookstagrammer #bookstagramindia #indianbookblogger #bookstagrammer #beautifulbooks #readersofinstagram #readersofindia
The illuminated - Anindita Ghose
Firstly if you’re on the fence about buying this book I would say just buy it for the cover. It’s like when I saw piranesi at a bookstore I would have paid any price and bought it as it was just so gorgeous and sometimes for us book lovers it can be that shallow. I spent as much time admiring the cover as reading the book.
But this was one captivating read I must say. It’s about two women, Shashi and her daughter Tara and the aftermath of the death of the Robi, the husband/ father. Both these characters, two women in modern India both from different generations are relatable characters to spend time with. I really like how @aninditaghose has brought them to life.
While Shashi has to now live life as a widow she contemplates what it means to be a married woman and how she sees herself in the future and Tara whose father has been her constant rock has to now navigate the world without him.
India today and the women who inhabit it with their struggles, their different roles and ideals has been portrayed at its most believable best. Ghose has made a powerful statement with a fictional movement called MSS and how it might be for women if we allow Hindu movements like RSS to gain power unchecked and to counter that she created a powerful woman politician who created a separate state overnight. The last 50-80 pages where the author tried to get these political ideologies together and show us a different world if such extremes come to life was not as well done as the rest of the book and felt flat. I felt like the essence of what she was trying to say got lost in the execution . Apart from the last 50 pages it was a readable and gorgeous read and I saw semblances of my all time favourite Jhumpa Lahiri in Ghose’s writing.
Thank you @harpercollinsin @vivekisms for the review copy.
#theilluminated #aninditaghose #harpercollinsindia #indianbookstagrammer #bookstagramindia #indianbookblogger #bookstagrammer #beautifulbooks #readersofinstagram #readersofindia
September 29, 2021
On the forefront, ‘The Illuminated’ is a novel which highlights women-centric thematic elements, revolving around the lives of women and how unprecedented their identity comes to be. It has a distinct feminine stronghold, an epitome of how women feel, how they interact and made to wield. On the much broader front however, it is about the paradox of identity—how fragile perspective is and how our agency of being who we are, is so restrained.
The title gives the feeling of light—illumination and glow—in the context of the varying phases of the moon, its cyclical rotations of gleam and shadows. It makes us wonder about the relationship between visibility and the visible entity, between the eyes of the beholder and what is being beheld. Such is the metaphorical backdrop, the genesis of the story’s thematic identity.
The relationship in spotlight is of the mother-daughter bond between the protagonists Shashi and Tara, two characters of remarkable emotional and passionate potential, who dominate the plot and steer the story. The story starts with the death of a man, Shashi’s husband and Tara’s father—and we get to see how they cope up with the aftermath of a personal tragedy. There’s a valid reason I like tragedies, the reason being that they happen to strip the characters of all their external pretence and make them appear in their true, individual light. Grief makes the characters publish parts of themselves which were so vital and so intrinsic, yet shadowed. ‘The Illuminated’ is about how these two women are able to recognize the shadows, the aspect of being overshadowed and also being held in direct spotlight—and what they make of it.
Ghose’s writing is sensual and intricate. It’s heavily based on emotional fragility, crafting layers and layers of characters with gentle imbibition of how they adapt to everything that is unforeseen. One feeling that lingers throughout the book—is of a universal knowingness, of subtle understanding of deep emotions on the part of the author. Ghose equips herself with such a gift, and writes her story with grace and care. A lot happens in the book—both in the physical and in the emotional domains—which made me realize that the heavy happenings which I was pondering in the book were often emotional dilemmas and contextual derailments. This meant that the book absorbs the characters within itself, not allotting them separate spaces but providing them a ground to run their emotions free. With that comes a lot of relatabilities, and affirmations when we are able to contrast our own lives with that of the women portrayed in the book.
Thanks Harper Collins India for the copy.
The title gives the feeling of light—illumination and glow—in the context of the varying phases of the moon, its cyclical rotations of gleam and shadows. It makes us wonder about the relationship between visibility and the visible entity, between the eyes of the beholder and what is being beheld. Such is the metaphorical backdrop, the genesis of the story’s thematic identity.
The relationship in spotlight is of the mother-daughter bond between the protagonists Shashi and Tara, two characters of remarkable emotional and passionate potential, who dominate the plot and steer the story. The story starts with the death of a man, Shashi’s husband and Tara’s father—and we get to see how they cope up with the aftermath of a personal tragedy. There’s a valid reason I like tragedies, the reason being that they happen to strip the characters of all their external pretence and make them appear in their true, individual light. Grief makes the characters publish parts of themselves which were so vital and so intrinsic, yet shadowed. ‘The Illuminated’ is about how these two women are able to recognize the shadows, the aspect of being overshadowed and also being held in direct spotlight—and what they make of it.
Ghose’s writing is sensual and intricate. It’s heavily based on emotional fragility, crafting layers and layers of characters with gentle imbibition of how they adapt to everything that is unforeseen. One feeling that lingers throughout the book—is of a universal knowingness, of subtle understanding of deep emotions on the part of the author. Ghose equips herself with such a gift, and writes her story with grace and care. A lot happens in the book—both in the physical and in the emotional domains—which made me realize that the heavy happenings which I was pondering in the book were often emotional dilemmas and contextual derailments. This meant that the book absorbs the characters within itself, not allotting them separate spaces but providing them a ground to run their emotions free. With that comes a lot of relatabilities, and affirmations when we are able to contrast our own lives with that of the women portrayed in the book.
Thanks Harper Collins India for the copy.
August 11, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up.
There is a particular passage in the book, one among a few, which caught my attention. It reads as follows:
"As children, Tara and Surjo would laugh when they heard servants use the word “expire” for deceased relatives. Medicines and packaged foods expire. Can a human being finish his purpose, literally cease to be useful? As a child she had found the misplaced usage funny. It seemed cruel now.
But the democracy of death in the English language seemed unfair. A terrorist could be dead in an encounter. A rogue elephant could be shot dead. And now, her father too, was just dead. In Indian tongues, a common criminal and her father would sway the verbs to conjugate differently."
Either my comprehension skills are faltering here or like so many hugely over-estimated Indian authors, Anindita Ghose writes like she has a great insight into the nature of things when in fact she simply doesn't seem to know that using the word "expire" for death is perfectly correct usage! I mean, just look at the dictionary! The very first meaning of 'expire' on Merriam-Webster is "to breathe one's last breath : die."
This is so ironic though because there are many other passages where the author's observations are incisive and revelatory. Like one in which she describes male bodies. Reading it as a man, I was momentarily taken out of myself. It made me see myself through female eyes, which is ultimately what you want good literature to do, right? To see the world differently, through a different light.
Sadly, these passages were too few and separated by walls of cliched text, held together by a hackneyed theme (Why are there so many derivates of Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale? First Leila, now this), not to mention the excessive sprinkling of factoids from Sanskrit literature and philosophy-- all which serve to show just how much the author knows (and so to me appear more pretentious than illuminating).
For me, this book illuminated, yet again, the sad state of Indian literature. On the one hand, you have rubbish like Chetan Bhagat and on the other, you have books like this which are praised to high heavens by the who's who in our literary circles. But which on closer examination are really shallow renditions of life, bogged down as they are by this need to tackle Big themes (nothing wrong with that, yes), narrated in a serious voice full with affectation and little depth.
There is a particular passage in the book, one among a few, which caught my attention. It reads as follows:
"As children, Tara and Surjo would laugh when they heard servants use the word “expire” for deceased relatives. Medicines and packaged foods expire. Can a human being finish his purpose, literally cease to be useful? As a child she had found the misplaced usage funny. It seemed cruel now.
But the democracy of death in the English language seemed unfair. A terrorist could be dead in an encounter. A rogue elephant could be shot dead. And now, her father too, was just dead. In Indian tongues, a common criminal and her father would sway the verbs to conjugate differently."
Either my comprehension skills are faltering here or like so many hugely over-estimated Indian authors, Anindita Ghose writes like she has a great insight into the nature of things when in fact she simply doesn't seem to know that using the word "expire" for death is perfectly correct usage! I mean, just look at the dictionary! The very first meaning of 'expire' on Merriam-Webster is "to breathe one's last breath : die."
This is so ironic though because there are many other passages where the author's observations are incisive and revelatory. Like one in which she describes male bodies. Reading it as a man, I was momentarily taken out of myself. It made me see myself through female eyes, which is ultimately what you want good literature to do, right? To see the world differently, through a different light.
Sadly, these passages were too few and separated by walls of cliched text, held together by a hackneyed theme (Why are there so many derivates of Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale? First Leila, now this), not to mention the excessive sprinkling of factoids from Sanskrit literature and philosophy-- all which serve to show just how much the author knows (and so to me appear more pretentious than illuminating).
For me, this book illuminated, yet again, the sad state of Indian literature. On the one hand, you have rubbish like Chetan Bhagat and on the other, you have books like this which are praised to high heavens by the who's who in our literary circles. But which on closer examination are really shallow renditions of life, bogged down as they are by this need to tackle Big themes (nothing wrong with that, yes), narrated in a serious voice full with affectation and little depth.
September 21, 2021
"Dear daughter,
Now that you are in your perfect society-sanctioned marriageable age, let's focus on “things” that are important. Things like your skin color, your cooking skills, your hair, the amount of gold your old father can gift you, for your degrees and prizes that you won in your dance and music performances are of little value here. Did I tell you how good the suitor is? Studied in the best college, only son, they belong to a respectable family too. It’s in everyone’s benefit that you marry him and start your new life."
If “The Illuminated'' had a voice it would be something on the line of whispers of a soothing, almost hypnotic voice. The voice that is calm on its surface but shares a tumultuous story of women across generations, social background; all trying their best to make peace with reality. Shashi and Tara, the mother-daughter duo trying to accept their new life on the traumatic event of their husband and father's death. Deaths are always heavily dramatized in pop culture, with lots of tears and breaking down. Here we see an absolute depiction of reality. “Mourning is a luxury”- As Shashi navigates through her widowhood, she has to focus on more practical businesses, like paperwork, dealing with neighbors and family, readjusting into norms. Shashi, who made her life centered around her enigmatic husband perhaps never imagined her life without him. She, who was a Hegelian scholar, tries to understand the number of subtractions she had to do in order to sustain the marriage.
Anindita Ghose’s debut work focuses on the nuances of grief and how individuals cope with it. while Shashi replays her life in flashback, Tara tries to end the chapter she shared with much more senior professor Amitabh Dhar. The fact that the idea of pain and healing isn’t ubiquitous is expressed all over her book. As both of these women are on a quest to live life on their own terms, the fundamentalist organization MSS creeps in, symbolizing how personal losses get intertwined with political agenda. With their propaganda-filled leaflets, MSS eerily reminds me of Gilead of The Handmaid’s tale.
The book follows the phases of the moon and finally coming to its completion on Poornima, just like the women in our story and society coming out of the shackles of distressful misogyny and living life on their own terms.
Now that you are in your perfect society-sanctioned marriageable age, let's focus on “things” that are important. Things like your skin color, your cooking skills, your hair, the amount of gold your old father can gift you, for your degrees and prizes that you won in your dance and music performances are of little value here. Did I tell you how good the suitor is? Studied in the best college, only son, they belong to a respectable family too. It’s in everyone’s benefit that you marry him and start your new life."
If “The Illuminated'' had a voice it would be something on the line of whispers of a soothing, almost hypnotic voice. The voice that is calm on its surface but shares a tumultuous story of women across generations, social background; all trying their best to make peace with reality. Shashi and Tara, the mother-daughter duo trying to accept their new life on the traumatic event of their husband and father's death. Deaths are always heavily dramatized in pop culture, with lots of tears and breaking down. Here we see an absolute depiction of reality. “Mourning is a luxury”- As Shashi navigates through her widowhood, she has to focus on more practical businesses, like paperwork, dealing with neighbors and family, readjusting into norms. Shashi, who made her life centered around her enigmatic husband perhaps never imagined her life without him. She, who was a Hegelian scholar, tries to understand the number of subtractions she had to do in order to sustain the marriage.
Anindita Ghose’s debut work focuses on the nuances of grief and how individuals cope with it. while Shashi replays her life in flashback, Tara tries to end the chapter she shared with much more senior professor Amitabh Dhar. The fact that the idea of pain and healing isn’t ubiquitous is expressed all over her book. As both of these women are on a quest to live life on their own terms, the fundamentalist organization MSS creeps in, symbolizing how personal losses get intertwined with political agenda. With their propaganda-filled leaflets, MSS eerily reminds me of Gilead of The Handmaid’s tale.
The book follows the phases of the moon and finally coming to its completion on Poornima, just like the women in our story and society coming out of the shackles of distressful misogyny and living life on their own terms.
March 2, 2022
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed and become hooked on Anindita Ghose’s beautifully crafted debut novel, The Illuminated, I fear that a single reading cannot possibly do the book justice. The central theme is the story of a mother and daughter, Shashi and Tara, both intelligent and independent women who are subjugated and eclipsed by two apparently liberal and intelligent men. The book narrates how they navigate and grow through the consequences of the loss of those men, to ultimately reappraise themselves, their lives and their futures. But the book works on so many other levels, addressing issues such as patriarchy, privilege, feminism, or the growth of conservative right-wing politics.
The author uses fiction to explore these different themes, to consider the danger of allowing a populist conservative movement to grow and quietly interfere in the lives of women, taking us far beyond what is already a patriarchal society. But she also allows us to imagine a world where this is turned on its head, a community created by women where they can exercise their talents and fulfil their ambitions without any of the repression or inequality that even our most liberal societies currently sustain.
I was drawn towards Shashi, but empathised increasingly with Tara as she grows throughout the novel, acknowledging her mistakes and weaknesses. Her father Robi is a hugely successful architect, for who Shashi has had to forfeit a large part of her life to allow him to further his career. Tara herself is used and humiliated by a character not wholly unlike her father – successful, privileged, middle-aged, drunk on adulation but less subtle in his misogyny.
Finally, we are reminded of those women who do not have the agency afforded by belonging to the privileged classes of our protagonists, with the intriguing part played by the devoted maid Poornima.
An engaging, intelligent novel that deserves returning to, I am surprised that it was not on the JCB Longlist.
The author uses fiction to explore these different themes, to consider the danger of allowing a populist conservative movement to grow and quietly interfere in the lives of women, taking us far beyond what is already a patriarchal society. But she also allows us to imagine a world where this is turned on its head, a community created by women where they can exercise their talents and fulfil their ambitions without any of the repression or inequality that even our most liberal societies currently sustain.
I was drawn towards Shashi, but empathised increasingly with Tara as she grows throughout the novel, acknowledging her mistakes and weaknesses. Her father Robi is a hugely successful architect, for who Shashi has had to forfeit a large part of her life to allow him to further his career. Tara herself is used and humiliated by a character not wholly unlike her father – successful, privileged, middle-aged, drunk on adulation but less subtle in his misogyny.
Finally, we are reminded of those women who do not have the agency afforded by belonging to the privileged classes of our protagonists, with the intriguing part played by the devoted maid Poornima.
An engaging, intelligent novel that deserves returning to, I am surprised that it was not on the JCB Longlist.
August 23, 2023
The story of "The Illuminated" is about women who are strong and distinct in their personalities, who must deal with various circumstances yet who remain connected through a direct line of maternal blood. Our two main characters are Shashi and Tara, a mother and a daughter, who are each managing their own challenges while maintaining their religious beliefs. Shashi is adjusting to her fresh existence after Robi's death. She is grieving without having anything specific in mind. In addition to thinking about her affair with an older guy while on her trip to the Himalayas, Tara is also dealing with the late news of her father's passing.
The author skilfully steers readers through the inner landscapes of her characters' lives as well as a larger political setting in which a fundamentalist group, Mahalaxmi Seva Sangh. The novel is dotted with references to MSS promotional literature, and as the story progresses, the rising prominence of the organization itself becomes more and more worrisome. The only genuine resistance to this menace is shown to be provided by a female chief minister by the name of K.C. Meenakshi's simultaneous development of an eco-feminist paradise and the reuniting of mother and daughter at the book's conclusion demonstrate how the political is actually personal.
The author plays with the notion of illumination or a coming to light by sprinkling references to the moon throughout, from the titles of the various sections to character names like Poornima and Shashi, which mean "like the moon." The epilogue notably adopts the idea that the readily erased and the purposefully obscured become important issues.
Similar to how the women in our novel and society finally break free from the chains of distressing misogyny and begin living life on their own terms, the novel follows the phases of the moon and concludes on Poornima.
The author skilfully steers readers through the inner landscapes of her characters' lives as well as a larger political setting in which a fundamentalist group, Mahalaxmi Seva Sangh. The novel is dotted with references to MSS promotional literature, and as the story progresses, the rising prominence of the organization itself becomes more and more worrisome. The only genuine resistance to this menace is shown to be provided by a female chief minister by the name of K.C. Meenakshi's simultaneous development of an eco-feminist paradise and the reuniting of mother and daughter at the book's conclusion demonstrate how the political is actually personal.
The author plays with the notion of illumination or a coming to light by sprinkling references to the moon throughout, from the titles of the various sections to character names like Poornima and Shashi, which mean "like the moon." The epilogue notably adopts the idea that the readily erased and the purposefully obscured become important issues.
Similar to how the women in our novel and society finally break free from the chains of distressing misogyny and begin living life on their own terms, the novel follows the phases of the moon and concludes on Poornima.
June 14, 2022
The Illuminated has got more glowing reviews than anything I had read off late, so I had to check it out when the price dropped to 150 for the Kindle version. It's got a kickass cover too, so that really helps, but I'm sorry to report that the cover is the only best thing about the book.
Ghose gets the characters alright, and takes them into scenarios worthy of writing a book about, only she doesn't seem to have a clue what to do after setting them up for their stories. Even the writing flows smooth, this is a very readable book, alas, I wish it was worth reading.
The deliberate and excessive name dropping can be excused as an eager debutant trying to stuff her book with her research/knowledge, but that is not even the worst problem of the book. She writes about things, she has no way to know like when she compares people's actions to those of the ones at an audition in a low budget Telugu Movie, or talks about the smile Indian and Pakistan soldiers exchange at the border. The characters have no way to know this stuff either which makes it rather silly of her to write these into the book. Needless to say that the situations do not warrant the comparisons either. Some might find it amusing, but I was distracted from the story, reading those descriptions
Some of the other frustrating things about this book are, we never really know the time period it is taking place, and if this is a satire or a serious drama. I leaned towards the later till about 4/5th of the book and was mighty disappointed when it all descended into ridiculous and unintentionally funny satire towards the end. It reminded me of Kannada Superstar Upendra's movie called Super. Clearly I wasn't expecting such goofiness from a Bengali author.
Ghose gets the characters alright, and takes them into scenarios worthy of writing a book about, only she doesn't seem to have a clue what to do after setting them up for their stories. Even the writing flows smooth, this is a very readable book, alas, I wish it was worth reading.
The deliberate and excessive name dropping can be excused as an eager debutant trying to stuff her book with her research/knowledge, but that is not even the worst problem of the book. She writes about things, she has no way to know like when she compares people's actions to those of the ones at an audition in a low budget Telugu Movie, or talks about the smile Indian and Pakistan soldiers exchange at the border. The characters have no way to know this stuff either which makes it rather silly of her to write these into the book. Needless to say that the situations do not warrant the comparisons either. Some might find it amusing, but I was distracted from the story, reading those descriptions
Some of the other frustrating things about this book are, we never really know the time period it is taking place, and if this is a satire or a serious drama. I leaned towards the later till about 4/5th of the book and was mighty disappointed when it all descended into ridiculous and unintentionally funny satire towards the end. It reminded me of Kannada Superstar Upendra's movie called Super. Clearly I wasn't expecting such goofiness from a Bengali author.
September 9, 2022
'The Illuminated' is a story of women distinct and firm in their personalities, have different situations to deal with but they are still attached through a pure string of blood relation of a Mother-daughter. Shashi Mallick and Tara Mallick are our two protagonists, mother and the daughter respectively who are juggling with their own set of problems alongside minding the religious foundations. Shashi, is freshly sorting ways to her new life after being a widow to Robi Mallick. She is grieving with nothing fixed in her mind. Tara is on her visit to the himalayas with an affair on her mind with an older man alongside the late information of her father's death.
Death has always been a tough topic to deal and neutralise the behaviour and Ghose's depiction of the same is nothing but the raw and tough side that only a widow would undergo dealing with business, paperwork, absorbing condolences from friends and family and most importantly the societal norms of widowhood. Tara didn't come back to her mother, she couldn't just muster the courage to do so. Robi's death brings immense loss of strength in Tara , being the apple of his eyes. She becomes really distant from her mother.
'The Illuminated' is a refined work of emotions within Indian or specifically Bengali families. Reading feels very crisp and hard hitting and authentic. Ghose has her mastery of spilling truth bombs like mixes of philosophy and psychology , the deeply hidden within the society. The parallel characters and protagonists are presented with beautiful elaboration.
Ghose gifts us box full of hope and courage in her 296-300 pages of wholesomeness and optimistism. This book won't be easy but you wouldn't regret it.
Death has always been a tough topic to deal and neutralise the behaviour and Ghose's depiction of the same is nothing but the raw and tough side that only a widow would undergo dealing with business, paperwork, absorbing condolences from friends and family and most importantly the societal norms of widowhood. Tara didn't come back to her mother, she couldn't just muster the courage to do so. Robi's death brings immense loss of strength in Tara , being the apple of his eyes. She becomes really distant from her mother.
'The Illuminated' is a refined work of emotions within Indian or specifically Bengali families. Reading feels very crisp and hard hitting and authentic. Ghose has her mastery of spilling truth bombs like mixes of philosophy and psychology , the deeply hidden within the society. The parallel characters and protagonists are presented with beautiful elaboration.
Ghose gifts us box full of hope and courage in her 296-300 pages of wholesomeness and optimistism. This book won't be easy but you wouldn't regret it.
August 11, 2022
This is a tough one to rate. I actually thought the book was a parody. The main characters are rich and caricatured as rich. The servant class behaves like the servant class, openly crying to the memsaab on hearing the big Saab died.
The rich lady also works in a juvenile home and there are sentences written seriously like "The days she went there, Shashi wore a cotton saree. She never carried her Italian leather handbags." Most of the book reminded me of Mahesh Rao's Polite Society.
The MSS is an org that stands in for the RSS. The members walk around popping in gaumutra often. You get the drift. Most characters strangely never rise from the caricature. But somehow the stories of the mother and daughter keep you engaged. It's kind of similar to Polite Society.
The language is very cliched, but the writing is very clipped and reminds one of Jhumpa Lahiri, and not in a good way. The only reason I'm making this a three and not two is because as a parody of the uber-rich it works really well, and I had some good laughs. I am not sure if that was intentional though.
The rich lady also works in a juvenile home and there are sentences written seriously like "The days she went there, Shashi wore a cotton saree. She never carried her Italian leather handbags." Most of the book reminded me of Mahesh Rao's Polite Society.
The MSS is an org that stands in for the RSS. The members walk around popping in gaumutra often. You get the drift. Most characters strangely never rise from the caricature. But somehow the stories of the mother and daughter keep you engaged. It's kind of similar to Polite Society.
The language is very cliched, but the writing is very clipped and reminds one of Jhumpa Lahiri, and not in a good way. The only reason I'm making this a three and not two is because as a parody of the uber-rich it works really well, and I had some good laughs. I am not sure if that was intentional though.
August 17, 2023
The Illuminated is a book I can't recommend enough (I know reviews have nothing to do with recommendations but it is what it is). This book, is a poetic mixture of euphoria and dystopia. A story set in beautiful waters, sometimes drowning the reader, other times helping them see under water.
The story revolves around women; women from different classes,castes, ages and worlds. Shashi and Tara, the mother and daughter duo grieving the loss of the man they loved most narrate the story. Ghose's elaborate writing is uncomplicated and comprehensive. The two women's quest to explore themselves beyond the worldly relationships is what makes the book worth a read.
Though this novel marks the author's debut, it does have the finesse of a seasoned novelist. The ending might let a few readers down but all in all, the captivating story and alluring narration make it a must read from an Indian author.
My rating is 4.5/5 ⭐
The story revolves around women; women from different classes,castes, ages and worlds. Shashi and Tara, the mother and daughter duo grieving the loss of the man they loved most narrate the story. Ghose's elaborate writing is uncomplicated and comprehensive. The two women's quest to explore themselves beyond the worldly relationships is what makes the book worth a read.
Though this novel marks the author's debut, it does have the finesse of a seasoned novelist. The ending might let a few readers down but all in all, the captivating story and alluring narration make it a must read from an Indian author.
My rating is 4.5/5 ⭐
August 9, 2021
The book really reeled me in and I kept getting drawn into the very realistic portraits of different characters who could very well be people I’ve come across. However, the ending was a bit disappointing, the whole bit about the state of Meenakshi was pretty unrealistic and not in conformity with the rest of the novel. It’s a bit much to expect readers to believe that the Indian state would give in to the demands of a fishing community and grant a separate state to left-wing radical environmentalists. I wish that it were believable but anybody who knows what’s going on in the country would shake their head in disbelief and say that the author went too far. Apart from the ending, I loved the book.
January 23, 2023
The Illuminated grabbed me from the very beginning and drew me into the lives of Shashi and Tara - it was easy to become immersed in reading it. The book is about two strong Indian women and how they each deal with the death of their husband/father in their own ways, how he affected their lives before and after his death and how they handle their relationship after he is no longer part of their lives. Ghose has created complex, likeable characters, who don’t conform to any stereotypes of South Asian women. They were strongly developed, likeable characters, with complicated emotions and individuality. All in all, I found it a delightful, absorbing read - a real masterpiece from a debut author. I look forward to seeing what she does next.
December 31, 2021
4.5 🌟
What blew me away was the excellent prose. Anindita’s writing is breathtaking. It comes across as effortless although when you take each sentence apart you know how much thought has gone into it. I liked both Shashi and Tara’s parts but was more intrigued and involved when reading Tara’s.
It kept me hooked until about the 250th page and it surprised me that at that point I wished it would end soon. It would have been even better had it been 40-50 pages shorter and with a better ending.
I can’t wait to read the author’s future novels.
What blew me away was the excellent prose. Anindita’s writing is breathtaking. It comes across as effortless although when you take each sentence apart you know how much thought has gone into it. I liked both Shashi and Tara’s parts but was more intrigued and involved when reading Tara’s.
It kept me hooked until about the 250th page and it surprised me that at that point I wished it would end soon. It would have been even better had it been 40-50 pages shorter and with a better ending.
I can’t wait to read the author’s future novels.
April 28, 2023
Could have been so much more but it falls flat. I don’t know what I expected, but it was certainly not this.
September 21, 2021
The Illuminated by Anindita Ghose already had brownie points in its bag before I started reading it. Firstly, superbly gorgeous cover. Secondly, equally attractive blurb. If I dissect the blurb into two components, it primarily speaks about how certain events related to specific people affected the lives of the mother-daughter duo, Shashi and Tara in a transitioning manner. Then it spoke about religious fundamentalism in India. Combining the two, I was sold to read this book.
Although, the first chapter made me disinterested in reading it further, but from the second chapter onwards, it caught all my attention.
The story revolves around the lives of Shashi and Tara. Both women, from different generations, had a life altering phase in the book, slightly touching upon existential crisis, if I may. They had their moments of realisation that changed in them something substantially. It took me back to such events in my life, and so I feel the author’s writing, although simple, is highly impactful.
While Shashi’s story felt a bit loose and plain, at the same time, Tara’s story felt home and it made this book special for me. Shashi lost her husband, and thereafter she found the purpose of her life. The strength that I was looking forward to in Shashi’s character was missing and her story fell flat for me.
Tara is a Sanskrit Scholar, and the author has portrayed a research scholar’s life in quite a detailed manner which resonated with me to the extent that I felt nostalgic. Not just that, but her life experiences and the moment of realisation(s) felt relatable to me, and that is precisely the reason I AM going to recommend this book to everyone.
This is Anindita Ghose’s debut novel, and she has successfully focussed on both plot and characters. The plot is pacy, but what made me stay were her characters. I would definitely love to read more of her works in future.
Speaking of plot, as mentioned earlier, Ghose tried to add an element of religious fundamentalism in India by creating a fictional Mahalaxmi Seva Sangh (MSS) which made the lives of women miserable and less worthy. However, I could not figure out the purpose behind it. Further, the closure that the author has given in this respect is an arbitrary one. So, for those who focus on plot driven books, might find it a deal breaker because of this storyline.
I would still recommend this book, for reading about a life of a research scholar in Indian context was a refreshing change, and because Tara might be reflective of a lot of young Indian women.
Although, the first chapter made me disinterested in reading it further, but from the second chapter onwards, it caught all my attention.
The story revolves around the lives of Shashi and Tara. Both women, from different generations, had a life altering phase in the book, slightly touching upon existential crisis, if I may. They had their moments of realisation that changed in them something substantially. It took me back to such events in my life, and so I feel the author’s writing, although simple, is highly impactful.
While Shashi’s story felt a bit loose and plain, at the same time, Tara’s story felt home and it made this book special for me. Shashi lost her husband, and thereafter she found the purpose of her life. The strength that I was looking forward to in Shashi’s character was missing and her story fell flat for me.
Tara is a Sanskrit Scholar, and the author has portrayed a research scholar’s life in quite a detailed manner which resonated with me to the extent that I felt nostalgic. Not just that, but her life experiences and the moment of realisation(s) felt relatable to me, and that is precisely the reason I AM going to recommend this book to everyone.
This is Anindita Ghose’s debut novel, and she has successfully focussed on both plot and characters. The plot is pacy, but what made me stay were her characters. I would definitely love to read more of her works in future.
Speaking of plot, as mentioned earlier, Ghose tried to add an element of religious fundamentalism in India by creating a fictional Mahalaxmi Seva Sangh (MSS) which made the lives of women miserable and less worthy. However, I could not figure out the purpose behind it. Further, the closure that the author has given in this respect is an arbitrary one. So, for those who focus on plot driven books, might find it a deal breaker because of this storyline.
I would still recommend this book, for reading about a life of a research scholar in Indian context was a refreshing change, and because Tara might be reflective of a lot of young Indian women.
August 13, 2022
This book doesn't deserve any rating — read it at your own risk.
These garbages in the name of literary fiction should be trashed at one go — but I pity our Gen-Z youngsters who fall prey to this anti-Hindu, anti-Indian, pseudo-liberal, urban naxal authors, and even get inspired with their flawless language and their prowess in English diction.
The book I am going to rant about is 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 by Anindita Ghose published by Fourth Estate in 2021
My gawd — what a dangerous debut of a book for the youth of this country to read. This book has won a few awards, I suppose — a real shame.
Story wise, there is nothing extraordinary to tell. The two female leads, Sashi the mother and Tara the daughter, are complex women, which is also nothing new. The character of Tara as a Sanskrit student was refreshing, only to later know the author's ulterior motive to equate the language to erotic literature and Hindu sculptures. The author's cunning and hidden agenda is rather open to the gallery.
Then there is MSS, a Hindu organisation designed on the lines of RSS, that controls and restricts the rights and duties of women in the college, which is so absurd. This shows the immaturity and complete lack of sense of this journalist turned author.
Similar to all Indian literary fiction from recent years, there is extramarital affair — this time between a girl and her professor who is her father's age, as well as lesbian sisterhood bonding between a Hindu and a Muslim girl.
I was searching for the story, but after 300 pages you are motivated enough take down this author who has spewed her inner venom towards a certain community unabashedly with no regret of letting her nation down with such a crap of third-rated literature in the name of freedom of expression and creative writing.
These garbages in the name of literary fiction should be trashed at one go — but I pity our Gen-Z youngsters who fall prey to this anti-Hindu, anti-Indian, pseudo-liberal, urban naxal authors, and even get inspired with their flawless language and their prowess in English diction.
The book I am going to rant about is 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 by Anindita Ghose published by Fourth Estate in 2021
My gawd — what a dangerous debut of a book for the youth of this country to read. This book has won a few awards, I suppose — a real shame.
Story wise, there is nothing extraordinary to tell. The two female leads, Sashi the mother and Tara the daughter, are complex women, which is also nothing new. The character of Tara as a Sanskrit student was refreshing, only to later know the author's ulterior motive to equate the language to erotic literature and Hindu sculptures. The author's cunning and hidden agenda is rather open to the gallery.
Then there is MSS, a Hindu organisation designed on the lines of RSS, that controls and restricts the rights and duties of women in the college, which is so absurd. This shows the immaturity and complete lack of sense of this journalist turned author.
Similar to all Indian literary fiction from recent years, there is extramarital affair — this time between a girl and her professor who is her father's age, as well as lesbian sisterhood bonding between a Hindu and a Muslim girl.
I was searching for the story, but after 300 pages you are motivated enough take down this author who has spewed her inner venom towards a certain community unabashedly with no regret of letting her nation down with such a crap of third-rated literature in the name of freedom of expression and creative writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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