The story explores Bulbul Sharma's transformative journey as she repeatedly returns to a small, remote hamlet despite its initial bleakness. Her connection to the place deepens as she discovers its hidden beauty and the warmth of its community, ultimately leading her to embrace it as her true home. The narrative delves into themes of belonging, resilience, and the power of place in shaping one's identity.
In Eating Women, Telling Tales, acclaimed feminist writer and artist Bulbul Sharma explores the many roles—some perennial, some unexpected—that food can play in women’s lives. One of the stories in this rich collection features a young woman who, neglected by her rakish husband, decides to kill him by overfeeding him. Other tales narrate the adventures of a woman who cooks manically; a woman who tries and fails to share her culinary masterpieces with a son newly returned from the United Sates; and a woman who takes money and knickknacks from her husband’s pockets, where she finds the different scents of each woman he has been with. These protagonists, all gloriously flawed, inspire sympathy, laughter, and sometimes awe. By turns poignant and macabre, their stories make up a delicious spread, showcasing Sharma’s immense talent for depicting the drama and complexity of women’s everyday lives. Devoured by readers the world over after their original publication in 2009, these stories are now available in a handsomely designed reissue celebrating Zubaan’s tenth anniversary.
At the heart of the narrative is Mayadevi, an elderly woman who grapples with her age and the complexities of her life choices. As she embarks on a journey, the story explores themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Through her reflections and interactions, we witness her struggles and triumphs, revealing a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that resonate with the universal quest for meaning in later life. The book delves into the intricacies of family dynamics and the search for connection amidst the challenges of aging.
The author shares a lifetime of exploration through various natural settings, including gardens, parks, and forests. This journey reflects a deep connection with nature, revealing the beauty and intricacies of these environments. The narrative likely intertwines personal experiences with observations, offering insights into the flora and fauna encountered along the way. Through vivid descriptions, readers are invited to appreciate the serenity and complexity of the natural world, making it a celebration of nature's wonders.
«El día que Mayadevi cumplió sesenta y ocho, setenta o setenta y cinco años (su fecha de nacimiento era algo que cambiaba según su estado de ánimo), decidió ir a Londres». Así comienza esta colección de cuentos de Bulbul Sharma sobre sus tías, jóvenes y ancianas, valerosas y exasperantes, pero siempre impredecibles. Una de ellas acaba casada con un marido que no puede soportar la humillación de ser más bajo que ella, otra no piensa más que en escalar montañas en busca de paz espiritual y otra comienza a trabajar en un palacio que, día tras día, se hunde cada vez más en el pantano que lo rodea. Una irónica y agridulce mezcla de historias sobre la India de antes y después de la revolución de Gandhi, así como una reflexión sobre la posición de la mujer y las antiguas tradiciones y prejuicios.
173pages. poche. Broché.