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The Aunt Who Wouldn't Die: A Novel by Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay

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bookandbooksonly's review against another edition

4.0

"The Aunt Who Wouldn't Die" beckons readers into a mesmerizing literary world, a tapestry woven with the laughter, sorrows, and indomitable spirit of three generations of Bengali women.

Within the pages of this masterfully translated novel, we encounter a story that seamlessly blends humor, heartfelt moments, and a profound exploration of love, family, and the yearning for freedom.

At the story's core is Somlata, a young bride thrust into the midst of the Mitra family's dynastic, yet faltering, dynasty. Her initial expectation of settling into the customary role of a devout wife is abruptly overturned when she stumbles upon the lifeless form of her great aunt-in-law, Pishima, within the sprawling, timeworn Mitra mansion.

Pishima, a child bride widowed at the tender age of twelve, spent her life in perpetual widowhood, nursing a long-standing grievance against the Mitras for denying her the chance to experience love.

In death, her spirit refuses to fade quietly into the beyond, opting instead to orchestrate a series of mischievous interventions in the lives of her descendants.

Pishima's first act after departing this world is to entrust Somlata with a cryptic box of gold, urging her to safeguard it from the insatiable clutches of the Mitras.

However, as Somlata witnesses her newfound family squander their wealth, teetering on the brink of financial ruin, she contemplates daring alternatives.

Enter Boshon, an audacious teenager with an insatiable love for books, a spirited rebellion against societal norms, and an unwavering desire for an education that promises liberation.

She defies the expectations of suitors vying for her hand, instead falling in love with a neighbor recently returned from America.

"The Aunt Who Wouldn't Die" is a whirlwind of wit, humor, and fresh perspectives. Across generations, the Mitra women astound with their resilience and the unexpected directions their lives take.

This novel is a celebration of the enduring bonds of family and the indomitable spirit of women in the face of tradition and change. It's a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that will leave readers both enchanted and deeply moved. I rated it 4/5.

hillofbeans's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book was absolutely lovely. I finished it in two sittings and enjoyed it thoroughly. I found the story to contain two different parts. The almost slapstick comedy of the "aunt who wouldn't die" and the bittersweet reflections of both characters on love. Love between one and one's husband, love between one and one's neighbor, love between someone and a receiver of a daily red rose. This is a quick and enjoyable read which attests to the the strongest bond on earth; that between a woman and her goyna.