Reviews

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

erboe501's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a pretty entertaining read with vivid characters. Nothing I'll probably remember in a year, but since it was short I don't regret spending the time on it. It helped pass the time quickly on a road trip.

pallavi_sharma87's review against another edition

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5.0

***5.0***
We follow a family and particularly women from 3 generation.
A widow Roshomoyee, the Pishima (maternal aunt) who dies and haunts a new young bride as a ghost.
A new bride Somlata, who is determined to not let the family's wealth dwindle.
A daughter Boshon, Somlata's daughter who is modern, educated and has a sense of not being free.

A fabulous read with lots of giggles and insight into the transition of culture with in few decades in India. I give hats off to the translation. Highly recommended.

Happy Reading!!

fdiyanah's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

boggremlin's review against another edition

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3.0

A haunting tale of marriage, curses, and rebuilding a family fortune. Oh, and a ghost—with a hidden treasure and a mean streak!

psk173's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

apoorvasr's review against another edition

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5.0

The novel beings with Somalatha's marriage into an aristocratic family who are close to being bankrupt. Somalatha is quiet, submissive but full of strength and drives this book as she witnesses the death of Pishima. Alas! Pishima's ghost remains and is only visible and talks to her. The ghost has ulterior motives and wants to protect the gold she got in her dowry and quickly directs her to hide it with her. This ghost has a funny slapstick humor which is rib tickling. Pishima's ghost has gone through a lot of prejudice in her life as a young widow and continously voices her lamentations which is true for all womankind. Mostly, she's bold and talks about the gender divide between men and women.
The members of the family were lazy who lived off on feudal lands and dowries and they had rigud, conventional norms to Somlatha's ideas .
"Family gold is sacred, family land too. I've heard its not right to sell off either of these'.
Fast forward, we hear Somalatha's daughter Boshon's poin of view who is just like Pishima. She's the apple of eye of her family menbers and her personality is light years ahead of the old generation. 'I simply cannot undertand Ma and Baroma. So old fashioned. Obsessed with nothing but gold and ornamnents. Do they ever try to find out how beautiful the world is.''
Keeping in mind the time period this book was written in - It throws light on women empowerment, bold characters, human greed and the crumbling patriarchy of the society.
Pishima's littany of curses is everything to look forward to in this short but savoury read.
Please go and read Twenties girl by Sophie Kinsella after this!.

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. It's very short and enjoyable read but I wished it was a bit longer.

dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review against another edition

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5.0

At times heavy, at times light-hearted, ultimately very satisfying. The novel examines on cultural constraints, intergenerational relationships, and personal freedom, and at the same time, it's an engrossing and enjoyable read.

scarletohhara's review against another edition

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4.0

Fun read. I feel like this would’ve been better read in Bengali, but the English translation is good too, though some details are better understood by Indian audience.

pearloz's review against another edition

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4.0

Fun story about a woman who, after death, becomes a disembodied voice heard only by her niece. Nice, domestic story ensues, starting a business, then another, key moments in her life guided by her aunt. Solid book.