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sanjana_the_book_station 's review for:
The Women's Courtyard
by Khadija Mastoor
Originally written in Urdu, Aangan(The Women's Courtyard) is a story set in the Partition era, on the other side of the border.
Told from the perspective of Aliya, Aangan explores the life of women in their most inhabited space of a home, the courtyard. Under very difficult circumstances, Aliya is forced to leave her home she grew up in and move to her uncle's house. In this new space Aliya fights to be independent through education, against the wishes of her rigid mother, and survive the changes that Partition ushers in.
Through Aangan, Khadija Mastur presents the struggles of women during the partition period. These women did not actively participate in the political movement, yet they end up suffering the most due to the actions of the men of the household. While for some women the aangan is a native space of power and rest, for others it's claustrophobic in nature. While sometimes it's a space to celebrate a wedding, it's also a space to mourn the dead.
Aangan showcases the different shades of women who color the inner walls with their presence and opinions. This novel is a vital piece of Feminist literature that explores the multifold of struggle that women endure within their household.
Daisy Rockwell's translation has successfully preserved the poetic and poignant nature of this novel. Also, her Afterword throws more light on the characters and themes of this novel, which is a treat you mustn't miss.
Told from the perspective of Aliya, Aangan explores the life of women in their most inhabited space of a home, the courtyard. Under very difficult circumstances, Aliya is forced to leave her home she grew up in and move to her uncle's house. In this new space Aliya fights to be independent through education, against the wishes of her rigid mother, and survive the changes that Partition ushers in.
Through Aangan, Khadija Mastur presents the struggles of women during the partition period. These women did not actively participate in the political movement, yet they end up suffering the most due to the actions of the men of the household. While for some women the aangan is a native space of power and rest, for others it's claustrophobic in nature. While sometimes it's a space to celebrate a wedding, it's also a space to mourn the dead.
Aangan showcases the different shades of women who color the inner walls with their presence and opinions. This novel is a vital piece of Feminist literature that explores the multifold of struggle that women endure within their household.
Daisy Rockwell's translation has successfully preserved the poetic and poignant nature of this novel. Also, her Afterword throws more light on the characters and themes of this novel, which is a treat you mustn't miss.