readsndrants 's review for:

Motherwit by Urmila Pawar

4.0

emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Motherwit is a stunning exploration of "baichi jaat" or "Woman by caste". A short story anthology from the acclaimed Marathi Dalit Writer Urmila Pawar, translated amazingly by Veena Rao, the stories in this book centre women, their struggles, and their joys from all walks of lives. From overcoming family woes to navigating marital bliss, from fending alone for one's family to seeking a new future for themselves, from being homemakers to being ambitious women with futures, we meet many different characters, each with a story of her own but the common thread of resilience and courage tying them together. What kept me hooked was also the twist and turns of the short stories. I am not a fan of short stories, but this one through 5-6 pages of every story, kept me on my toes every time. A perfect pick for stories on women, by women, translated by women, and with anti-caste and feminist themes.