Scan barcode
A review by kritikanarula
The Color of our Sky by Amita Trasi
5.0
Originally reviewed at so many books, so little time
Some stories are meant to shake you to the core by their very intent- with their haunting projection of the reality and inexplicable charm!
Welcome to Tara's and Mukta's life, as they recount the moments of childhood, the social order of the society and most importantly being together.
Tara blames herself for Mukta's kidnapping years ago. She has now returned from the US to India, with the determination to find Mukta.
Mukta is born to a temple prostitute, the product of a sick tradition that continues unabated till date, and forms a major part of the novel. Tara is our regular school-going kid who is fortunate enough to be able to attend school, and spend time in the lap of her father, who is clearly a role model to her.
A poignant angle has been set- India in all its dichotomy is the backdrop to the brutalities inflicted by fate, the indifference in flesh trade and the compassion that can save lives.
Tara's father is the ideal altruist, volunteering actively to rescue kids from the murk they'd otherwise end up in, and bringing kids home to provide them temporary shelter. All is well until he brings Mukta, this time for ever. While the permanence of her stay is a major bother to the mother, who is ready to forgive her husband for everything, Mukta has issues of her own. She has seen her mother die in front of her. She is in a foreign land, with no one ready to accept her as her own. It is an identity crisis, but it is a lot more than just that. She is trying to convince herself that she deserves to live after all.
The narration alternates between our two protagonists and it is reminiscent in its element. It is clear that the author is concerned with deeper discussions - some soul-searching, and contemplation of the atrocities of fate, and so beautifully manages to capture this throughout the story.
It is a commentary, of the superlative degree, on the frailities and fallibility of human nature. Interspersed with quotes like,"The only way we can rectify our mistakes is to try and undo the wrong we have done", it is undoubtedly some epic food for thought. Truths are revealed, and it is so heart-warming and gut-wrenching at the same time to see how everyone copes with the lies they had been living. It is the story of not giving up, forgiving, moving on, finding a better purpose to life, being the better person, learning courage and fortitude.
The appeal of the plot is not just this message and the moral debate: it is as much in the thrill, the suspense, the flawed yet sympathetic characters, the persistent sense of loss, which is sprinkled throughout the plot. It is an intense, emotional and meticulous account- be sure you are ready for the emotional roller-coaster which will challenge your principles as you peep into the characters.
An increasingly poignant assault on the heart strings, with unprecedented lessons in family, love, redemption, forgiveness, and life, this one comes highly recommended.
Some stories are meant to shake you to the core by their very intent- with their haunting projection of the reality and inexplicable charm!
Welcome to Tara's and Mukta's life, as they recount the moments of childhood, the social order of the society and most importantly being together.
Tara blames herself for Mukta's kidnapping years ago. She has now returned from the US to India, with the determination to find Mukta.
Mukta is born to a temple prostitute, the product of a sick tradition that continues unabated till date, and forms a major part of the novel. Tara is our regular school-going kid who is fortunate enough to be able to attend school, and spend time in the lap of her father, who is clearly a role model to her.
A poignant angle has been set- India in all its dichotomy is the backdrop to the brutalities inflicted by fate, the indifference in flesh trade and the compassion that can save lives.
Tara's father is the ideal altruist, volunteering actively to rescue kids from the murk they'd otherwise end up in, and bringing kids home to provide them temporary shelter. All is well until he brings Mukta, this time for ever. While the permanence of her stay is a major bother to the mother, who is ready to forgive her husband for everything, Mukta has issues of her own. She has seen her mother die in front of her. She is in a foreign land, with no one ready to accept her as her own. It is an identity crisis, but it is a lot more than just that. She is trying to convince herself that she deserves to live after all.
The narration alternates between our two protagonists and it is reminiscent in its element. It is clear that the author is concerned with deeper discussions - some soul-searching, and contemplation of the atrocities of fate, and so beautifully manages to capture this throughout the story.
It is a commentary, of the superlative degree, on the frailities and fallibility of human nature. Interspersed with quotes like,"The only way we can rectify our mistakes is to try and undo the wrong we have done", it is undoubtedly some epic food for thought. Truths are revealed, and it is so heart-warming and gut-wrenching at the same time to see how everyone copes with the lies they had been living. It is the story of not giving up, forgiving, moving on, finding a better purpose to life, being the better person, learning courage and fortitude.
The appeal of the plot is not just this message and the moral debate: it is as much in the thrill, the suspense, the flawed yet sympathetic characters, the persistent sense of loss, which is sprinkled throughout the plot. It is an intense, emotional and meticulous account- be sure you are ready for the emotional roller-coaster which will challenge your principles as you peep into the characters.
An increasingly poignant assault on the heart strings, with unprecedented lessons in family, love, redemption, forgiveness, and life, this one comes highly recommended.