The Book Stacks

What is it like to write about such strong Indian women’s issues? Do you fear any backlash for what you’re writing about?

Thank you for inviting me as a guest blogger today.

Being a feminist at heart and having majored in sociology in college, I love debating over women’s issues. My interest in women’s issues carries over into my writing as well.

Both my books, THE DOWRY BRIDE and now this latest, THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER (released on September 1, 2008), deal with strong issues not only about Indian women but a lot of women in other countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. The system of dowry still exists in these countries just like in India. The difference is the degree to which it exists.

When it comes to the social issue of gender-based abortion, that too is not uncommon in other countries besides India. Even in certain areas of Europe, societies can be more desirous of male children for a variety of reasons, the most common being the belief that a son will grow up and earn a good living, take care of his parents and other members of the family.

Thus far, I have been mildly rebuked for portraying the darker side of Indian culture by some conservative Indian readers who feel a writer has no business telling stories about the more undesirable practices of a culture that is otherwise rich and filled with positive elements. They feel the murkier side of society should be left alone while the positive side is highlighted.

I beg to disagree with them. It is through movies, art, articles, and books, both fiction and non-fiction, that abhorrent customs can sometimes be eradicated. Any book that exposes an abusive and unfair practice is doing a social service in my opinion.

As for fear of backlash, as long as writers write about controversial subjects, there is always the possibility of negative response. But it comes with the territory. I call it an “occupational hazard.”

An excerpt and book trailer of THE FORBIDDEN DAUGHTER can be found on my website: www.shobhanbantwal.com Readers can go to the contact page and send me their feedback.