Every story has a soul of its own and it chooses who gets to touch it and when.
‘Songs of the Reed' a debut novel by Heena Singhal is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful pieces of literature to have been penned down, which will hit you emotionally and you will think about it long after you've read it. Heena draws inspirations from cultures and traditions from around the world, and poetry. Her writings largely envelop the nuances of family ties and heritage, roles of women in society, human rights, disability inclusion and mental health issues.
This book revolves around the story of two girls; Reva, a bright young girl with a passion for reading and writing from Delhi and Noor, an artist and a tour guide from Spain and their longing to find their kin from Kashmir. It talks about mothers, daughters and motherhood; about broken, dysfunctional families and friendships and the urge to find closure. It depicts how the void within the heart of two girls is so big that they find themselves travelling long distances in a hope to find some information about their families even If it means not finding them alive.
The book has been written in a very conventional and free flowing manner and the story of Reva and Noor keeps moving back and forth until both the stories entwine with each other; unfurling secrets, histories and emotions. The incidents of the story are wholly absorbing and very well framed and you as a reader will find yourself flipping pages after pages.
The author in a very subtle way mentions various issues like illegal gender detection and untouchability that persisted even after India has been independent for long. The author also shows a contrast; the religious tensions and indifference among the people in one part of the world and yet despite belonging from different religions people find themselves building up a small family of their own in another part of the world, binded by the same feelings of separation and unforgettable history.
"Take the sun, You think it's yours. They think it's theirs. In reality. It's the same burning orb over everyone's freaking heads since you've known", through this the author throws light upon the most historical yet perpetual issue; of wars and wars over territories, that brings nothing but separation, bloodshed and destroyed families.
The story of both the females; Noor and Reva are painstakingly descriptive, relatable and raw. It consumes the reader and the author creates such an environment that it feels that we are the ones living their stories. Lastly the book is a tribute to women who had to endure instances of chauvinism, patriarchal obstacles at many phases of their lives but also a tribute to women supporting women and finding comfort and solace within each other.
The book is definitely a must read and I totally recommend it.
Comments