Father May Be an Elephant and Mother Only a Small Basket, But…

‘A massive debate ensued about the ways of cleansing a Brahman who had been touched by an untouchable - and that too, a woman.’With that one single line, Gogu Shyamala frames the context for the stories in this collection - a voice for the most oppressed of them all - the Dalit woman. Outside her house, she’s a bonded laborer - an entity that can be ordered about, insulted, ignored or abused. Ill treated and disrespected not just by the male landowners, but also by their wives and children. Inside her own house, her condition is no better. She’s a slave to the needs of the elders, the children and the sometimes-abusive husband.———————————————-But in these stories, Gogu Shyamala empowers them through stories of young girls raised to think of themselves as equal to their male counterparts, of them fighting physical abuse and of women holding on to their farmlands, ensuring their voice is heard in conflicts.These are stories of oppression and discrimination. But also, stories that see the light at the end of the tunnel. Stories that celebrate Dalit life and lifestyle. Stories that make us pause and observe and acknowledge that they are more than just equal in matters that matter.

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It's really a wonderful book which shows you the reality of casteism. Moreover, students who love short stories they should definitely go for it.

Good

A poor quality book I got... Torn in the edges and had a few numbers written inside the book.. Felt like a used one... Must improve the quality

Well-written sorties, good translation although it brings out nuances from the original language. Stories tell us about the issues that Dalits face in this country without being macabre. Excellent effort.

The author is a Dalit woman with an incredible command of the traditions, the histories and the strength of the women in this communities, who have endured so much. This collection of stories is very well written, with care and tenderness, and the stories allow us to enter the daily life and struggles of this girls and women in India.