Why are we obsessed with Chitra Divakaruni?
Do you identify as a feminist? What does feminism mean to you? Is it something personal or are you outspoken about it? Ever wondered what it would be like to be born in a matriarchy? What if, it did exist before? In that case, what changed? and why did we end up in this place?
Born in this patriarchal world, it would take centuries for us to reach a place where both men and women will be seen as truly equal humans. As a result, women end up living in a bipolar world: the world of their own dreams and aspirations and the world designed for them by the societal norms.
Many writers have been constantly questioning the socially constructed norms and conventions of our society. Especially, during the Post-colonial era, a new generation of female writers had begun to leave a mark on the world of contemporary literature including Jhumpa Lahiri, Anita Desai, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and Arundhati Roy to name a few. The female portrayal in their stories was so unique and path-breaking. They rightfully captured the nuances of the female mind.
Chitra Divakaruni, with her powerful portrayal of women characters, always finds a way into the reader’s heart. Now let’s dive deep and figure out how she manages to do so?
Keen Observer of Life
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is the first generation of Indian immigrants in the United States who has spent a part of her life in India and the rest halfway across the world. At the age of 19 she witnessed the troubles faced by black people living in a country of all white people. And she has experienced both the post-colonial society of India as well as the challenges as an immigrant abroad.
As a diaspora, she found herself caught between the two worlds that are poles apart. With her observation, she has portrayed the fear of adjustment, struggles, and sufferings of her characters, both from India and abroad, authentically. Even the feeling of alienation and the sense of rootlessness resulting in internal conflict and dilemma are reflected perfectly in her works like Arranged Marriage.
A Rare take on Indian Mythology
Identified as a feminist herself, Chitra Divakaruni is also known for her famous works like The Mistress of Spices, Sister of My Heart, and the mythological fiction The Palace of Illusions. Her brilliant characterization of the protagonist Draupadi in The Palace of Illusions, brings out her flaws, desires, hatred, and her life experiences as a whole in a raw form giving a refreshing view of the original Mahabharata. This book could also be considered a fan fiction of the epic. Meanwhile, her narrative of this tale has touched the minds and souls of the readers worldwide.
Resonating Stories
Reading fiction is enjoyable and fun but if one can’t relate to the characters or the situations they are in, it would be difficult to get going. Divakaruni’s writing chartered through historical narratives and storytelling represents women across different sections of society which brings closeness to the reader-writer-character relationship. Her strong gentle voice has been impactful and stirred progressive discussion about women’s issues in the contemporary world and emphasis on the need for a change of attitude of general people with regard to women in the outside world.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has pioneered the art of storytelling in the most impactful manner. Her stories are an assortment of human relationships, feminism, modernization, multiculturalism, identity crisis, patriarchy, and a lot more. Readers can only hope for more from this master storyteller. If you have not read any of her works then I regret to inform you that you are missing out. Now is the best time to get your hands on one of her compelling reads. What are you waiting for??? Hurry, get going…
Who is your favorite contemporary writer? What is that one book that left an everlasting impression about feminism on you? Do share your thoughts and get featured on BeStorified.
