Book Review- A Calendar too Crowded

As a kid we all have heard stories that were aimed at inculcating virtues, manners and good qualities. This book is a collection of stories which have a similar intent; however the only difference is that, it is meant for all of us – irrespective of what age we are.

 The book covers a range of issue facing females in our society. It raises tough questions that we have been shying away to answer as a society. The book achieves this daunting feat of raising the level of understanding and awareness about several complex issues by a very simple yet enjoyable writing across all the stories and poems.

To review this book just as a collection of story and a work of fiction would be a mistake. It is as much a piece of literature as it is of research into a social science. The depth of research that has gone into the making of this book is commendable, maturity in dealing with issues has been high class and the sensitivity in presentation is extraordinary.

Be it the confusion and frustration of a girl entering her first menstrual cycle, anger and ambitions of a young feminist who wants to change the world overnight, the fatigue of a middle-aged mother who has resignedly adjusted to the injustice of certain degree, anguish of an accomplished lady, serene satisfaction and pride of a successful housewife and many other facets of a woman’s life are covered in different stories.

The precision and careful description of every situation shows the powerful observation on the part of author, as she really brings all the scenes alive in the readers’ mind. . At times the author is ruthlessly honest which frees the book from stereotype feminist expressions which put women on either of the extremes.

 Moreover the range of expressions, issues and insights covered are also indicative of the depth and thought that have gone into making of these short stories and poems. References to the traditions and some of the characters of ancient epics also draw a useful and elaborative parallel between the social conditions of women across different times.  And the situations of protagonists in each story ensure that the author has covered the issues faced by women across the entire life cycle.

This book can be a great means to form a cogent argument for women empowerment at a societal level, and it can also be equally great help to you to understand the different roles that a woman plays your life a little better. Either ways, it serves a noble purpose.

Needless to say, it is worth reading and Sagarika has done a fabulous job!

Dhruv