Small Remedies
Small Remedies by Shashi Deshpande, published by Penguin Books India in 2001, is a novel that delves into the lives of two women navigating their paths in a complex world. The story follows Savitribai Indorekar, who defies her orthodox Hindu upbringing to pursue a career in music alongside her Muslim lover, Ghulaam Saab. In contrast, Leela dedicates her life to the Communist Party and the factory workers of Bombay. The narrative unfolds fifty years later as Madhu, Leela’s niece, travels to Bhavanipur to write a biography of Savitribai, grappling with her own grief over the loss of her son.
Readers will find a rich exploration of personal and political struggles as Madhu seeks to understand the lives of Savitribai and Leela. The novel presents themes of identity, sacrifice, and the quest for fulfillment in public life. Through Madhu’s journey, the story intertwines the past and present, revealing the complexities of familial ties and individual aspirations. This edition comprises 324 pages and is written in English, offering a profound look at the intersections of personal ambition and societal expectations.
Official synopsis Publisher
Shashi Deshpande’s latest novel explores the lives of two women, one obsessed with music and the other a passionate believer in Communism, who break away from their families to seek fulfilment in public life. Savitribai Indorekar, born into an orthodox Hindu family, elopes with her Muslim lover and accompanist, Ghulaam Saab, to pursue a career in music. Gentle, strong-willed Leela, on the other hand, gives her life to the Party, and to working with the factory workers of Bombay. Fifty years after these events have been set in motion, Madhu, Leela’s niece, travels to Bhavanipur, Savitribai’s home in her last years, to write a biography of Bai. Caught in her own despair over the loss of her only son. Madhu tries to make sense of the lives of Bai and those around her, and in doing so, seeks to find a way out of her own grief.
FAQ
What is “Small Remedies” about?
Who is the author of “Small Remedies”?
When was “Small Remedies” published?
What is the ISBN for “Small Remedies”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
