Having read almost all of Usha Narayanan’s books I found this one different from her other books. This is not a story based on mythology, but a book that relates mythology to life today.
In this book, the author has blended the stories of the goddesses from Hindu mythology and the conflicts that women go through today. She shows us how we can learn from them and be a Durga in our own lives.
Though I absolutely believe that the Goddess dwells in all of us, I was a little sceptical about the book. I mean, Indian scriptures and society are both patriarchal and have always advocated that a woman is a subordinate being, who should defer to her father, husband or son. So how could the goddesses teach us how to stand up for ourselves in today’s world?
This book was not like her other books which I finished reading at one go. This book took time; it irritated me and made me uncomfortable. It made me pause and made me ponder. It pushed at my beliefs. But isn’t that what a good book is supposed to do? Push you, prod you, change you?
While addressing the woes that all women face in today’s world, Usha Narayanan talks to three different groups of women, the home maker, the career woman and the young adult. She tells each group how they can apply the three Cs of choosing what you want to change in your life, changing our behaviour and reaction to things that are happening around us and creating a new happier self.
The content matter of the book is well thought out, urging women to be assertive rather than passive or aggressive. The tone of the book is not one of blame or angst, but of positively taking onus not to just create a better world for yourself, but by default creating a better world for everyone.
I loved the way she tells lesser heard stories of the goddesses and their spouses. Of how they were never less than the gods but were true partners in the creation and preservation of the world.
As she says when you fight for your rights, it is not an over the top manifesto to kill all men…but rather an expression of your rightful desire to be respected as a significant, equal human being.
You can purchase the book here – https://amzn.to/2RSzNr6
Enjoyed reading your review Sunitha…i am sure I would now like to read this book by Usha Narayanan..the content seems to relate to us, the women and blending it with our mythology seems interesting..!!
Excellent review, Sunita. Makes me want to pick this book up.
Please do. You will definitely relate to it.
I have read any of Usha’s books. Blending mythology and conflicts/struggles of everyday women is an interesting concept. Thanks for sharing your review, will check it out!
What an interesting concept! Thanks for the detailed review. Makes me want to read it right away!
Thanks for the honest review, Sunita. I’d definitely like to read this book someday, for the message it contains is something that is not only something we can all identify with and relate to, but would be lovely to pass on to the others as well.
I haven’t read any of her books, but this book does sound interesting! And it’s true, our Goddesses are not weak or lesser than our Gods. Despite having strong and powerful Goddesses though, the values we bring our girls up with and the expectations our society places on them – they just don’t match up! This sounds like an empowering read.
I have not read her books but from your review this book seems intriguing.
You should read her books. They are good. You can check out the reviews on Amazon.
Awakening readers, especially women to the message in this book! You’ve done it so beautifully, Sunita! Thank you for the perceptive review of Awaken the Durga Within