Aparna Upadhyaya Sanyal’s Instruments of Torture is a collection of stories, each bearing the name of a torture instrument.
Through these narratives, the author explores the complexities of human emotions, hidden desires, and psychological wounds, offering a profound look into the darker corners of the mind.
This book is dark but would appeal to fans who like this genre. If done right, this genre can attract many readers, and Aparna Sanyal has managed to spin a very good yarn.
The symbolic link between each torture device and the protagonist’s journey leaves a powerful impression, encouraging readers to examine how societal expectations and hidden biases can cause lasting emotional scars.
Through powerful and insightful storytelling, the author skillfully brings to light the lives of those pushed to the fringes of society, revealing their inner struggles and the deep psychological pain they endure.
Aparna Sanyal peels back the mask of civility to expose the harshness and hidden brutality within human nature. Each tale boldly challenges entrenched social norms and biases, offering unflinching portraits of suffering. Blending elements of psychological drama and haunting horror, these stories serve as a mirror to the flaws and failures of the society that shapes them.
Structure and Scope
The book approaches weighty and intricate themes with sensitivity and compassion, creating a powerful impact that stays with the reader.
It invites deep reflection on the ideas of family, love, and the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with hardship.
Narrative Technique
Sanyal’s vivid portrayals are at times unflinching and unsettling, with certain scenes that may make readers recoil.
“His eyes widened as, with one hand still clutching her hair, she roughly grabbed his breast with the other”.
The narration is “in your face” kind of blunt and brutal without any sugar coating. There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book too: “This book contains themes of mental illness, physical and emotional abuse, rape, child abuse and suicide”.
Language and Voice
The writer has a solid command of language, and the voice is also consistent. Sanyal manages to slowly build up the story in a subtle manner and then finally reaches a crescendo.
Conclusion
This is a book for readers who seek stories that go beyond entertainment, offering a profound emotional and intellectual experience. Aparna Sanyal crafts narratives that are both deeply moving and thought-provoking.
Far more than a mere collection of tales, this book offers an immersive journey that lingers in the mind and heart long after the final page. It invites readers to explore the complexities of the human mind, the lasting impact of trauma, and the extraordinary strength people summon in times of hardship.
The only critique here lies in the fact that torture doesn’t always have to be physical; it can also be mental torture, and I primarily picked up this book to see if this had been sufficiently explored. The writer does touch upon the subject, but in a fleeting manner, and perhaps this is something that South Asian writers need to write about more.
This is a work that calls to be read, reflected upon, and shared — one that challenges, moves, and ultimately celebrates the indomitable spirit of humanity.
Rating: 4/5