Maa, originally written in Bengali by Anurupa Devi and translated by Sanjukta Banerji Bhattacharya, is a period piece set in early nineteenth-century Bengal. This deeply evocative novel captivated me from the very first page.
This story provides a striking and intimate glimpse into the personal lives of women in that era, all while beautifully capturing the atmosphere of a time long past. I found myself effortlessly transported to a bygone era through the rich descriptions and emotional depth of the story.
The narrative centers around four main characters: Aurobindo Basu, the only son of a wealthy Kayastha family; his first wife and one true love, Manorama; their son, Ajit Basu; and Aurobindo’s second wife, Brajarani.
From the start, Aurobindo’s life is shaped by family expectations, particularly his father’s rigid views on class. His first marriage to Manorama is disapproved of due to her lower social standing, and she is soon cast aside, returning to her paternal home.
Despite his deep love for her, Aurobindo, as a dutiful son, obeys his father’s command to sever ties with Manorama. His father’s greed also compels Aurobindo to marry Brajarani, the daughter of a wealthy family. Although Aurobindo complies with his father’s wishes, he never truly forgets Manorama. Meanwhile, the patriarch disowns Aurobindo’s son, Ajit, and Brajarani remains childless, further complicating the family’s relationships.
The novel, at its heart, weaves together the emotional, societal, and cultural fabric of the time. The author’s writing is poetic yet grounded, capturing the internal struggles of the characters against the larger social forces shaping their lives.
I found the story to be as much a personal journey as it is a reflection of the broader societal dynamics at play. While the novel explores themes like motherhood, loss, and sacrifice, love—in all its forms—remains the central theme that ties everything together.
The writing is incredibly true to the period it represents. The female characters are defined primarily by their relationships—whether as wives, mothers, daughters, or daughters-in-law—and the novel does a masterful job of illustrating how these roles shape their identities and destinies.
Aurobindo’s emotional attachment to Manorama, his silent submission to his father, and his strained relationship with Brajarani all reflect the way family dynamics define their lives. Similarly, Ajit’s desperate attempts to win his father’s approval resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of familial expectations.
Sanjukta Banerji Bhattacharya does a wonderful job of preserving the richness of the original Bengali text. It brings the cultural and emotional nuances of the story to a wider audience, while maintaining the authenticity of the language and depth of the characters’ experiences.
That said, while the prose is elegant and engaging, I did feel that the second half of the novel slowed down a bit. The emotional and psychological struggles of the characters are explored in depth, but at times, the narrative felt a little repetitive. Additionally, the resolution, though impactful, left me wanting more closure. It felt a bit abrupt as if some of the emotional threads hadn’t been fully unravelled.
Maa is a deeply moving exploration of love, duty, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of early nineteenth-century Bengali society. It’s a story that stays with you long after you finish, making you reflect on the enduring struggles and sacrifices that define our lives.
Rating: 3.8/5
Review author: Chandra Sundeep is an author, blogger, and book reviewer. Her short stories have been featured in various anthologies, online portals, and literary magazines. In 2023, she received the Bharat Award, recognizing her dedication to impactful storytelling. Additionally, she has been a recipient of esteemed awards such as the Asian Literary Society’s Sagar Memorial Award, Wordsmith Award, and Gitesh-Biva Memorial Award in 2021 and 2022.