The Forbidden Daughter

I came across this book while searching for another title and when I picked this book up and read the back cover, I knew I had to get it. I come from Indian descent and it was delightful to read such a wonderfully written book of love, culture, an important world issue, in-laws, family, friendship, etc. I am looking forward to reading The Dowry Bride and look forward to many more reads from this author.

The Dowry BrideWhen I started this book, I had no real idea of what women went through in India. It is the story of Isha and Nikhil Talik, they are expecting their second child and very happy. The go to their doctor for an ultrasound and it's revealed, it is another girl. Their first child Priya, was a girl, and treated as if she did not exist as Nikhil's sister had two boys and all the attention went to them. The doctor casually mentions that it can be taken care of, Isha and Nikhil are horrified at the suggestion and leave. His parents are very angry and want them to abort the child, both stand steadfast in their decision. Nikhil is murdered and the in-laws blame Isha and the unborn child. They both suffer at the hands of her in-laws. She does the best she can and having grown up in a traditional Indian family, she respects them and does her best each day, until one day, something happens and she knows she can no longer stay there, so she packs and with Priya leaves. Isha goes through many trials and tribulations but does not let it stop her, though many times her heart is heavy but she keeps doing what must be done to survive. Her courage is amazing, she is living a life that is unfamiliar and alien as to how she grew up. I read The Forbidden Daughter in one sitting, it was that good and I just had to know how Isha's life turned out. Her story is a journey of love, loss and determination in a world where she has no status or money and is sure to touch your heart. This is a book all women should read and stand up for our sisters in other countries. The murdering of innocent children, just because they are girls, is horrible. Shobhan Bantwal tells the story very well, her characters are believable and real and you immediately feel kinship with Isha and wish you could jump into the book to help her. It is because of authors like Shobhan Bantwal, the story comes out and now that it is out, we should try and figure out, what we as women, can do to change things. My eyes have been opened and can never be closed again. I also ordered her first book, The Dowry Bride, I loved this one so much, I ordered it without even looking to see what it is about. I can't recommend The Forbidden Daughter enough. It will move you and touch your heart. I am thrilled to have found this author and look forward to her future writings.

When the publisher asked me to read The Forbidden Daughter by Shobhan Bantwal, I thought - why not - I love something new!?!? But I didn't realize what a wonderful "treat" I was in for. Bantwal is SUPERB - the book kept me riveted from page one! I loved the story, I loved the premise - what more can I say!?!? It is a topic that is near and dear to my heart - having my own daughter from China - and China having much the same practices on this topic as India. It was a refreshing novel, and I always enjoy a novel set in another country. I really can not say enough good about this wonderful, new novel.

Isha and her husband, Nikhil Tilak live in India. They are pregnant with their second child. While at Isha's doctor's visit with her OB/GYN, Dr. Karnik; Isha and Nikhil learn they will be having a daughter. Isha and Nikhil are happy but Nikhal's parents are not. In fact they want Isha to have an abortion as a daughter can't carry the Tilak name for generations. Nikhal can't believe his parents would suggest a thing. Before anything can be done Nikhal is robbed and stabbed to death. Nikhil's parents are convinced that Isha's second child is a evil omen and caused the death of their son. Now Isha has to find a way to protect her two daughters. Isha will not have to do it alone. She has been reunited with an old friend in Dr. Harish Salvi, a pediatrician. Living in India, being a single mother of two won't be easy. It will take all Isha and Dr. Salvi have. Isha is a very caring and strong woman. She tries to instill in her daughters that they always can be strong through any type of adversity. The Forbidden Daughter portrays a beautiful and sad story. Shobhan gives readers an amazing journey of one woman's sacrifice for her children but as well as the terrible acts that are still taking place today where in some countries where bearing a male heir is so important. The Forbidden Daughter is the first book I have read by Shobhan Bantwal and I just feel in love with it. I am so glad I discovered this wonderful writer and author. You can bet I will be reading more from Shobhan Bantwal.

In this heart-wrenching drama, Shobhan Bantwal gives us a captivating glimpse into contemporary Indian culture, including the emerging dark side of gender selective abortions. Tackling this difficult subject head-on, Bantwal presents Isha, a young mother given a horrendous choice-her unborn daughter or her family, wealth, status and security. Isha's decision to keep her baby ultimately leads to a dreadfully treacherous life. Shunned by her family and cut off from her entire social network, Isha is forced to fend for herself and her daughters in a society that no longer acknowledges her. In the second half of the novel, Isha finds herself ensnared in the dark world of selective abortions. Holding evidence which could expose a prominent doctor's illegal and immoral acts places Isha in the center of a dangerous target, threatening to harm her and all those close to her. Bribery, blackmail, kidnapping, murder-this thriller turns fast-paced and heart-stopping until the exciting final conclusion. Bantwal peppers the story with romance and Indian culture, creating a clear vision of the complex life in modern small-town India. She portrays the tremendous pressure on young Indian married women to produce a male heir, even now in 2008. Though Isha's life and culture are probably very different than that of the majority of readers, we are drawn to her, struggle along with her and cheer for her until the very end. Though the subject of The Forbidden Daughter is a difficult one emotionally, we are compelled to keep reading, to stand as a light with Isha against this dark world. Emotionally charged and poignant, this novel forces us to examine the fate and future of women in contemporary India. Armchair Interviews says: Powerful story for powerful subject.