The Yogini : Book Review


Book Review

Title: The Yogini
Author: Sangeeta Bandyopadhyay
Genre: Translation (Bangla)

The Yogini chronicles the life of a woman named Homi who works as a Television Journalist. Set in Kolkata, Homi juggles between a high octane job and her marriage to Lalit. She is content with her middle class life until one day when she is stalked by a hermit on the road. She convinces herself that the hermit is none other than the humanised form of fate. This prompts Homi to ruminate about certain aspects of her life and how much she is controlled by fate which eventually lands her in Benaras. Will Homi find the answers that she is searching for?

Written in a second person narrative from the point of view of Homi, the author conjures an interesting tale of a modern woman grappling with a strange twist in her life. She explores the dynamics of several relationships, dysfunctional families, class differences and gender stereotypes that is common in a patriarchal set up. The book delves into female sexuality in an unabashed manner and is bold in its erotic flavor. 

Themes of loneliness, self reflection and detachment are touched upon here. Along with the angle of self reflection and spirituality, the book also mirrors the existent society-one which is still backward and frowns upon women who seek liberation. 

The yogini is an unconventional read and will make you question on the meaning of freedom. 

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