If you're a fan of multigenerational novels that tackle themes of love, oppression, trauma, and the pursuit of freedom, then China Room should definitely be added to your reading list. Written by Sunjeev Sahota and published by Penguin, this book has recently been longlisted for the Booker Prize 2021.
The novel weaves together the stories of two people - a woman and a maidservant - from two different generations. The main character, Mehar, is a young bride living in rural Punjab during the 1920s. She has been married off to a man she has never met and is confined to a secluded part of the house called the China Room, where she is expected to conceive an heir.
The China Room is a small, windowless chamber decorated with blue and white ceramics that her husband's ancestors have collected over generations. Mehar is not allowed to leave this room until she has given birth to a son, and she spends her days talking to her mother-in-law and her husband's younger brother, who has also been sent to "supervise" her.
Mehar is not alone in the China Room, however. She shares her confinement with two other women who are also expected to produce an heir. One of them is a maidservant named Roop, who is close to Mehar's age and comes from a lower caste. Roop becomes Mehar's confidante and tells her stories about her own life, including her dreams of love and freedom.
As the novel progresses, we learn more about Roop's story, Mehar's family history, and the wider political and social context of rural Punjab. The novel is beautifully written and explores complex themes such as gender inequality, caste discrimination, and colonial oppression. It is also a moving story of friendship, love, and resilience in the face of adversity.
If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place and make you think deeply about important issues, then you should definitely check out China Room. With its fascinating characters, intricate plot, and powerful themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
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