Book Review : ‘Tomb of Sand’ by Geetanjali Shree and Translated by Daisy Rockwell

‘Tomb of Sand’ by Geetanjali Shree, has been translated by Daisy Rockwell. ‘Ret Samadhi’/ ‘Tomb of Sand’, ‘Khali Jagah’, ‘Tirohit’, ‘Hamara Sheher Us Baras’ and ‘Mai’ and several short story collections are in her mother tongue, Hindi. They have been translated into English, Urdu, French, German, Polish,  Serbian and Japanese. Shree who has authored a biography of Premchand in English, and is also part of the theatre group, Vivadi. This is a group of theatre, literature, music and painting experts.

 

We are stuck between the mother and her daughter. And of course, I must mention about her relationship with the Hijra, which of course is the best part. There’s also one son, Badi and her daughter-in-law, Bahu.  We also have the two grandsons.

My my, will it ever stop?? If you are wondering that, then I should mention that, it does. Before we all start wondering why in the world, there is so much to tell, I might as well tell you. That the bits and pieces that am mentioning is only that much.

While we are dealing with the story, we are bound to Pakistan where she wants to go, because it was where, she was in her teens, during partition. But of course, we must not forget the daughter who is an integral part of this story. When the daughter was growing up, Ma had not yet grown old, but was still a part of the puzzles, culture, shelter and household. The daughter, who lived alone, had come to take care of her mother.

But of course, there’s the trip because it is an important fragment of the story. So, we have the travel to Pakistan and the adventures there as well. The furtive parts, fun bits, the unsolved suffering, feminism, motherhood and much more! The love and the fights, the feelings and also Rosie the hijra…

You can Buy the Book, right here.