Bhaunri by Anukrti Upadhyay – Book Review

Bhaunri

Hello everyone, let’s welcome July with a Book Review. The one I am reviewing today is a short Novel ‘Bhaunri’ written by Anukrti Upadhyay. This book is sent to me by Blogchatter to read and review as part of their Book Review Program. I was quite excited to receive my first paperback book to review on my blog though I was not very sure if I would like it or not. Also, this is the first book I’ve read from literary fiction which is not one of my favorite categories. But I must say it left me enthralled with the storyline which is not like any usual love story.

At many points, I felt like leaving the book due to too much of sad truth revolving around the characters. But that is also the thing which kept me pushing to read more and find out what happens next. The author made me fell in love with the brave protagonist and hate her in the next moment by her choice of actions. I finished reading it a few days ago but the bold character of Bhaunri is still lingering in my thoughts.

Book Title: Bhaunri

GenreLiterary Fiction

PublisherFourth Estate India

Author: Anukrti Upadhyay

Number of Pages: 140

About the Author

Anukrti Upadhyay has post-graduate degrees in Management and Literature, and a graduate degree in Law. She writes in both English and Hindi; Daura and Bhaunri are her first publications in English. She divides her time between Mumbai and Singapore.

Review: Bhaunri

This is the story of a young girl named Bhaunri who belongs to the desert clan of Gadolia Lohars. The story is set in an era when the nomads had started settling down in colonies in the Thar desert. The times when the child marriages were prevalent across the state of Rajasthan and daughters were married off for a bride-price.

But, Bhaunri’s parents were different, they refused the bride-price for their daughter. Her father was a nomadic blacksmith while her mother belonged to the tribe of Gujjars. Bhaunri has got most of her skills and character from her empowered mother. The initial chapters of the book tell the tale of how Bhaunri’s mother met her father against all odds.

The actual and intense part of the story begins when Bhaunri reaches her husband’s home. Everything that her mother had taught and everything which she believed in was tested with each passing day. She found herself drawn deeply and powerfully towards her handsome husband, Bheema. It was clear that she fell in love with her husband even before knowing him better.

I would describe Bheema as ‘Hulk’, the otherwise calm and withdrawn man who turns into a beast when he senses emotional stress. Anger, treachery, infidelity, are some of his other characteristics. But for Bhaunri, he was like the Sun God.

Bhaunri by Anukrti Upadhyay - Book Review #bookreview #books #fiction #literaryfiction #bhaunri

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What happens when Bhaunri finds out about her husband’s true character? How does she deal with her obsessive love and desire for him? There are always two sides of love, which side does she choose? You will have to read the book to find that out.

I really liked the way the whole story and the characters unwind and I could imagine each and every scene happening as if it’s real. The story is fast paced but some scenarios made me stop & think about the hardships of these women. Sometimes, it’s difficult to believe things which we have never experienced. The author’s writing style is natural and descriptive, I appreciate her efforts and in-depth research about the life of nomads and their practices. The use of typical Rajasthani words like ‘Beendani’, ‘lada’, ‘kako-sa’ add that depth to the whole storyline.

Conclusion

Overall, I found the novel interesting, if you are into literary fiction reading, you will definitely love it. For people looking for an escape from the daily grind, they may find it a bit intense. There’s a great possibility that the protagonist may stay in your mind even after you finish reading the book. Don’t worry, it will not haunt you!

I wish the author of Bhaunri all the very best for her new book. And, hope to read more of her work soon.

You may get your copy of this book from Amazon Link below!

Read this Author’s other book, Daura –

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35 Comments

  1. Noor Anand Chawla July 4, 2019 at 11:20 pm - Reply

    I just reviewed this book on my blog too and you are absolutely right when you say that Bhaunri lingers in your mind even afterwards! It was well-written but quite disturbing too.

    • Neha Sharma July 5, 2019 at 11:10 am - Reply

      Thanks for reading, Noor. Yes, it was disturbing to a certain extent mainly because it was hard for me to imagine their depressing life, it’s so much different from ours. But really liked the way this story kept me glued till the end. Heading towards your blog to read your review now.

  2. Dipika July 6, 2019 at 11:33 am - Reply

    I love fiction and literary fiction is something which is new to me. However, I love the plot and you have masterly reviewed it brings curiosity to read more in me.

    • Neha Sharma July 6, 2019 at 12:26 pm - Reply

      I’m glad you liked it 🙂

  3. Amrita July 6, 2019 at 6:14 pm - Reply

    This was a very astute book review.Stories of women with a life different from us is alwats a difficult thing to.understand.Bhaunri sounds engrossing indeed

    • Neha Sharma July 7, 2019 at 4:12 am - Reply

      Thanks, Amrita 🙂

  4. Ruchi Verma July 6, 2019 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    Your review is really made me think that I must read this ..loved the colorful cover pic too !!

    • Neha Sharma July 7, 2019 at 4:11 am - Reply

      Glad to know that, Ruchi, you will love it.

  5. Asfa July 7, 2019 at 12:07 am - Reply

    Though I’m not a fiction person, but the plot intrigued me, love the plot and mystery around it

    • Neha Sharma July 7, 2019 at 4:10 am - Reply

      Thanks for stopping by, Asfa 🙂

  6. Siddhi July 7, 2019 at 12:23 am - Reply

    This is a second rave review that I read for this novel. It is a short read and I love how you have reviewed it. I will grab a copy soon.

    • Neha Sharma July 7, 2019 at 4:10 am - Reply

      Getting appreciation from the book review guru means a lot, Thanks, Siddhi.

  7. shilpi July 7, 2019 at 1:59 am - Reply

    The plot seems pretty interesting. I love reading such Novel. Your review made more curious to buy And read it soon.

    • Neha Sharma July 7, 2019 at 4:06 am - Reply

      I am glad you liked it 🙂

  8. Bushra July 7, 2019 at 1:41 pm - Reply

    That’s thought provoking struggle of women to deal with obsessive love of husband. Sounds intriguing read

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 10:00 pm - Reply

      Thank you

  9. Rohini James July 7, 2019 at 3:02 pm - Reply

    While this kind of fiction is normally not my kind of read the character you keenly mention in your review has got me curious enough. Let’s see if I can get my hands on the book.

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 10:01 pm - Reply

      Thank you!

  10. Sandy N Vyjay July 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm - Reply

    The plot of Bhaunri seems really gripping. The story set in the rustic locales of Rajasthan further adds to the allure of the book. Nice and comprehensive review.

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 10:01 pm - Reply

      Thank you!

  11. Gunjan Upadhyay July 7, 2019 at 5:22 pm - Reply

    This sounds like an interesting book but I recently heard thats its very disturbing book, this is making it difficult for me to pick this book up

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 8:45 pm - Reply

      Yes, even I found it disturbing. It’s like a horror movie, even though it kicks the shit out of you, you still want to watch it with half your eyes closed 😀

  12. Vashi July 7, 2019 at 6:07 pm - Reply

    I love reading deep
    Literary pieces and the way you have summed up the story ; it gets intriguing for me!
    For the reading buff iam, im going to pick this one up!
    Great review!

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 7:09 pm - Reply

      I am glad you liked the review 🙂

  13. Mrinal Kiran July 7, 2019 at 7:45 pm - Reply

    I love reading fiction! So does my mom! Rural set ups are our favourite! This story seems amazing! Will get this book!

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 7:09 pm - Reply

      I must say you and your mom have a great taste in books.

  14. Ishieta July 7, 2019 at 7:47 pm - Reply

    A strong girl Bhaunri is, that is for sure! This book seems different and real! I will definitely read this book!

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 7:08 pm - Reply

      Great choice there!

  15. Akanksha July 7, 2019 at 8:16 pm - Reply

    I am thinking this novel would make a beautiful story for a movie too. The plot seems interesting and I’m assuming it will keep the readers hooked.

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 7:05 pm - Reply

      Yes, it could turn out to be a great movie under great direction.

  16. Manjusha July 7, 2019 at 8:35 pm - Reply

    I have always enjoyed reading such books with bold protagonist!! I find them inspiring in so many ways. I have already got interested in this and won’t miss a chance to read this !

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 7:03 pm - Reply

      Oh, then you should definitely get this book.

  17. Amrit kaur July 7, 2019 at 9:13 pm - Reply

    I wish she rights a sequel for this great fiction love story. It would be too interesting. I am getting this fiction to enjoy my next weekend.

    • Neha Sharma July 9, 2019 at 7:03 pm - Reply

      Ya, that would be some interesting story

  18. Namrata Kumari July 7, 2019 at 11:56 pm - Reply

    This book sounds like a good read, I am going to buy this for my next travel.

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