the past does not disappear. it changes address.

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 Civil Lines

Radhika Swarup



    This was another find from the fill the box book fair  I went to and also another book I went for just because of its cover.But this time the book did not betray me unlike the last one. Civil Lines by Radhika Swarup is a quite interesting book which explores struggles of women in the Indian society, sisterhood and grief.

    The novel follows two sisters , Siya and her elder sister Maya. Siya travels back to her home, a 'crumbling Lutyens' behemoth'(a large mansion),  in the infamous Civil Lines in Delhi to an under maintained house and a sister who is losing her character and life to grief. 

    A major turning point in the story arrives when the sisters decide to revamp their childhood home and they discover  their mother, Rupa Sharma's, first and last editorial , penned in the early 1900s.They discover another woman behind their mother's motherly instincts and her mask of love.A rebel , strong and independent woman who would have published her own magazine. They decide to fulfill that dream of their mother with the help of their aunt. And then the story begins.

    Civil lines is a shocking, poignant and life affirming family saga that explores belonging and an ode to every girl who dreams not of being rescued by a prince but that a brighter future lies within her grasp, as the cover says. I found the book really interesting and inspiring due to its strong take on feminism and the author's share of strong woman characters. I give it an 8.5/10 and would happily recommend it to any reader who has enough patience to take in some family tension and turmoil.

Thank You!!

Bisous!


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