WONT YOU STAY, RADHIKA? by Usha Priyamvada (Translated by Daisy Rockwell)

Paperback. NEW. After the loss of her mother, Radhika finds solace in the deep emotional and intellectual bond she shares with her widowed father. However, her world comes crashing down when her father remarries a younger woman. Radhika feels betrayed, as the strong connection she had built with her father over the years is shattered by this sudden marriage. Unable to bear the unbearable situation at home and the growing divide between her and her father, Radhika makes the decision to move to Chicago to pursue a master's degree in fine arts. Two years later, Radhika returns to India, burdened by a sense of alienation and homesickness. To her dismay, she realizes that while nothing has changed in her country, everything has changed within her family dynamics. The family that she had longed to be reunited with barely acknowledges her arrival. The sense of belonging that she once felt is now missing, leaving her in a constant emotional state of feeling like she doesn't belong anywhere. As the days pass, Radhika finds herself paralyzed by ennui, a state of deep boredom and lack of inspiration. This ennui seeps into all her relationships, be it romantic or filial, further deepening her feelings of disconnection and isolation. She spends her days lying on her takht, a traditional Indian seating arrangement, bored, immobile, and uninspired. Usha Priyamvada, an extraordinary chronicler of the inner lives of urban Indian women, is a pioneering figure in modern Hindi literature. Her novel, "Won't You Stay, Radhika?", originally published in 1967, brilliantly explores the suffocating and narrow-minded social norms that continue to confine countless Indian women within the intricate web of personal freedom, societal expectations, and family obligations. Daisy Rockwell's sensitive and skillful translation of Priyamvada's poignant Hindi novel introduces a new set of readers to the complexities of Radhika's story. Through the translation, readers are able to navigate the stifling environment that Radhika finds herself in, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Indian women seeking individual freedom within a society that is often resistant to change. As Radhika's story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by women in India and many other societies around the world. The novel sheds light on the importance of breaking free from societal expectations and finding one's own path towards personal fulfillment and happiness. In conclusion, "Won't You Stay, Radhika?" beautifully captures the emotional journey of a woman grappling with identity, belonging, and societal pressures. Through Usha Priyamvada's powerful storytelling and Daisy Rockwell's translation, readers are provided with a compelling narrative that explores the intricate dynamics of gender, family, and societal expectations in India. This thought-provoking novel serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of women who dare to challenge the status quo and find their own voice in a world that often refuses to listen.