Swallowing the Sun by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri:

Swallowing the Sun by Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri:

Story Overview

The novel is set in early to mid-20th century Maharashtra, mainly in Ratnagiri, and follows the lives of two sisters, Malati and Kamala. Their father, Madhav Rao, is a forward-thinking farmer who believes strongly in educating his daughters, even though society at that time does not encourage girls to go to school. He faces many challenges, especially after his wife dies during childbirth, but he never gives up on his dream for his daughters.

Malati and Kamala are bright and curious girls who face bullying at their village school but continue to study with determination. Their elder sister, Surekha, is married off to a much older man, Vilas Rao, who is a minister in a princely state loyal to the British. This leaves Malati and Kamala to focus on their education and dreams.

Their Journey

The sisters are sent to a boarding school in Indore, where they learn new subjects and experience independence for the first time. Later, they move to Bombay (now Mumbai) to study at Elphinstone College, where they make new friends and start to understand love, politics, and the world beyond their village. The story shows their personal growth and how they become strong, independent women.

Historical and Emotional Background

The novel is set during India’s freedom movement against British rule. The characters are affected by the political changes around them, and some become involved in the struggle for independence. The story also explores the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society and how they fight for their rights and dreams.

Family and Relationships

Malati and Kamala fall in love and eventually marry men from conservative backgrounds who, despite family opposition, support their ambitions. The novel also explores the pain and loss within their family, especially the tragic fate of their sister Surekha.