What We Pass On To Our Daughters | Manisha Yadav

Publisher ‏ : ‎ One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd (25 January 2021); One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 268 pages

Vaidehi and Maya are two women, generations apart but seeped in the bias and hurt they endure as women. The two live entirely different lives with their share of struggles, confusion, grief, and pain. As their lives come together, we witness questions we are meaning to ask ourselves and the society we live in.

What we pass on to our Daughters by Manisha Yadav is a coming-of-age story of two women trying to navigate their lives as best as they could with what they have. It is a story that celebrates norms but also defies labels. It is a story where the protagonist would act as a sponge for all trials and tribulations for the love of family. But there is also the protagonist questioning, rebelling, and refusing to fit into a frame.

Vaidehi is married to Vinod, a man who comes to love and support her dearly. However, the demure girl’s life becomes hell as her in-laws never leave a chance to humiliate her. Then comes Maya who is married to Manish but feels there is no love. Or is there any? As she treads on the fine line between conventional and modern, we get a peek into our thoughts too.

The parallel storylines unspool the thread of human relationships as we have come to see them. The story essentially brings out the deep-seated difference between a girl and a boy and the subsequent treatment meted out to them. It also delves deep into our minds preconditioned to believe in things, ignore others, and accept the rest.

Written in a fairly easy but breezy writing style, What we pass onto our Daughters makes for a thought-provoking read. The way each character gets a space to voice their ideas is appreciable and the ability of the story keeps us hooked throughout, even more. The musings of the characters or the snaps from their intense verbal exchanges leave an indelible print on the readers.

And if I were to choose a favourite character, I would certainly pick Manish for his mature insights and kind understanding.

Although the narrative is for most parts crisp and intriguing, in some places, it seemed a bit too heavy. Nonetheless, it’s a wonderful read. Kudos to Manisha for writing this book that has a story resembling our everyday lives.

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