3 Review(s)

The book critically examines Shashi Deshpande’s award-winning novel, That Long Silence (1988), which is usually regarded as a feminist text of immense power and appeal. As a collection of critical essays, the book sheds sufficient light on various aspects of Deshpande’s art and mind as specially reflected in That Long Silence. It consists of eight essays by as many hands, a brief write-up by Deshpande (in the form of an appendix), and two more appendices by the present editor. Those who have contributed to this book, apart from the editor and Deshpande, include Sanjay Saksena, Ashok Kumar Sharma, Veena Dwivedi, Sanjana Shamsherry, Sthitaprajana, Monika Mathur, Minakshi Lahkar, and Roopali. These scholars have variously interpreted and evaluated That Long Silence, adding significantly to its proper understanding and appreciation. It is, however, improper to read the novel as an autobiography. There are strong evidences to show that it is a faithful mirror of life, raising as it does, “the Woman Question” in a forceful voice. It deals with the raging problems of womankind, with its anguish and dilemma, and the protagonist Jaya is just a representative of the struggling womankind in a patriarchal set-up. The book will be useful for the students and teachers of English literature, particularly Indian English literature and researchers in these fields.