Book: Riverside Stories: Writings from Assam

Editor: Banamallika

Genre: Fiction

Format: eBook and Hardcover

Publisher: Zubaan

Pages: 210

My Rating: 4.9/5 *

Buy here: Amazon | Zubaan

Fragile, emotional, vulnerable yet deeply personal – this book is a powerful collection of stories, poems, essays, and illustrations. Every chapter of the book ‘Riverside Stories’ gifts you a piece delicately woven with the feminine power, and thus, this book, centered around the theme of ‘feminism’, stands out from the other such books in the stack.

Many times, we see feminist writings try to highlight a crisis faced or lived by a woman by demeaning people of the other gender. Their focus is mainly on the criticism of what the other gender has done and what shouldn’t be done.

On the contrary, ‘Riverside Stories’ focuses on celebrating the power of feminine stories. While reading the book, the woman in me kept chanting: “We don’t bother if the tree is small or doesn’t flower and fruit, we have our wings to fly, and we will build a home in the sky”.

Such is the power of this book, ‘Riverside Stories: Writings from Assam”.

Themes Explored in Riverside Stories:

Some of the themes explored in ‘Riverside Stories’ are motherhood, identity, politics, discrimination, trepidations, domesticity etc.

Book Cover:

The book cover is excellently done. The vibrant yet soothing colors give the reader an enchanting vibe when holding the book. Additionally, the women in the boats feel familiar, as if they are rowing the boat of life while narrating their stories. Also, one of them dares to look above, straight to your eyes and voice her stories, thus, depicting the metaphors of freedom and rebellion.

Fizala Tayebulla and Banamallika have beautifully adorned the book with their beautiful illustrations. They have added another level of charm and depth to the celebration and creation of a feminist future through this powerful anthology.

A Glimpse of the Book:

Among the brilliant writings in this book, one thing that I liked is how I changed my perspective towards the word ‘clothes’ after reading some of the write-ups. They made me look at the concept of ‘clothes’ in a new light.

Lines like these from ‘Better Being a Scarecrow’, written by Rituparna Neog (translated by Banamallika):

Then came the poem titled ‘Unclothed’, written by Anurita Hazarika. The words that shook me with thunder were:

“The Cloth

Used

To appease

Society;

But not on Me

I remain Me

Unclothed!”

After that, I met another storm when I read ‘Everydayness and an Ordinary Woman’ by Namrata Pathak. Her question, “How do you wear desolation?” through her powerful poem themed on clothes, is poignant and disheartening at the same time.

This way, besides pondering upon the contributions by the trans writers, the theme of ‘Clothes’ made this reading experience more fulfilling.

The X-Factor:

Crispness. The editor Banamallika has done a remarkable job by aptly selecting, compiling, and arranging the chapters. None of them feel overrated or repetitive, and the size of the book is also small. This 210-page book could be easily finished within three days.

Also, all the writers are experienced, wise, and bold; thus, making this book a collectible anthology where their writings are gathered to celebrate different shades of womanhood.

Most importantly, the write-ups stay with you for a long time as they talk about womanhood and life, with a voice deeply rooted in the feminine power.

While reading the book, it feels like the writers are sharing their stories, sitting beside the river, playing with pebbles and wildflowers, and here is the best thing that makes this book worthy of reading: every chapter deeply resonates with the reader.

A Quote to Remember:

“She crafts a sweet symphony of strength

In you, in me, in everyone she resides,

for if not the binding threads,

What else shall bring our stories together?”

Lines from the poem titled ‘The Sweet Sound of Her Silent Ballad’ by Krishangi Sarma.

My Recommendation:

I have a fondness for reading women writers from Assam. I can’t explain why I love the writings of Assamese women writers; maybe, I find their courage and strength echo with my inner voice, or perhaps, their writings feel strongly personal and inspiring. And I am happy to have discovered another gem from the bunch of them.

The second thing I want to confess is my inclination towards appreciating women writers who don’t feel afraid of baring their souls through their words.

Therefore, if you are looking for a book that offers you a collection of powerful pieces that make you look within and shed your skin, ‘Riverside Stories’ is the perfect one!

( This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

I received the review copy for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.)