I stumbled upon The Daughters of Madurai while scrolling through a friend’s Instagram reel and ordered it on my Kindle right away. This debut novel by Rajashree Variyar delivered exactly what I needed—a gripping story that brought me back to reality. From the very first page, the book held me captive, shining a spotlight on the heartbreaking topic of female infanticide while weaving a deeply personal tale of family, love, and survival.
Two countries, Timelines, Two Voices: The story unfolds across Australia and India, two timelines – 1993 and 2019, told through the perspectives of a mother and daughter: Janani and Nila. Janani, the mother, is trapped in a society that devalues her because she cannot bear sons. Her fight to keep her daughters alive amidst relentless cultural pressure is raw and gut-wrenching. Nila, the daughter, has grown up with a loving mother and adoptive father but carries secrets she’s terrified to reveal. Her search for answers about her past is as compelling as it is heart-breaking. Do read the book to discover the full depth of their stories.
My Take: The novel introduces us to a host of vivid, complex characters:
- An abusive mother-in-law who embodies the crushing weight of tradition.
- A spineless, drunken husband who fails Janani at every turn.
- A kind-hearted friend whose struggles mirror Janani’s.
- Loving parents who support her but are powerless to protect her daughters.
- The family Janani’s mother once worked for, who treat her with respect and provide some solace.
- Among them is her childhood friend, who helps her break free from her painful marriage and gives her hope for love.
Variyar’s portrayal of these relationships is painfully real, evoking a mix of frustration, sadness, and admiration. I couldn’t help but cry as I followed Janani’s journey, and Nila’s struggles felt equally relevant, especially for those who have experienced or are familiar with Indian cultural nuances.
One of the things I loved most was the careful inclusion of Tamil and Malayalam words, which added authenticity and depth to the story. Small phrases like these made the narrative feel alive and rooted in its setting. That said, as a native speaker, I did notice a couple of inaccuracies. For example:
- We wouldn’t refer to a mother-in-law as Mamiyar in daily life; she’d typically be called Amma or Athai, depending on the community.
- The use of Janeu (a sacred thread in Hindu culture) stood out as out of place. The Tamil or Malayalam equivalent, Poonal, would have been more fitting.
These are minor nitpicks in an otherwise beautifully crafted story, but they did catch my attention.
A Story That Stays With You
At its core, The Daughters of Madurai is a story about survival, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds between women. Both Janani’s struggles and Nila’s secrets feel deeply relevant, particularly in a society still grappling with the weight of tradition and gender bias.
The Daughters of Madurai is a debut by Rajasree Variyar that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Rajashree Variyar has set a high bar, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Have you read The Daughters of Madurai? What did you think of the cultural elements or the way the story tackled such a heavy subject? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, or come chat with me on Instagram at @kurlygirlreads!
