Bhumi : A review

EBook title : Bhumi

Author : Tina Sequeira

When I came to know that Tina Sequeira has published her own ebook, ‘Bhumi’, I had to add it to my e-library. Tina is a multi-talented writer, a winner of Rashtriya Gaurav Award in association with the Government of Telangana for ‘Author of the year’ (2019) and many more.

Here’s my humble review of ‘Bhumi’.

All stories are of strong women or who became strong as they faced various gender-related challenges in their lives. Of women who fight various kinds of societal pressures. 

I recommend all men to read this book to understand the range of challenges women go through, irrespective of whether the women are from the top most rungs of society or from the lowest. And I recommend all women to read this book to keep their morale high when facing such challenges, as each story is a learning experience.

The very first story, ‘Amma’ grabs you by your tear-ducts, if that is possible. Its an ode to a woman, a mother, a wife. Anything more and I would have to include a spoiler alert.

‘Stark illusions’ captures the dark underbelly of any city, where women are used and thrown by lusty men. It’s hard-hitting and stark and makes you reflect.

‘Third time lucky’ is a short one but packs a punch.

Then comes my favourite one, ‘Grey’. Why is it my favourite? In addition to reading an engaging story, it took me to the beautiful landscapes of God’s own country, Kerala, it’s exquisitely tasty cuisine and the warm, hospitable people. Loved the cute and strict Ammamma too much. It also talks of an innocent, old world childhood which switched on, my own memories. And though I am a Maharashtrian, I love the Kerala way of life and it’s warm, friendly people.

‘Mirror mirror on the wall’ brings with it the horrors of acid attack and the possessive, deranged minds of the perpetrators of such attacks. At the same time, it also shows the strength of the victim in overcoming all obstacles and triumphing over them. Hard hitting!

‘First Lady’ starts like any other Saas-bahu battle and then gives a very touching message. And the author has managed to find humour in those situations which could be so difficult for a less accomplished writer. 

‘Saira’ captures the challenges faced by a free-spirited girl and how she overcomes them to live life on her own terms.

‘Juxtaposition’ is of another strong woman who makes decisions, whether grey or white, and doesn’t feel guilty about them.

‘Fire and Ice’ begins like any other teenage love story but basically a story of the woman. She lives her life as a docile woman for a larger part of life, but takes strong decisions when destiny demands.

‘Climax’ is very effective in putting across the message that when a woman says ‘no’  it means ‘NO’, whatever the circumstances.

‘Unbridled’ is a story  of two friends who make opposite choices in their lives and still find happiness, irrespective of those choices.

‘Fat chance’ is another one of my favourites where the protagonist finds her own path in all the madness of body-shaming indulged in by family, friends and the society in general.

‘Pound of flesh’ highlights the discrimination a woman faces irrespective of religion.

‘Switch’ talks about the progress women have made over generations and a positive outlook for the current generation. It also talks about imparting the right ideals to the new generation. 

‘Bhumi’ is a story of a woman who looks after her family without any expectations, almost ignored during better part of her life and how the family realises her importance only when she falls seriously ill. But the story ends positively.

To summarise, Tina Sequeira has written a masterpiece which is recommended for everyone.

Yatindra Tawde