“The particulars may be different, but at the core is a resistance to being controlled, ‘tamed’, or disallowed the exploration of our full potential.”
Heart Lamp, by Banu Mushtaq (translated by Deepa Bhasthi), is a collection of twelve short stories capturing the day to day lives of a variety of women and girls living within Muslim communities in southern India. Initially I was angered by the subjugation under which they are forced to exist. Then, as the rhythm of what was being portrayed infiltrated, it became clear that, as with anywhere in the world, it is how families and acquaintances treat their female kith and kin that determines how happy or fulfilling their lives may be.
The stories touch on many human conditions as well as the customs of the local Muslim community. This is a world where men are raised to believe they have rights of ownership over wives and daughters, that women exist to serve them and bear children. The women spend most of their time within the home, venturing out only when accompanied and fully covered by a burqa. To live otherwise brings shame down on the whole family and can risk the prospects of all those yet to be married.
One of the stories features a family who clearly state it would be better if their daughter commit suicide rather than leave her cruel and philandering husband. A wife who complains about her husband is blamed for his behaviour, however abhorrent.
It is deeply disturbing to consider the twelve year old bride who by her late teens had given birth to many children. Households featured are multigenerational so offspring are raised by grandmothers and aunts as well as their mothers. This does not always lead to harmonious relationships. There are jealousies between sisters in law, and prominent disdain from a mother in law whose son still reveres her.
Despite these negativities the stories told offer a window into how both the women and men think, the angers they hide and those that burst out causing further issues. There is often a dark humour in the telling with much inferred to add nuance and depth.
Religious observances belie the thoughts behind actions. Kindnesses offered to those in need may be driven by fear of a god, or the fabrication of a societal veneer, rather than goodness.
The writing draws the reader into this world effortlessly, offering much to consider beyond the obvious story. Characters are complex and layered although their thoughts and actions are never difficult to comprehend. The men’s sense of entitlement may seem extreme but is unsurprising given their upbringing.
There are also loving relationships herein, still portrayed with realistic irritations. A wife goes on a shopping spree and then expects her husband to somehow deal with her many purchases. Another wife sees the effect her expensive belongings have on her brother in law when they visit from abroad and glories in the difficulties this causes his wife.
The women may be subjugated but they rail against many of the imposed strictures. Educated daughters beg their fathers not to marry them off. A wife permitted to work must navigate the potential damage this could cause her daughters.
Heart Lamp has recently won the International Booker Prize and to my mind this is well deserved. It is written with a literary flair that is rare whilst retaining emotional engagement.
A much enjoyed if often poignant read that brings alive a culture that may at first seem alien – the universal themes seeping out once immersed make its appeal wider than some readers may expect.
Heart Lamp is published by And Other Stories.
