Divya by Yashpal (Penguin Modern Classics)

“Divya” is a Hindi novel written by Yashpal, first published in 1945. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Divya, who is forced to navigate the complexities of Indian society during the early 20th century.

Divya is born into a family of progressive intellectuals and grows up in a privileged and liberal environment. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she is married off to a traditional, conservative man who is unable to understand her progressive views and aspirations.

As Divya struggles to find her place in a society that is deeply divided along religious, cultural, and social lines, she is forced to confront the contradictions and limitations of the world around her. She must navigate the expectations and demands placed upon her as a wife and mother, while also striving to fulfill her own ambitions and desires.

Through Divya’s journey, Yashpal explores a wide range of themes and issues, including gender inequality, social and economic inequality, the struggle for Indian independence, and the clash between tradition and modernity.

“Divya” is widely regarded as one of the most important works of Hindi literature, and is considered a seminal contribution to the development of the modern Indian novel. It continues to be widely read and studied by scholars and readers alike, and has been translated into several languages.