Paro: Dreams of Passion by Namita Gokhale

Description

“Paro: Dreams of Passion” is a novel by Namita Gokhale, first published in 1984. The book tells the story of a young woman named Paro, who is determined to live life on her own terms and pursue her passions, despite the constraints of her traditional Indian society.

The novel is set in Delhi in the 1970s and follows Paro as she navigates the challenges of coming of age in a society that places strict limitations on women’s behavior and choices. Paro is a strong and independent character, and she dreams of becoming a writer and pursuing a life of intellectual and creative freedom.

One of the key themes of the novel is the tension between tradition and modernity in Indian society. Gokhale explores how young people in India were increasingly drawn to Western culture and values in the 1970s, even as they struggled to reconcile these new influences with the traditional values of their families and communities.

Another important theme of the novel is the role of women in Indian society. Paro challenges the traditional expectations placed on women in her society, and the novel explores the ways in which women are often denied agency and autonomy in Indian culture.

Overall, “Paro: Dreams of Passion” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores important themes related to gender, tradition, and modernity in Indian society. Gokhale’s writing is engaging and insightful, and she does an excellent job of bringing the world of 1970s Delhi to life. The novel remains an important work in Indian literature and a must-read for anyone interested in the culture and history of India