Shobhan Bantwal, The Dowry Bride

The Dowry Bride

Shobhan Bantwal

Kensington, Sep 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 9780758220318

In Palgaum, India, Megha Ramnath overhears her mother-in-law Amma insist that her son kill his wife because divorce is unacceptable, but a widower can find a new spouse. Amma is irate that Megha has failed to produce the heir and her father has not paid the dowry. Megha knows law enforcement will think she is an inane bride and not intervene until she is dead from the execution of a fiery plan. Frightened she flees into the night to escape the arson's death.

However, anyone she turns to for help will be ostracized by society. Her own family will reject her as a woman belongs to and with her husband and her best friend would be ruined. Megha decides her only hope resides with kindhearted Kiran, Ramnath's cousin; as he has showered her with respect although he has kept his distance from her. Outraged by his aunt's plan, he hides her in his apartment even while their attraction to each other turns to unacceptable love

THE DOWRY BRIDE is an insightful look at India's culture as the beleaguered heroine has no options once Amma decides she must go without a scandal; which means homicide not divorce. The story line is incredible when the frantic Megha seeks help; once she mentally settles in Kiran's apartment, the exigency and stress abates somewhat yet also continues to provide a powerful discerning look at relationships. Still this is a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride.

Harriet Klausner