Sometimes romance readers, despite being fiercely loyal to the genre, complain that nothing's new or fresh or different. If you find yourself feeling this way, look no further. THE DOWRY BRIDE is all those things.
Megha Ramnath is a relatively new bride. She's been married for just over a year to Suresh, a less than average looking, not particularly talented bank manager. She lives with her husband and her in-laws, which wouldn't be so bad if her mother-in-law, Amma, hadn't turned her into the household servant and didn't treat her so cruelly. But Megha's in no position to complain. Her family has yet to pay the agreed upon bridal dowry and she has yet to produce a child, both of which only fuel Amma's rage toward Megha.
The only member of the Ramnath family to show Megha any real kindness has been Kiran, Suresh's cousin, and the much touted golden boy of the family. Kiran is everything that Suresh is not: handsome, kind, smart, successful, and well-off. It is to him that Megha turns when she discovers and narrowly escapes the plot her mother-in-law and husband have hatched to murder her so that Suresh will be free to find a more suitable wife.
As Kiran hides and protects Megha, their relationship blossoms from one of protector and ward into love for one another. Each tries to fight the adulterous feelings they share, painfully aware that Megha is still married to Suresh and that hers is a hurt soul in need of healing.
Shontwal Bantwal opens wide the window into Indian relationships and customs, revealing the still common practices of arranged marriages, bridal dowries, and the more heinous practice of committing physical abuse, if not murder, against brides deemed less than acceptable. She has written a sweetly sensual and suspenseful tale of forbidden love under highly difficult circumstances. Megha displays a courage borne of necessity, which makes the reader root for her and desire ill for her mother-in- law and her husband. Kiran, were it not for the occasional bout of temper, would nearly be unbelievable, he's so kind, patient, and loving. Together, they form an endearing couple.
It took a bit to lose myself in the somewhat passive prose. Also, the defining phrases included to make sure readers would understand the Indian words Ms. Bantwal throws in for authenticity slowed the pace and at times, were jarring. But once I allowed myself to overlook these things, I found the story to be quite compelling. The romance between Kiran and Megha takes an unusual turn at the endβI won't give it awayβwhich is both a bit disappointing and refreshing. An odd combination, yes, but that was how it struck me. Overall, I found THE DOWRY BRIDE to be an enjoyable read.
One sultry night, a young bride overhears an extraordinary
conversation. The voices speak of a plot to murder a wife
who has failed to produce a child and whose family has
failed to produce the promised dowry...
Megha is sick with horror when she realizes she is the
intended victim. Her husband-the very man who tied the
sacred necklace of marriage around her neck-and his mother
are plotting to kill her! In the moment of panic, she runs
for her life. Frantically racing through Palgaum's deserted
streets, her way lit only by the lights strung up for the
Diwali festival, her single goal is to escape death by fire.
But fleeing from her would-be killers seems
impossible-unless she can find someone to help her...
To approach her best friend would bring scandal to an
innocent woman's doorstep, and turning to her own strict,
conservative family is out of the question. Instead, with
nothing but the sari she wears and a memory of kindness,
Megha finds her way to Kiran, the one man who has shown her
friendship and respect. Hiding her in his apartment, Kiran
becomes her protector. But the forbidden attraction that
grows between them can only bring more danger.
Caught between tradition and the truths buried in her heart,
a dowry bride will discover the real cost of the only things
worth having in life...
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