Review:

“I shall cross the river when I get there. God surely has his plans!”

~ From the book Leaving- How I set myself free from an Abusive Marriage by Kanchan Bhaskar.

It’s always said, a match is made in heaven. But what if this blessing of partnership turns out to be a curse? We often ignore the red flags in a relationship with the hope that things will be better soon. Little did we know, we were doing injustice to ourselves and our children by keeping not taking any action.

My Book 84 of 2023 is a beautifully detailed, thought-provoking story of Kanchan herself who sets herself free from an abusive marriage. Her journey has been a long, tough fight which will make us believe, We need to trust the universe and can create a world of our dreams with hard work, determination and a will to never give up.

“Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” by Kanchan Bhaskar is an intense and inspiring journey of liberation. Within its pages, Kanchan takes us on an emotional journey, shedding light on the complexities of an abusive marriage and the courage it takes to break free, offering valuable insights and lessons along the way.

The narrative begins in the early 1980s when Kanchan enters into an arranged marriage with Vijay. As she discovers more about her husband’s strange behaviour each day, she is plagued with doubts about her choices and whether she is truly in the right place with the right person. These moments of introspection lead her to make a life-changing decision—to leave the desolate village and return to her parent’s home.  It is during this time that she learns she is pregnant, further fueling her determination to become financially independent and create a better life for herself and her child.

Kanchan’s enchanting and relatable writing style allows readers to connect deeply with her experiences. Her story encompasses the various shades of life— The painful nights she witnessed, the loss of her loved one’s, the moments of unhappiness, and the happy times. I loved the way she express herself. You’ll feel the pain she went through, the anger every time injustice happened to her, you’ll feel happy with her every victory, with every happiness she achieves. 

Here one major thing you’ll witness is the difference in Mindset between the two families adds another layer of depth to the narrative. While Vijay’s family was completely orthodox with traditional values, Kanchan’s family was well-educated, with a modern approach.  The reason to highlight this is the time of the story. In the 90s. Her family prioritized her safety, security and her dreams and decisions. The way they supported her, and became her strength is something I loved reading.

As a mother of three, Kanchan becomes a fierce protector, determined to shield her children from the toxic environment and ensure their freedom. Her transformation and the steps she takes to build her dream home and a better future for her children are truly inspiring. 

Also Read: Red River Rising by Husna – Book Review

Through her candid storytelling, she shares the traumas and challenges she faced in her marriage and career, while also acknowledging the divine intervention of mentors who played a significant role in her journey. The book also delves into Kanchan’s spiritual exploration and the profound bond she shares with her children. The moments of family time they enjoy together provide heartwarming glimpses into their lives and the resilience that shines through in her writing.

It’s a bit slow-paced and a heavy read. With each chapter, you feel proud of Kanchan and her journey. The Tigeress that she is, the chance she gave to life and the way she enjoyed life. Her personality and perspective inspire me. It is a well-detailed, thought-provoking, and beautiful read that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

“Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, offering hope and inspiration to anyone who may be facing similar challenges. Kanchan Bhaskar’s story serves as a reminder that with determination, resilience, and a belief in oneself, it is possible to break free from oppressive situations and create a life filled with freedom and fulfillment. A deep, beautiful memoir that you will enjoy reading.

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