Indian American author Shobhan Bantwal writes romance novels and short stories set in India and the US. Growing up in India and coming to the US as part of an arranged marriage give her a unique outlook on life. Along with working full-time, she both writes and appears onstage directing and acting in humorous plays that she writes. Bantwal recently took time out from her busy schedule to answer a few questions:
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
One young woman’s escape from India’s dowry system and extraordinary journey to freedom and hope.
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
What inspired me to write The Dowry Bride was the fact that in modern India the decadent and archaic system of dowry still continues despite laws to ban it. As a sociology major in college, certain social practices were of deep interest to me. Extreme dowry abuse which even led to murder was something that was difficult to imagine and had a certain morbid fascination. Much later in life, when I took up creative writing, I thought it would be a good subject for a story and a way to tell the world of what happens in certain parts of the world. Maybe in my own small way I could bring a degree of awareness.
What do you want your readers to take away from this book?
I want my readers to gain understanding of what certain cultures are willing to tolerate or overlook. In an educated society, where women can aspire to any occupation or the highest possible elected office, domestic abuse of the most horrific kind not only exists but is even condoned in some communities. When told in the form of interesting fiction, a social issue can be brought to light – a way to educate as well as entertain.
Article comments
1 - Anu
The interview is too good. The author said that Dowry Bride is indeed to bring social awareness about the much devastating culture prevailing in our society. Definetly people who read the article will come to know more about the effects of giving or taking dowry.
As a social concerned person I extend my thanks to the author.
Also moves made by www.idontwantdowry.com which promotes only dowry free marriages needs to be mentioned. The site is successful in registering more than 6000 youths come out of dowry. Thanks to such moves. Lets all together create a dowry free society.
2 - Shobhan Bantwal
Thanks for interviewing me, Jill and providing a platform for not just book publicity but for making the public aware of the practice of dowry.
I enjoyed answering your insightful questions. I'm looking forward to comments and queries from readers. If my book can bring at least some attention to a destructive social practice then I can consider my book and my writing career a success.
Regards,
Shobhan Bantwal