Babyji : Book Review

"Babyji" by Abha Dawesar is a captivating coming-of-age novel set in 1980s Delhi, India. The story revolves around Anamika Sharma, a provocative and rebellious sixteen-year-old girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and challenges societal norms. Anamika, also known as "Anam" or "Babyji," is a brilliant and intellectually gifted student who becomes infatuated with her English teacher, Miss Mathur, who is more than twice her age. As their relationship becomes more complicated, Anamika grapples with her desires, friendships, and familial dynamics, while also questioning her own identity and the expectations imposed upon her.

Dawesar's writing style is vivid and immersive, beautifully capturing the vibrant essence of Delhi and creating a captivating backdrop for the story. Through Anamika's perspective, the author delves into themes such as power, sexuality, and the intricacies of adolescent relationships. Anamika is a complex and multi-dimensional character, and Dawesar delves deep into her thoughts, desires, and internal conflicts, offering readers a raw and authentic portrayal of a young girl's journey of self-discovery.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of the socio-political climate of 1980s India. Dawesar addresses issues of caste, class, and gender inequality, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by Anamika and those around her. This adds depth and substance to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple coming-of-age tale.

However, some readers may find the explicit sexual content in the novel uncomfortable or unnecessary. While it serves as an integral part of Anamika's character development and her exploration of her own desires, it may not appeal to all readers. Additionally, the pacing of the story can be slow at times, and the narrative meanders through various subplots and tangents, which may confuse or frustrate some readers.

Overall, "Babyji" is a thought-provoking and engrossing novel that delves into the complexities of adolescent sexuality, personal growth, and societal expectations. Abha Dawesar's writing offers a compelling exploration of identity, power, and desire set against the backdrop of 1980s Delhi. Readers seeking a coming-of-age story that challenges social norms and offers a unique perspective on adolescence will find "Babyji" to be a rewarding and worthwhile read.

What are readers saying?

Abha Dawesar's novel, "Babyji," has received a range of reviews from readers. Set in 1980s Delhi, the story follows sixteen-year-old Anamika Sharma as she navigates her journey of self-discovery and embraces her bisexuality.

Many readers praised the book for its unconventional storyline and the author's courage in exploring themes of sexuality and identity. They found Anamika's character to be refreshing and appreciated her candid exploration of her desires and relationships. The novel's portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes was seen as progressive and enlightening, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in conservative societies.

However, some readers found Anamika to be too intelligent and mature for her age, which made it difficult for them to connect with her. They felt that her experiences and perspectives were unrealistic for a sixteen-year-old, which affected the credibility of the story. Additionally, the explicit sexual content in the book divided readers, with some considering it essential for authenticity and others feeling uncomfortable with its graphic nature.

Opinions on the writing style of "Babyji" were also mixed. Some readers praised Abha Dawesar's descriptive prose, which vividly captured the atmosphere of 1980s Delhi. They felt fully immersed in the setting and commended the author's ability to transport them to a different time and place. However, others felt that the writing was overly detailed and detracted from the main narrative, slowing down the pace of the story.

Overall, the reception of "Babyji" suggests that readers either loved or struggled with its unique and controversial themes. While some admired the author's courage in addressing topics of sexuality and identity with realism, others found it difficult to relate to the characters and were uncomfortable with the explicit content. Ultimately, readers' enjoyment of the book was influenced by their personal perspectives and comfort levels with the themes explored.

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