Under The Mango Tree | Book Review

Under The Mango Tree

Author: Bina Pillai

Pages: 221

                ‘Under the Mango Tree’ by Bina Pillai is a book that revolves around Diya Nair an eighteen year old girl who love to study and has very high aspiration of becoming independent in the future. Diya’s father had recently moved to Delhi from Hyderabad and was invited by his colleague for a dinner at his place where she got introduced to Aditya and they soon fall in love with each other. But her mother is adamant on getting Diya married in a well-to-do family. Diya and Aditya try to convince her mother but she is a very rigid lady and is against the idea of getting Diya married to Aditya.  Hence it was decided that she will married to Rajagopal. Soon Diya gets married to Rajagopal and moves to his village where she learns a lot about their orthodox traditions and how difficult it was for her to follow those rules as she comes from a background where these rules were never followed. Also, it gets difficult for Diya to adjust in this married life of her where Rajagopal makes her life hell. To know about what was Diya’s life was before and after marriage. Who and how is Rajagopal? Will Diya adjust in this relationship? And will Diya be able to accomplish her aspirations and ever become an independent lady that she always dreamt of?  To know more read ‘Under the Mango Tree’.

My Thoughts:

                The plot is very well written and very emotional. Each page has a plot twist and kept me on the edge of my sit throughout the book. We somehow find similar situations even today where we get to experience gender stereotype, patriarchy sometimes it happens without us getting to know.

                The characters are well developed and I must say that each character is described very well. The characters are realistic and relatable. I loved Aditya he is very calm and understanding and is very considerate towards others.  Diya also is very understanding and tries to go through all the struggles and the hurdles that life throws at her at every point in her life.

                The language is simple and lucid. Author has provided a Glossary which helps us with the words that are not familiar to the readers which makes it easier for the readers to relate more to the story.

                The cover page and the title of the book is apt to the story.

                Overall, I would say that it is a beautiful story which will surely make the readers emotional and I would totally recommend this book to all.

My Rating: 5/5