Legacy of the Lost Words by Ashwini Pratham: A Book Review

As a reader who often finds romantic fiction predictable or overly sentimental, I approached Ashwini Pratham’s Legacy of the Lost Words with cautious curiosity. What I discovered, however, was a novel that transcends the boundaries of its genre, offering a profound exploration of love, loss, and the human psyche. This is not just a love story; it is a deeply layered narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships, the weight of societal expectations, and the enduring power of memory. What impressed me most was how Pratham uses the romantic framework to explore themes that resonate deeply with the ordinary lives we observe around us—struggles with identity, the burden of unspoken truths, and the quiet resilience of those who endure.

The novel’s exploration of the human psyche is one of its most compelling aspects. Savitri, the central figure of the past timeline, is a character who embodies both strength and vulnerability. Her diary entries reveal a woman torn between her love for Dev and her duty to her family. One passage that struck me deeply was her reflection on the banyan tree:

“We met where roots embraced the earth and branches touched the sky—our sanctuary, our rebellion. But even the banyan could not shield us from the storm.”

This quote captures the essence of Savitri’s inner conflict. The banyan tree, a symbol of their love, also represents the constraints of her world—a world where love is not free but bound by the roots of tradition and societal norms. Savitri’s psyche is a battleground of desire and duty, and her eventual submission to an arranged marriage is not a sign of weakness but a testament to her resilience. She carries her love for Dev like a quiet ember, hidden but never extinguished, reflecting how many women in real life suppress their desires to fulfill societal roles.

Dev, on the other hand, is a dreamer whose idealism and deep love for Savitri make him both endearing and tragic. His letters, discovered in the hidden room of his haveli, reveal a man grappling with the weight of his choices. One of his letters reads:

“I left to spare you the weight of my name, but my heart remains beneath the banyan, where yours still beats.”

This line encapsulates Dev’s sacrifice—his decision to leave Nandipur to protect Savitri from further pain. His psyche is marked by a sense of inevitability, as if he knows from the beginning that their love is doomed. Yet his love for Savitri remains unwavering, a poignant reminder of how love, even when unfulfilled, can shape a person’s life. Dev’s character resonates with the quiet sacrifices we often see in real life, where people give up their happiness for the sake of others.

Aanya, the modern-day protagonist, is a character I found deeply relatable. Her journey to uncover her grandmother’s past is a quest for truth and a journey of self-discovery. As she pieces together the fragments of Savitri’s life, Aanya begins to understand how her family’s secrets have shaped her identity. Her psyche reflects modern womanhood—independent, curious, and unafraid to confront the past. One of her reflections stood out to me:

“She wore her silence like armor, but the diary cracks it open, revealing the wounds beneath.”

This line captures Aanya’s realization that silence, while often a means of survival, can also be a form of imprisonment. Her decision to write Savitri’s story is an act of liberation for her grandmother and herself. Aanya’s journey mirrors the struggles many of us face in reconciling our desires with societal expectations, making her a character that feels both familiar and inspiring.

The novel’s exploration of societal expectations is another aspect that impressed me. Savitri and Dev’s love story is a stark reminder of how caste and tradition continue to dictate lives, even in modern India. The opposition from Savitri’s family, particularly her brother, Neeraj, highlights the destructive power of societal norms. One of the most chilling moments in the novel is when Savitri’s father confronts her:

“You have brought shame upon this family!”

Though spoken decades ago, this line echoes the sentiments still heard in many households today. The novel’s portrayal of these social realities is a critique and a call to action, urging readers to question and challenge the norms that stifle individuality and love.

The symbolism in the novel is another highlight. The banyan tree, as mentioned, is a central symbol, representing both the endurance and constraints of love. The diary, with its fragmented entries and unsent letters, symbolizes the weight of silenced voices and buried truths. Once grand but now crumbling, the haveli mirrors the old societal norms, while its hidden rooms and locked boxes represent the secrets that families bury to maintain their honor. These symbols intertwine to create a narrative that is as much about the past as the present, reminding readers that the scars of tradition run deep and are not easily erased.

Its emotional depth and authenticity set Legacy of the Lost Words apart from other romantic fiction. Pratham’s writing style is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty and pain of love with poetic precision. Her descriptions of Nandipur—the banyan tree, the haveli, the bustling village life—are vivid and immersive, transporting readers to a world that feels familiar and foreign. The use of diary entries and letters adds a layer of intimacy to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeply personal level.

As a reader, I was moved by how the novel explores redemption through family efforts. Aanya’s quest to learn about her grandmother’s past is not just about finding the truth; it is also about healing. By sharing Savitri’s story, Aanya honours her grandmother’s memory and frees herself from unspoken family burdens. It is also a symbolic hint at the contemporary generation’s decision to break away from the rigidity of the ancient times and explore the freedom of choice. Her choice to dig out Savitri’s story is a strong act of redemption, breaking the cycle of silence and submission that has affected her family for generations. The novel shows that while we cannot change the past, we can understand it, and through understanding, we can heal.

In conclusion, Legacy of the Lost Words is a beautifully crafted novel that transcends the boundaries of romantic fiction. Its exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience offers a poignant reminder of the enduring power of memory and the importance of reclaiming silenced voices. Ashwini Pratham’s debut work is marked by authenticity and emotional honesty, making it a compelling and unforgettable read. Legacy of the Lost Words is a must-read for readers seeking a deeply personal and universally resonant story. It is a celebration of the human spirit, a tribute to the strength of women, and a testament to the transformative power of love.

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Review by Alka for Active Reader