In the midst of the nineteenth century, they arrive in the land of plenty-armed with their old rituals and customs, while in search of a better way of life.
But for the people of Assam, India, the appearance of the Nepalese signifies a drastic change to the social structure. Suddenly, women have become womankind's worst enemies, and a man's word is considered gospel in a patriarchal culture where child marriage and polygamy are considered the norms of the day.
It is in this tumultuous social climate that the Karki family find themselves, ever since Tegraj's and Balika's arrival in the plains of Assam from the hills of Nepal. Unwilling to leave behind the rules and rituals of her homeland, Balika struggles to create her own Nepal instead-exercising power and privilege over her family and ruling them with an iron fist.
But when her granddaughter dares to question Balika's authority, the Karkis find themselves on the brink of drastic change as relationships are severed and surprising betrayals exposed in an all-out conflict spanning three generations.
In the thick of this chaos, will hope survive to see another day?
About the Author: Munmy Chhetry Bhattarai graduated from Gauhati University with English honors before earning her master's degree in English literature from Pune University. She also earned her master's in philosophy from Mumbai University and a post-graduate diploma in journalism and mass communication.
For the past fifteen years, Bhattarai has taught as an assistant professor of English at a college in southern Mumbai. A native of Assam, India, she currently resides in Mumbai with her daughter, Aaranaya, and her husband, Kripabar.
