Book Reviews

The Temple Bar Woman by Sujata Parashar – Book Review

The Temple Bar Woman

This is the second book sent by Writersmelon and I am so grateful, again. In fact, before I go ahead, I’d apologize for posting this review so late. I had a baby and so couldn’t do the needful within the given time frame. But, it’s better done than said. So, here I am with an honest and unbiased review of The Temple Bar Woman by Sujata Parashar.

Plot

Rakshit Singh, a young and upcoming politician, encounters a rebellious Rani aka Radha in an upscale brothel, Temple Bar. Intrigued by Rani’s personality, he wants to know more of her. Radha tells him that she was found by the brothel owner in a semi-conscious state and that she’s lost her memory. Distressed by her plight, Rakshit asks her to be the governess of his motherless daughter, Neer.

What Rakshit does not know is that Radha is using him to avenge herself against the man who destroyed her life. Fraught with danger, daring and deceit, this racy novel recounts a tale of love, loss, and loyalty in lives that are curiously entwined with one another.

Why You Should Read The Temple Bar Woman

The Temple Bar Woman is a woman centric book. It’s a story of Radhika who was raped, went to a brothel, and how she still reaches to become the Chief Minister of a state. Her struggle isn’t easy and reminds one of similar struggles even if they may not have suffered the same plight. How she struggles to survive in a male-dominated political world of scheming, unscrupulous men who stop at nothing will make you believe that with determination and willpower one can achieve anything.

The story is a bit predictable. I did feel that the book is a bit Bollywoodish and could sense the end (that feeling you get while watching a movie that in the end everything will be fine), yet I couldn’t put it down. With well-sketched characters the story makes for a thrilling read.

Radhika is a character which feels like picked from our lives. You will empathise with her, feel proud of her, and would wish that she achieves what she desires for. Radha’s life after she is used and left to die takes a turn for the worse to come. At one point I wanted her agony and sufferings to end and at the other I was amazed at how much more inner strength and willpower this woman has. The description of the brothel feels real and I could visualize it aptly.

I would not call it a light read owing to Radha’s sufferings and tumultuous life but The Temple Bar Woman is one book which fills you with immense hope and positiveness. No matter what happens, if you have the willpower and the strength to go, you will achieve the unachievable. You will make your mark.

I highly recommend The Temple Bar Woman. It is a simple book with a strong message.

About the author

This is Sujata Parashar’s 8th book. She had this story in mind since she began writing but it made to the print industry after the author got inspired by the Nirbhaya incident in 2012. The author feels strongly about crime against woman and hence gave birth to The Temple Bar Woman.

Sujata has a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and was also given Karamaveer Chakra instituted by iCongo in 2016.

Rating: 4 stars

You can buy the book here

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Author: rashi mital

A mother and a travel enthusiast, I love speed and am proud of my driving skills. In my free time I love reading, writing, and sometimes doing nothing. I try to live every moment and believe in living young despite the age.

80 Comments on “The Temple Bar Woman by Sujata Parashar – Book Review

  1. Your review prompts me to check out the book ASAP. Sounds like an interesting read. We need more woman-centric books in the world.
    Have included this one in my TBR. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂

  2. Rashi, congratulations!! I liked the way you have reviewed the book – it’s detailed and you have also pointed out the flaws with honesty. I like the title – The Temple Bar Woman…and might pick it up. Thanks!

  3. I will Pick the book and I feel I will be instilled with the power of girl that can change the world according to her terms and on her conditions. Excellent theme by Sujata Parashar.

  4. The plot sounds so good. I don’t mind the Bollywood touch as I liked “Sacred Games”- the book, even if it came across as a potboiler. Thank you for the review. Might pick up the book. And congrats being a mommy. 🙂

    1. Hello Doc, Thanks for visiting my blog. Yes, I did think a lot over this ‘spoiler alert’ but then I thought if this was a part of the blurb, i would have gotten more interested in reading the book and knowing How? What do you think?

  5. Hey Rashi , I love books and the way you have described the merits of the Temple Bar woman could convert anyone into a reader. This book is not just an intersting story but inspires us to live life to our own terms , fight for our rights and justice. #MYfriendAlexa #SujatawdeReads

  6. I don’t know what comes to people’s mind to do thing like rape, it is one dirtiest part of the society. When will learn to give respect to the women. On the other hand the sufferer has to bear the pain for life.

  7. This is quite a good book review, Rashi! I would like to read the book and not just because of the plot. I think the characterisation is very good too,as you mention.

    Thanks for sharing.

  8. Your review compels me to buy this book. I love stories of action-packed masala, of revenge and those that are women-centric. I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the brilliant review!

  9. Congratulations 🙂 You make the book sound gripping and I am tempted to buy it. I wonder why the title Temple Bar though. Even I wrote a story after the Nirbhaya incident. #wordsmithkaurreads

  10. Sounds fascinating. How’s your baby? It’s so difficult to stick to deadlines with an infant. Also – I must read this since I know Sujata but haven’t ever read any of her books.

  11. to be honest I have almost stopped reading books these days except very short ones, its more of blogs.This book though does sound like an interesting read with a women centric character. Always love those ones.

  12. Wow! 8th book by Sujata! Commendable feat! Story of Radhika seems like one that will offer hope. Looking forward to read it. Thank you for bringing this honest review to us. #MyFriendAlexa #MayuraReads

  13. Hey Rashi! Good to have you back. Sounds like an interesting read though the plot sort of reminds me of chanakya’s chant though the backgrounds of the main characters are wildly different.

  14. To actually be brave enough to dream big and push forward after something bad happens is a HUGE and positive step in the right direction and I absolutely applaud the protagonist for doing that! The plot is definitely interesting and I am adding it to my TBR!

  15. To actually be brave enough to dream big and push forward after something bad happens is a HUGE and positive step in the right direction and I absolutely applaud the protagonist for doing that! The plot is definitely interesting and I am adding it to my TBR! Thank you for an honest review!

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