THAT LONG SILENCE (Book review) "when silence become scream"

 

 INTRODUCTION

Genre: Feminist Fiction

Author: Shashi Deshpande

Publisher: Penguin India

Pages: ~193 | Rating: ★★★★☆

“A woman’s life is always the life of someone’s daughter, someone’s wife, someone’s mother. Never her own.”

In That Long Silence, Shashi Deshpande brings us into the inner world of a woman silenced by tradition, duty, and fear. First published in 1988, the novel remains strikingly relevant today—especially in a world still grappling with gender roles, emotional suppression, and the quiet desperation many women endure.

Brief Summary

The story of this book revolves around Jaya and her life experiences. Jaya is a girl brought up in a patriarchal society who enjoys writing and dreams of becoming a successful author.

Although it is said that the world for women has changed and that societal norms have evolved—this is the era of equality—many older women still teach girls to be quiet, with phrases like “dheere bolo” (speak softly) and “kam bolo” (speak less) being commonplace. Throughout her life, Jaya faces societal and familial expectations that women should be silent, submissive, and focused on domestic duties. Her grandmother and mother reinforce these traditional roles, discouraging her from expressing her individuality or pursuing her ambitions. Jaya is married to Mohan, a government employee. They have very different personalities, and Jaya’s thought process often contrasts with Mohan's. He expects her to be unquestioningly supportive, leading Jaya to suppress her voice in order to maintain peace in their household. Mohan dismisses Jaya’s opinions and insists that she keep quiet and simply follow his instructions. One day, Mohan is expelled from his job, leaving their financial situation precarious. During this challenging time, he desires someone who understands and supports him, yet Jaya has become silent and withdrawn. When Mohan leaves the house in frustration, Jaya realizes her mistake and resolves to speak up in the future. The author leaves the book’s ending open, inviting readers to imagine Jaya’s situation as she begins to find her voice. The story reflects societal norms regarding women and highlights the importance of speaking out when necessary. It is remarkable to see how the dynamics change in both Jaya and Mohan's lives as a result.

What I Loved 💗💗💗

As a reader i personally love few things about the story such as,

• Jaya's marriage, though stable on the surface, is built on silence. It shows how emotional distance and societal expectations erode the intimacy in a relationship.

•  This story perfectly portrays that Silence isn’t just a lack of words—it’s a conditioned response.

• The novel is not just about Jaya’s past—it’s about her becoming. It's a quiet rebellion, a realization that her story is hers to reclaim.

WHAT CRITIQUE SAYS

Critics widely recognize That Long Silence as a powerful exploration of the inner life and struggles of Indian women, focusing on the protagonist Jaya’s journey from enforced silence to self-realization.

• The novel is praised for its authentic depiction of patriarchal oppression and the psychological impact of societal expectations on women across generations.

• Many reviewers highlight the book's emotional weight, noting that it evokes sadness and introspection, making readers reflect on the prevalence of such silences in real women's lives .

• The novel is lauded for its feminist agenda, revealing the domination of patriarchy and the consequences of women’s enforced silence .

FROM MY LENS👀👀

That long silence is a story of self realization. it shattered the societal expectations.

 it is an perfect example of feminism and their silent struggle.

personally i like some of the thoughtful quote from the book such as,

.“I had been taught to fit in, to adjust, to keep the peace. But who keeps the peace inside me?”

“A woman can never live her own life, she always lives through someone else’s.”

Final verdict👀👀

At last but not least That Long Silence is not loud, not dramatic—but quietly powerful. It resonates in the silences between lines, in the space between expectation and reality. Shashi Deshpande doesn’t give you fireworks. She gives you a matchstick—and dares you to light your own truth.

Check out other reviews from the reading list—your next favorite book might be waiting there!"💖💖

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