THE HEART LAMP (Book review) "Read this when heart feels heavy"




 INTRODUCTION🙏🙏

Genre : Spiritual / Inspirational

Author : Banu Mushtaq

Translator : Deepa Bhasthi

Rating : Won International Booker Prize

               "If you were to build the world again, to create males and females again,

       do not be like an inexperienced potter. Come to earth as a woman, then you will know."

 This book written by Banu Mushtaq in Kannda translated by Deepa Bhasthi  won the        International Booker prize 2025. It is a collection of 12 short stories. This isn’t just a book   it’s a gentle guide toward mindfulness, compassion, and emotional clarity.  Whether you’re on a personal healing journey or seeking spiritual insight, this book may speak to you more than you expect.


BRIEF SUMMARY


The book explores the everyday lives of Muslim women and girls in southern India, focusing on themes such as patriarchy, gender inequality, faith, resilience, and the quiet endurance of pain and societal pressures. It is a collection of 12 short stories.

Key stories include: -

 "Stone Slabs for Shaista Mahal": This story challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. - 

"Black Cobras": It portrays a mother’s struggle for survival and dignity after being abandoned by her husband. - 

"Heart Lamp": The title story, inspired by Mushtaq's own life, addresses issues of attempted suicide and highlights the redemptive power of familial love. - *

*"High-Heeled Shoe": This piece presents a surreal conversation between an unborn child and their mother, deepening the portrayal of suffering.



WHAT I LIKED💙💙💙💙

As a reader i personally like few things about the book such as,

1. The stories in *Heart Lamp* focus on the everyday experiences of women and girls in Muslim communities, portraying their dreams, frustrations, and emotional complexities in an authentic and relatable way. 2. The depiction of the mustaq character is impressive, highlighting how she stands against patriarchy through subtle yet meaningful acts of autonomy. 3.The stories depict not only the hardships women face, such as denied education, forced marriages, and lack of bodily autonomy, but also their resilience and ability to endure, negotiate, and sometimes transform their circumstances. 4. This collection refuses to portray women as mere victims or silent sufferers. Instead, it gives them depth, complexity, and voice, reminding readers that women's lives deserve attention and respect, even when their strength is quiet or goes unnoticed

WHAT CRITIQUE SAYS💭💭

Critics widely praise Heart Lamp for its sharp critique of patriarchal and religious orthodoxy, highlighting how societal traditions and rigid gender roles circumscribe the lives of girls and women in Muslim communities of southern India.

 The stories expose the emotional and physical violence, injustice, and oppression women face, but also reveal their resilience and capacity for subtle resistance

Despite the serious themes, critics appreciate the dry, gentle humour and the vivid cast of characters—sparky children, audacious grandmothers, buffoonish religious leaders, and mothers who endure at great personal cost.

FROM MY LENS👀👀


However this whole book is full of inspiration but there are some of the quotes which i personally wants to share here such as,


“Rather than burn in that living hell, I will take my children and work as a coolie somewhere.”

"If there are people to help the rich, the poor have God."

"Material things had become priceless and human beings worthless. Behind those material possessions, people’s feelings were on sale. Things decided the relationships between small people with big shadows."

“Your heart is not broken—it’s simply tired. Let it rest in its own light.”

FINAL VERDICT🙏🙏

 Heart Lamp is a quiet companion for anyone seeking peace in a noisy world. It’s not a book you race through—it’s one you return to when life feels heavy or chaotic. Ideal for fans exploring exploring self-compassion and healing.



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

https://throughthebooksss.blogspot.com/p/reading-list_8.html


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