Black secrets, bleak truths

Widows and Half Widows: Saga of extra-judicial arrests and killings in Kashmir (Pharos, Rs 200) by Afsana Rashid uncovers bitter truths that society would perhaps like to forget. The author talks about men who “disappear” in Kashmir, and their wives and kin who are thus left behind. Not only is this book an eye-opener on a prolonged and shady political conflict taking its toll on innocent people, but it also focuses on the fate of the worst victims of such tragedies — women. The “half widows” of Kashmir, whose identities are tied with those of the missing men, become victims of cruelty perpetrated by their own families, society, and the State. Rashid’s work reflects extensive research on and genuine concern for the people she writes about. She has made a sincere effort to give voice to their sufferings.

The darker side of black money: An insight into the world of financial secrecy and tax havens (Konark, Rs 295) by B.V. Kumar is well-timed, given the recent frenzy over scams and money-laundering. From the IPL to 2G spectrum, India speaks of nothing else these days. Kumar has done a fairly good job of bringing to light the skeletons that have stumbled out of various cupboards ever since Rudolf Elmer revealed some secrets to WikiLeaks. The book is full of chilling details and anecdotes about the sinister designs of money-monsters. The author’s curriculam vitae is no less interesting than his book. He has been the director-general of the Revenue Intelligence, the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Economic Intelligence Bureau. A leading Indian magazine called him “The Super Sleuth”. One can guess his background from his sensational style.

The Cousins (Zubaan, Rs 325) by Prema Raghunath is high on emotions and drama, but still comes across as plausible. The novel revolves round the life of Goutami, or Goutu, a stubborn and rebellious girl in early 20th-century Madras who is torn between a heady love affair with her cousin and her marriage. A motherless Goutu, who had encountered death, loss and fear as a child, craves for an elusive love and a sense of belonging, which the realities of her life deny her. Raghunath tells this story of an unconventional relationship with an empathy that affects the reader and provides food for deeper thought.