Beyond the Fetters by Balroop Singh – Blog Tour
I’m delighted to host my friend, fellow poet and author Balroop Singh, and her new book, Beyond the Fetters. I’ve read many of Balroop’s poetry collections. Beyond the Fetters is her first novel. She’s here today to share all about it with you. Please join me to welcome Balroop.
Happiness?
All the characters in this book yearn for happiness and interpret it in their own way. They know that happiness is a cloud that keeps vanishing, yet they find it lingering under the shadows of grief. They find it in the moments of trying to break free, in their dreams that are supported by their world of fantasy. They discover that happiness blossoms in the hearts of those who respect and value relationships.
I was in high school when I read “The Enchanted Shirt” by John Hay. This poem tells the story of a king who could not get well despite all the medicines that were prescribed by his royal doctors. Eventually, they said that the king must wear the shirt of a happy man to get well. The king’s men travelled far and wide to find “a happy man” to borrow his shirt for their king. At last, they came across a man who said he was happy. He was requested to give his shirt to the sick and unhappy king. The “happy man” confessed that he didn’t have a single shirt.
The depth of the message that this poem carried didn’t register in my mind at that time, but there was something that percolated deep down, as this poem immediately comes to my mind whenever the word ‘happiness’ is mentioned.
Book Blurb:
Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.
Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams.
The sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.
Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “We are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.
Book Information:
Title: Beyond the Fetters
Author: Balroop Singh
Genre: Fiction
Amazon link: https://tinyurl.com/mu4bzr7v
Excerpt:
A young and energetic woman in her late teens, Suckie bustled about the house as if she owned it. She had sharp features, a perfectly carved nose, and big eyes. Her long plait bounced behind her when she walked. There was no doubt that she was beautiful.
“When are you going back to your house?” Earthy asked her every day, but Suckie never responded.
She was happy to notice that her grandmother also detested Suckie.
“Some women are as shameless as you and your mother. Why were you ever born?” Grandma shouted. “Get out of my sight. I can make my tea.”
Suckie gave her a hostile look.
“Don’t you dare look at me with your wicked eyes, you whore.” Grandma hurled a steel plate at her. “How much you gobble! You are worse than those pigs who roll in the mud.”
Suckie was not concerned that she was not respected or loved. She never appeared unhappy about anything and seemed indifferent, as if she knew everything that was going to happen. She lived in the moment, muted by circumstances and guarded by self-created walls. When daggers are pointed at you, only a calm mind can survive.
One day, Suckie’s mother came unannounced. She wailed as she entered from the front door. She hugged her daughter and kept wailing. “Your father is no more. Oh, my unfortunate daughter couldn’t even look at his face.”
Earthy was playing in the courtyard and watched Suckie’s face, which didn’t change. Not a tear trickled down her cheek.
Earthy ran into her grandma’s room, as she was sure Grandma would answer her questions.
“Ma, Suckie’s mom is here. She is crying loudly. So scary!”
“Yeah,” said Grandma.
“Ma, Suckie’s dad is no more.”
“That was destined. The wretched fellow had no value for his life! He was least bothered about his own family.” Grandma dropped the shirt she was folding.
“Why Ma, why was he not bothered?”
“God knows!” Grandma puckered her lips and walked away.
Earthy ran after her and watched her grandma making some tea for herself. Strangely, she didn’t offer it to the relative who had come with the sad and shocking tidings. She didn’t like Suckie’s mother, for dumping her at their house.
“Will Suckie go now, Ma?” Earthy gathered up all the courage to ask a direct question.
“All the devils together can’t drive that whore out,” yelled Grandma.
Earthy was taken aback and stared at her dumb-faced, unable to follow the import of her words.
Nobody dared to say anything when Grandma gave her judgment.
Trailer
About the Author:
Balroop Singh, an educator, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. She would jot down her reflections on a piece of paper and forget about them till each drawer of her home started overflowing with reminders of her creativity, popping out at will! The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. Soaring on the wings of words, she gathers the dreams, and blends them with the melodies of nature. She writes about people, emotions and relationships.
A self-published author, she is the poet of Sublime Shadows of Life and Emerging From Shadows, both widely acclaimed poetry books. She has also written When Success Eludes, Emotional Truths Of Relationships, Allow Yourself to be a Better Person, Timeless Echoes, Moments We Love, Magical Whispers, Slivers, Hues Of Hope and Fusion. Her latest poetry book is Just One Goodbye.
Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in California.
Global Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/jfc7fkf
X link: @BalroopShado
https://balroopsingh.com
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