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The Temple is Not My Father
Ensnared by a tradition hundreds of years old, a woman fights for her daughter’s happiness.
From the author of 'Tell A Thousand Lies,' which was shortlisted for the 2012 Tibor Jones South Asia award. UK's Glam magazine calls 'Tell A Thousand Lies' on of their 'five favourite tales from India.'
If you like Rohinton Mistry or Shilpi Somaya Gowda,you might like this short story of 40 pages.
From the author of 'Tell A Thousand Lies,' which was shortlisted for the 2012 Tibor Jones South Asia award. UK's Glam magazine calls 'Tell A Thousand Lies' on of their 'five favourite tales from India.'
If you like Rohinton Mistry or Shilpi Somaya Gowda,you might like this short story of 40 pages.
- GenresIndiaIndian Literature
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2014
18 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Rasana Atreya
9 books422 followersRasana Atreya's debut novel, Tell A Thousand Lies, was shortlisted for the UK-based "Tibor Jones South Asia Prize." In 2017, the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, taught this novel to the students of "English 479."
Glam Magazine, UK (June 2014) calls "Tell A Thousand Lies" one of their "five favourite tales from India."
She's currently working on the series, "Tales From The Deccan Plateau":
* Tell A Thousand Lies
* Talking Is Wasted Breath
* Daughters Inherit Silence
* The Temple Is Not My Father
* The Water Wives
* Tell A Lie, Beget A Daughter
Rasana is one of India's self-publishing pioneers. She was invited by Amazon to the India launch of the Kindle.
Glam Magazine, UK (June 2014) calls "Tell A Thousand Lies" one of their "five favourite tales from India."
She's currently working on the series, "Tales From The Deccan Plateau":
* Tell A Thousand Lies
* Talking Is Wasted Breath
* Daughters Inherit Silence
* The Temple Is Not My Father
* The Water Wives
* Tell A Lie, Beget A Daughter
Rasana is one of India's self-publishing pioneers. She was invited by Amazon to the India launch of the Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 14, 2022
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Godavari lives with her daughter in a small house. A normal looking woman, she loves her daughter Sreeja. Sreeja has so many questions like why no one comes to there house? Why do the villagers avoid and taunt them? Why she is not allowed to go to school and why no one plays with her? But amidst all these childhood queries lies the main and haunting question. Who is Sreeja's father? Is the temple her father since Godavari is married to the temple Goddess Yellamma?
A heartrendingly poignant story, The Temple Is Not My Father brings out the sad and often ignored plight of the Devadasis in India.
An age old tradition that has turned ugly and exploits many helpless women where they are pushed by their parents or guardians and forced to serve the sexual appetites of men, Rasana brings out their feeling of hopelessness, distress and helplessness.
Godavari was too small when she was pushed into this life. Unable to understand the turn that her life had taken then, she wants to protect her daughter at all costs and give her a normal life but how can she?
With no education, no money, no friends and family she is alone. Rasana beautifully showcased Godavari's plight who symbolizes the many other women like her who have no means to come out of this dark pit and make an honorable life for themselves. I admired Godavari's strength and perseverance to protect her daughter. The difficulties and soul crushing atrocities she has faced could have easily crushed her will but she has not given up and is determined to fight for what is good for her child. Sreeja is a sweet girl and made me wish fervently for her safety and for a better future for her.
But the person I admired most was Godavari's mother. You will know why when you read the book.
The role of society, social services and friends and family is expertly shown by the author. It was enlightening to read about the roles they play in either saving or drowning a person. If society is kind and supportive to women like Godavari isn't it possible that this system would stop eventually? If the social services are determined to help such women isn't it possible that they will be saved?
The two neighborhood girls who try and break the societal norms set for people like Godavari and the struggles they face in turn is so true and another reason why even those people who know how wronged these women are don't come forward.
A short story but one that shocks you, breaks your heart and forces you to take action, this story leaves the reader thoughtful. This being my first book by Rasana, I am really impressed with her writing style which is simple and yet so engaging. She is not afraid to write on topics that have gone sub consciously accepted for generations and gives her opinion of these practices without bias.
I read this book at night before going to bed but after finishing it I was crying my eyes out and very distressed. I felt angry, devastated and hurt. It is so difficult to be in the shoes of such women and write about their lives which is worlds apart from our own but Rasana has done a noteworthy job and given a book that is concise but packs a punch.
Are there happy endings for people like Godavari? Read the book to know.
I want to read more about Godavari and her daughter. Maybe they will feature again in one of Rasana's book (I just wish they do.). Kudos to the author for a book well written, I wish her the best and hope to read more from her in the future.
5 on 5 to The Temple Is Not My Father and I strongly recommend that you read this soul searching book. A change needs just one person to start. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." I hope we be the start to the decline of the Devadasi practice and the empowerment of women.
Godavari lives with her daughter in a small house. A normal looking woman, she loves her daughter Sreeja. Sreeja has so many questions like why no one comes to there house? Why do the villagers avoid and taunt them? Why she is not allowed to go to school and why no one plays with her? But amidst all these childhood queries lies the main and haunting question. Who is Sreeja's father? Is the temple her father since Godavari is married to the temple Goddess Yellamma?
A heartrendingly poignant story, The Temple Is Not My Father brings out the sad and often ignored plight of the Devadasis in India.
An age old tradition that has turned ugly and exploits many helpless women where they are pushed by their parents or guardians and forced to serve the sexual appetites of men, Rasana brings out their feeling of hopelessness, distress and helplessness.
Godavari was too small when she was pushed into this life. Unable to understand the turn that her life had taken then, she wants to protect her daughter at all costs and give her a normal life but how can she?
With no education, no money, no friends and family she is alone. Rasana beautifully showcased Godavari's plight who symbolizes the many other women like her who have no means to come out of this dark pit and make an honorable life for themselves. I admired Godavari's strength and perseverance to protect her daughter. The difficulties and soul crushing atrocities she has faced could have easily crushed her will but she has not given up and is determined to fight for what is good for her child. Sreeja is a sweet girl and made me wish fervently for her safety and for a better future for her.
But the person I admired most was Godavari's mother. You will know why when you read the book.
The role of society, social services and friends and family is expertly shown by the author. It was enlightening to read about the roles they play in either saving or drowning a person. If society is kind and supportive to women like Godavari isn't it possible that this system would stop eventually? If the social services are determined to help such women isn't it possible that they will be saved?
The two neighborhood girls who try and break the societal norms set for people like Godavari and the struggles they face in turn is so true and another reason why even those people who know how wronged these women are don't come forward.
A short story but one that shocks you, breaks your heart and forces you to take action, this story leaves the reader thoughtful. This being my first book by Rasana, I am really impressed with her writing style which is simple and yet so engaging. She is not afraid to write on topics that have gone sub consciously accepted for generations and gives her opinion of these practices without bias.
I read this book at night before going to bed but after finishing it I was crying my eyes out and very distressed. I felt angry, devastated and hurt. It is so difficult to be in the shoes of such women and write about their lives which is worlds apart from our own but Rasana has done a noteworthy job and given a book that is concise but packs a punch.
Are there happy endings for people like Godavari? Read the book to know.
I want to read more about Godavari and her daughter. Maybe they will feature again in one of Rasana's book (I just wish they do.). Kudos to the author for a book well written, I wish her the best and hope to read more from her in the future.
5 on 5 to The Temple Is Not My Father and I strongly recommend that you read this soul searching book. A change needs just one person to start. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." I hope we be the start to the decline of the Devadasi practice and the empowerment of women.
November 17, 2014
Rated: 4.5 Stars | Review: http://wp.me/p2J8yh-2IG
Ask not what I don't like in this book, for that'll be just one thing — that it ended so soon. It left me wanting to know more. But before it ended, it took me on a roller coaster of emotions, from smiles to anger to tears in its short span of around fifty pages. I’ll just say hats off to the author for such a story on such a theme.
Ask not what I don't like in this book, for that'll be just one thing — that it ended so soon. It left me wanting to know more. But before it ended, it took me on a roller coaster of emotions, from smiles to anger to tears in its short span of around fifty pages. I’ll just say hats off to the author for such a story on such a theme.
August 10, 2016
I really felt the culture in this novella. I love these kind of stories
September 19, 2014
I know this is a novella but please, please tell me there is more. Please tell me a full novel is hot on the heels of this novella? I finished this book a full hour ago and I still feel like I'm on the verge of bursting into tears. I want to be transported back to the little village in India where this is set, I want to know more about Godavari and find out what became of Neerja, Vanaja and of course little Sreeja.
My gosh how heart wrenching this story was. It took a couple of pages to pull me in but once I was in I couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end. I have read very few books set in India and don't have a great deal of knowledge of the culture and customs so this story actually taught me a lot and made so much of the content that much more affecting. It rung true to me, it broke my heart, it made me consider my own life and it made me want to get out there and protect all the young girls exploited all over the world. I wanted to read more about everything to do with Godavari's world and was genuinely so sad when the book ended.
I would recommend everyone read this book. You won't regret it.
My gosh how heart wrenching this story was. It took a couple of pages to pull me in but once I was in I couldn't put the book down and didn't want it to end. I have read very few books set in India and don't have a great deal of knowledge of the culture and customs so this story actually taught me a lot and made so much of the content that much more affecting. It rung true to me, it broke my heart, it made me consider my own life and it made me want to get out there and protect all the young girls exploited all over the world. I wanted to read more about everything to do with Godavari's world and was genuinely so sad when the book ended.
I would recommend everyone read this book. You won't regret it.
November 18, 2014
This story is a flowing, easy read and I found myself looking forward to the next section when I had insufficient time to complete it at one sitting. Having finished it I sat momentarily stunned at the final climax. Then I started thinking about what I had read.
The MC, Godavari, was young, with very limited experience of the world. She had low self-confidence, low self-esteem. She saw herself as the other villagers saw her, as someone bearing the stigma of being a devadasi. But she also had a secure home and income. She had a mobile phone so she could, if she wished, discuss things with her sister and the NGO women who were offering her help. Why is Godavari’s mobile phone mentioned so often yet she never uses it to good purpose? Why does Godavari’s mother have to commit suicide to help her daughter? She had other young children who needed her too so why would she not seek an alternative method? Why did Neeraja and Vanaja promise to see Sreeja every month and pass on news of her to Godavari but never do? Most telling of all, why did Godavari trust the man who had raped her with her beloved daughter’s future? The list goes on and on in my mind. Whichever way I turn it over in my mind I’m left with the nagging feeling that the choices the MC (and her mother) made were ones driven by the author’s need to create the circumstances for the dramatic finale, rather than choices a woman in that situation would actually have made.
Apparently there is a sequel due which addresses the things left unexplained. In my opinion it’s too late to do so in a sequel; this novella was written for an international audience unaccustomed, as am I, to Indian cultural mores. I have tried very hard to put myself in the shoes of a young, relatively uneducated Indian woman. Without expansions of parts of the story which at the moment are unclear I have only my imagination to aid me in trying to feel as Godavari would. My thinking time has been limited; within the timeframe of the story the MC had plenty of opportunity to ponder her situation and make better decisions. If I am to believe she would have acted as she did I need to know her better, more about her and more about her neighbours and situation. Any story should be able to stand by itself; the only story I can review is the one sent to me and I feel hobbled by lack of information.
This novella made me aware of a custom in India of which I, as a Westerner, was previously unaware. Since reading this story I have read several accounts of the lives of the devadasis. Incidentally, in the copy I was sent for review the author consistently uses the term devdasi which she assures me is an accepted alternative spelling, although I cannot find it online anywhere. For centuries it was a system of dedicating young girls to the goddess Yellamma, and their subsequent service, on the face of it to the temple, in actuality to men. As cultured musicians and artists they had high status, despite their sexual services to the rich and powerful men whose patronage allowed them a life of such leisurely pursuits. It was made illegal in 1988 but continues in a degenerate form; girls’ virginity is sold to the highest bidder and pimps take over this supply of prostitutes. Such abuse of children happens all over the world and can only be combatted when people are aware it is happening, so well done, Rasana Atreya, for telling a story that raises consciousness of the issue and hopefully it will be one of the many small things which, when added together, will end such abuse.
The MC, Godavari, was young, with very limited experience of the world. She had low self-confidence, low self-esteem. She saw herself as the other villagers saw her, as someone bearing the stigma of being a devadasi. But she also had a secure home and income. She had a mobile phone so she could, if she wished, discuss things with her sister and the NGO women who were offering her help. Why is Godavari’s mobile phone mentioned so often yet she never uses it to good purpose? Why does Godavari’s mother have to commit suicide to help her daughter? She had other young children who needed her too so why would she not seek an alternative method? Why did Neeraja and Vanaja promise to see Sreeja every month and pass on news of her to Godavari but never do? Most telling of all, why did Godavari trust the man who had raped her with her beloved daughter’s future? The list goes on and on in my mind. Whichever way I turn it over in my mind I’m left with the nagging feeling that the choices the MC (and her mother) made were ones driven by the author’s need to create the circumstances for the dramatic finale, rather than choices a woman in that situation would actually have made.
Apparently there is a sequel due which addresses the things left unexplained. In my opinion it’s too late to do so in a sequel; this novella was written for an international audience unaccustomed, as am I, to Indian cultural mores. I have tried very hard to put myself in the shoes of a young, relatively uneducated Indian woman. Without expansions of parts of the story which at the moment are unclear I have only my imagination to aid me in trying to feel as Godavari would. My thinking time has been limited; within the timeframe of the story the MC had plenty of opportunity to ponder her situation and make better decisions. If I am to believe she would have acted as she did I need to know her better, more about her and more about her neighbours and situation. Any story should be able to stand by itself; the only story I can review is the one sent to me and I feel hobbled by lack of information.
This novella made me aware of a custom in India of which I, as a Westerner, was previously unaware. Since reading this story I have read several accounts of the lives of the devadasis. Incidentally, in the copy I was sent for review the author consistently uses the term devdasi which she assures me is an accepted alternative spelling, although I cannot find it online anywhere. For centuries it was a system of dedicating young girls to the goddess Yellamma, and their subsequent service, on the face of it to the temple, in actuality to men. As cultured musicians and artists they had high status, despite their sexual services to the rich and powerful men whose patronage allowed them a life of such leisurely pursuits. It was made illegal in 1988 but continues in a degenerate form; girls’ virginity is sold to the highest bidder and pimps take over this supply of prostitutes. Such abuse of children happens all over the world and can only be combatted when people are aware it is happening, so well done, Rasana Atreya, for telling a story that raises consciousness of the issue and hopefully it will be one of the many small things which, when added together, will end such abuse.
October 21, 2014
This could have easily been written as a full novel. So many descriptions, so many emotions, in a way it was a shame it was so short!
The characters were very vivid and the sensitive topics were handled truthfully but without crudeness. At times it was extremely sad and very thought provoking.
The end of the book did leave me with wondering 'what happens next'. I would definitely read more by this author.
The characters were very vivid and the sensitive topics were handled truthfully but without crudeness. At times it was extremely sad and very thought provoking.
The end of the book did leave me with wondering 'what happens next'. I would definitely read more by this author.
May 21, 2015
The Temple is Not My Father: A Story Set in India by Rasana Atreya. Narrated/performed by Shruti Kapdi. Length 1 hours and 34 mins. Contemporary Fiction. Novella. (May contain some spoilers in the beginning of review)
This story really drew me in and I was quite taken back on the Indian traditions. Traditions that go back a 100+ years. Such a wide awaking to the non-traditional American traditions of how a family is ruled by the father’s law. What he says goes even in this modern day.
The story starts out in a village of a woman Godavari and her daughter Sreeja. How their village shuns them from participating anything from sending her daughter to school to the woman getting a job in the town. All from when her father sold her to the temple to be married to the Goddess to become a prostitute to satisfied men and their sexual appetites at a girl’s very young age. Her mother horrified by what her husband did leaves him to take care of her granddaughter when Godavari gets pregnant. Then behind his back made sure that the money left to her by her mother went to Godavari. All Godavari wanted was a better life for her daughter.
Then enters the story two young American-Indian girls. When they find out that this woman and her daughter is related to them. Without, the knowledge of their grandmother that they were sent to live with. Since their father felt that the American lifestyle was corrupting their young minds. They needed to learn the tradition of a proper Indian women.
They start to visit their cousin during their grandmother’s prayer time. The girls in the beginning decide that the youngest one would hang out with the daughter and agreed to teach her math and English with other things. The oldest of the girls hung out with the mother learning how to cook traditionally and learn the dialect. Over time the mother asked why they were sent there. The oldest one in her American way of speaking was sometimes hard for Godavari to understand. Though she learn what their father did by sending them to live with their grandmother. They learned off each other American and the Indian dialect of the area. The mother would eventually tell this young girl why the two of them really should not be there in her home. That it would tarnish their reputation. Then the grandmother finds out sending the girls away.
This story drew me in with the harsh story of the life that both fathers felt was the where women are to be placed in society. What Godavari does to give her daughter a better life. How the young American girls thought that their father was so harsh sending them to India only to see that Godavari’s life was much worst. I felt like I was listening to something from the early 20th century not 21st century way of life. This short novella really hit me in the heart.
This is a must listen to for I don’t want to be a spoiler to the entire story but, when the story does come full circle is does tug on every heart string imaginable. Shruti Kapdi did an excellent job performing the Indian and American dialects of the women. The harsh realities are brought to life as she tells and expresses the conversations of all the characters. Rasana Atreya has a magic way of expressing her words.
Even though this was short and I felt that it could have been a much longer with more detailing to the story. However, the story comes across as written. This book is not available yet as WhisperSync but, I do recommend that you by the book as a companion to the audio since some parts I did have an issue with the accent. Rewind and listen again and all was fine.
This book was provided to me for an honest review by the author. All comments above are solely mine and no one has influenced my review. Please like and comment below. I love to hear if my review helped you in listening or reading this novella.
This story really drew me in and I was quite taken back on the Indian traditions. Traditions that go back a 100+ years. Such a wide awaking to the non-traditional American traditions of how a family is ruled by the father’s law. What he says goes even in this modern day.
The story starts out in a village of a woman Godavari and her daughter Sreeja. How their village shuns them from participating anything from sending her daughter to school to the woman getting a job in the town. All from when her father sold her to the temple to be married to the Goddess to become a prostitute to satisfied men and their sexual appetites at a girl’s very young age. Her mother horrified by what her husband did leaves him to take care of her granddaughter when Godavari gets pregnant. Then behind his back made sure that the money left to her by her mother went to Godavari. All Godavari wanted was a better life for her daughter.
Then enters the story two young American-Indian girls. When they find out that this woman and her daughter is related to them. Without, the knowledge of their grandmother that they were sent to live with. Since their father felt that the American lifestyle was corrupting their young minds. They needed to learn the tradition of a proper Indian women.
They start to visit their cousin during their grandmother’s prayer time. The girls in the beginning decide that the youngest one would hang out with the daughter and agreed to teach her math and English with other things. The oldest of the girls hung out with the mother learning how to cook traditionally and learn the dialect. Over time the mother asked why they were sent there. The oldest one in her American way of speaking was sometimes hard for Godavari to understand. Though she learn what their father did by sending them to live with their grandmother. They learned off each other American and the Indian dialect of the area. The mother would eventually tell this young girl why the two of them really should not be there in her home. That it would tarnish their reputation. Then the grandmother finds out sending the girls away.
This story drew me in with the harsh story of the life that both fathers felt was the where women are to be placed in society. What Godavari does to give her daughter a better life. How the young American girls thought that their father was so harsh sending them to India only to see that Godavari’s life was much worst. I felt like I was listening to something from the early 20th century not 21st century way of life. This short novella really hit me in the heart.
This is a must listen to for I don’t want to be a spoiler to the entire story but, when the story does come full circle is does tug on every heart string imaginable. Shruti Kapdi did an excellent job performing the Indian and American dialects of the women. The harsh realities are brought to life as she tells and expresses the conversations of all the characters. Rasana Atreya has a magic way of expressing her words.
Even though this was short and I felt that it could have been a much longer with more detailing to the story. However, the story comes across as written. This book is not available yet as WhisperSync but, I do recommend that you by the book as a companion to the audio since some parts I did have an issue with the accent. Rewind and listen again and all was fine.
This book was provided to me for an honest review by the author. All comments above are solely mine and no one has influenced my review. Please like and comment below. I love to hear if my review helped you in listening or reading this novella.
March 4, 2015
Oh My GOD! Yes, that was my first reaction when the book ended. For a short novella of forty odd pages, ‘The Temple is not My Father’ is a hell of a roller coaster ride.
The story tells us about the journey of Godavari. At the tender age of 8, Godavari was dedicated to the temple and became a devadasi. The journey from there on has been filled with thorns and hurdles and yet the lady never loses her spunk. The story also tells us about her daughter Sreeja, a youngling who is innocent and full of questions. Then there are Sreeja’s second cousins Vanaja and Neeraja who play their roles to the fullest in this short story.
It is impossible to summarise the story without giving out spoilers and besides, I do not think I have words for the emotional roller coaster that it put me through. However, the book deals with some serious issues that women of this age and time still face. They are serious issues that have been dealt in a sensitive manner. Also, hearing the story from Godavari’s point of view essentially helps a reader to get into the mind of a lady who has been victimized her whole life even when she was not at fault. It gives us a new perspective of how such a lady might see the world and herself. The book left me with so many questions that I wish so badly that it was longer. But after a few days of retrospection, I feel that the author has chosen the right way to end the story. More information wouldn’t necessarily bring closure and this way, we are left to give the story its own happy ending.
I listened to the audiobook version produced by Read Out loud and narrated by Shruti Kapdi. The narrator has done a splendid job of bringing each character to life with her voice. From Godavari’s modesty filled tone to Sreeja’s innocence to the American accent of Neeraja and Vanaja, each character has been distinctively portrayed in the audio version.
Now go do what you have to do to get your hands on this book!
The story tells us about the journey of Godavari. At the tender age of 8, Godavari was dedicated to the temple and became a devadasi. The journey from there on has been filled with thorns and hurdles and yet the lady never loses her spunk. The story also tells us about her daughter Sreeja, a youngling who is innocent and full of questions. Then there are Sreeja’s second cousins Vanaja and Neeraja who play their roles to the fullest in this short story.
It is impossible to summarise the story without giving out spoilers and besides, I do not think I have words for the emotional roller coaster that it put me through. However, the book deals with some serious issues that women of this age and time still face. They are serious issues that have been dealt in a sensitive manner. Also, hearing the story from Godavari’s point of view essentially helps a reader to get into the mind of a lady who has been victimized her whole life even when she was not at fault. It gives us a new perspective of how such a lady might see the world and herself. The book left me with so many questions that I wish so badly that it was longer. But after a few days of retrospection, I feel that the author has chosen the right way to end the story. More information wouldn’t necessarily bring closure and this way, we are left to give the story its own happy ending.
I listened to the audiobook version produced by Read Out loud and narrated by Shruti Kapdi. The narrator has done a splendid job of bringing each character to life with her voice. From Godavari’s modesty filled tone to Sreeja’s innocence to the American accent of Neeraja and Vanaja, each character has been distinctively portrayed in the audio version.
Now go do what you have to do to get your hands on this book!
May 3, 2015
The Temple Is Not My father is a compelling read. It is a tribute to the author's strength in writing that this short novella seamlessly highlights a little known aspect of Indian culture and also delivers a strong fictional storyline that harnesses the emotions of the reader. The characters are well presented and believable, the depiction of place is excellent and the various vocabulary styles appear effortless. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 7, 2014
Sad; sweet; tragic; compelling. Rasana Atreya's story on the plight of the Devdasis is moving. It shows societal hypocrisy at its worst and filled me with loathing for the pimps - fathers and other male relatives, most often. The women are so brave, all the female protagonists in this short novel. The resolution wasn't quite what I had hoped for, but then I am a writer of romance!
July 3, 2020
Short but good
September 21, 2021
I am proud of you aunt
i love this book
awesome books
i love this book
awesome books
February 5, 2024
3.5 Stars
A humble story about women and the difficult lives some have in India.
A humble story about women and the difficult lives some have in India.
September 21, 2014
Godavari was a young child growing up in India. She had a loving mother and siblings. Her father, needing money, sold his daughter to a Goddess of a Temple. At first I thought she was becoming a nun, given to a goddess, to pray for the rest of her life. Godavari was "sacrificed," but not in the pure way I thought. Godavari's mother screamed in pain, knowing her husband was taking her daughter to be part of the devdasi. She would be sacrificed to man for money. When Godavari became pregnant and had a little girl, her mother sought out a lawyer, making sure that all of her own money would be given to Godavari before she hung herself. Godavari now had a home and a courtyard to bring up her little girl. Unfortunately, her home was a prison. Noone would visit, as their reputations would be ruined visiting a "prostitute." Her little girl could not be enrolled in school. She would have no friends.
Two American girls, who were sent to live with their grandmother in India because their parents in America wanted to secure their "chastity," snuck to visit their "cousin" Godavari and her little girl. Godavari knew the girls would be found out and there would be consequences. Sure enough...someone from the "village" told the grandmother the girls were visiting the "prostitute." Godavari's daughter's "father" was remarried, and this was not good for his new family's reputation. He forced his hand to have Godavari's daughter adopted into a good loving family. She would be "sacrificed," yet she would have her own room, an education, and two loving parents.
Godavari's heart was broken. Her sister convinced her to go back to school and become part of the NGO, an agency that helped other "sacrificed" girls. The ending is shocking. This is a novella, short enough to read in an hour or two. It helps the reader understand the corrupt police and traditional thinking of an Indian past. Well written!
Two American girls, who were sent to live with their grandmother in India because their parents in America wanted to secure their "chastity," snuck to visit their "cousin" Godavari and her little girl. Godavari knew the girls would be found out and there would be consequences. Sure enough...someone from the "village" told the grandmother the girls were visiting the "prostitute." Godavari's daughter's "father" was remarried, and this was not good for his new family's reputation. He forced his hand to have Godavari's daughter adopted into a good loving family. She would be "sacrificed," yet she would have her own room, an education, and two loving parents.
Godavari's heart was broken. Her sister convinced her to go back to school and become part of the NGO, an agency that helped other "sacrificed" girls. The ending is shocking. This is a novella, short enough to read in an hour or two. It helps the reader understand the corrupt police and traditional thinking of an Indian past. Well written!
November 18, 2014
'The Temple is Not My Father' is a short novella based on the system of Devadasis in Southern India. Devadasi literally translates into 'Servant of God', and girls used to be dedicated to the worship and service of deities in temples. This used to be a position of privilege and most of these girls went on to become accomplished dancers. The system continued until the British outlawed the kings and kingdoms in India, leading to the temples losing the patronage of the kings, and consequently their biggest source of income. This ended up in devadasis getting forced into prostitution. This is the story of Godavari and her daughter Sreeja. Godavari was tricked into becoming a devadasi by her own father. It is a heart-wrenching story of a woman, caught in circumstances out of her control, treated like vermin by the same society that forced her into the situation she was in. All she wants is for her daughter to have a good life, a life as far removed as possible from her own.
The author does an amazing job with the story. In a short, simple story, she packs in so much. So many emotions, so many motives and people of all sorts. The ruthless father, the determination of two mothers, Godavari and her own mother, the callousness and hypocrisy of society and also the open-mindedness which sometimes comes with innocence. Beautiful characterisation, beautifully articulated situations, which call out to the reader. And the last line of the book, that was one killer line. One that will stay with me forever. It is a book I will re-read, even though I know it will make me cry, all over again.
The author does an amazing job with the story. In a short, simple story, she packs in so much. So many emotions, so many motives and people of all sorts. The ruthless father, the determination of two mothers, Godavari and her own mother, the callousness and hypocrisy of society and also the open-mindedness which sometimes comes with innocence. Beautiful characterisation, beautifully articulated situations, which call out to the reader. And the last line of the book, that was one killer line. One that will stay with me forever. It is a book I will re-read, even though I know it will make me cry, all over again.
October 1, 2014
When life’s trajectory leaves Godavari meandering through a matrix of pain, suffering and humiliation, she fervently fights the factors disrupting her balance protecting what is dear – her daughter. Her life is swaddled in social norms and evil mores of Indian society. This is a story of a devadasi starting with her childhood. Along the journey she asks core questions pertaining to evil practices that not only survive, but thrive in the name of tradition and culture.
What worked: First, I must admit, I am biased and like writers that write about social issues especially those that give a voice to the minority sections in all areas of life. That said, ‘ The temple is not my father’ is written poignantly and in a non-preachy manner, while every word was chosen meticulously to etch a picture in you. And the picture cuts through your inner being and lives there forever, clutched in a frame. I loved her style of writing. 5 stars to that. Every minute detail was taken care of in the department of style. Hats off to her for writing it so beautifully.
What did not work: The plot was too thin for my liking. I could guess the ending halfway through and would have stopped reading but for how it was written. There are some seemingly important characters (Vanaja and Girija) that were not given a proper denouement. I would have liked to know what happened to them, how and why?
Conclusion: It is an enjoyable read all along that is bound to invoke depths of emotion in everyone that reads it.
Rating: 3.75
What worked: First, I must admit, I am biased and like writers that write about social issues especially those that give a voice to the minority sections in all areas of life. That said, ‘ The temple is not my father’ is written poignantly and in a non-preachy manner, while every word was chosen meticulously to etch a picture in you. And the picture cuts through your inner being and lives there forever, clutched in a frame. I loved her style of writing. 5 stars to that. Every minute detail was taken care of in the department of style. Hats off to her for writing it so beautifully.
What did not work: The plot was too thin for my liking. I could guess the ending halfway through and would have stopped reading but for how it was written. There are some seemingly important characters (Vanaja and Girija) that were not given a proper denouement. I would have liked to know what happened to them, how and why?
Conclusion: It is an enjoyable read all along that is bound to invoke depths of emotion in everyone that reads it.
Rating: 3.75
October 9, 2014
A short fast-paced story about a woman who have suffered so much from being child ensnared and blinded by her love for her father who's devoted to a hundred year tradition of marrying her to the temple(Goddess. Later on, Godavari, the protagonist was turned into a prostitute by his father and was abused by men and had a baby at such a young age. She was then shunned and cursed by the society.
Reading Godavari's story broke my heart. The sufferings she had was too much. A father who offers her daughter for a ridiculous tradition, prostituting his own daughter and attempting to do the same with his granddaughter. A mother who committed suicide just to provide for the daughter who lost a dignity. Relatives who cut their ties. Siblings who ostracized her. To top all her suffering, she had to give up her daughter in order to give her child a normal life away from the hateful criticism of the society.
It was a relief that one of her sisters, Krishna, still cared and helped her. Also, it was nice that her 2 niece cared as well. All in all, it was a touching story. The author's writing is very great. I can say that it mirrors real happenings in life and in the society.
Although I love the story, I can say the same with the ending. Well, it's not a cliffhanger but it feels like it. I feel like it needs elaboration on what happened in between before she was reunited with her daughter. It was just too short. Anyways, it's a 40 page story so maybe, that's just it. In general, it's still a dramatic and touching story.
Reading Godavari's story broke my heart. The sufferings she had was too much. A father who offers her daughter for a ridiculous tradition, prostituting his own daughter and attempting to do the same with his granddaughter. A mother who committed suicide just to provide for the daughter who lost a dignity. Relatives who cut their ties. Siblings who ostracized her. To top all her suffering, she had to give up her daughter in order to give her child a normal life away from the hateful criticism of the society.
It was a relief that one of her sisters, Krishna, still cared and helped her. Also, it was nice that her 2 niece cared as well. All in all, it was a touching story. The author's writing is very great. I can say that it mirrors real happenings in life and in the society.
Although I love the story, I can say the same with the ending. Well, it's not a cliffhanger but it feels like it. I feel like it needs elaboration on what happened in between before she was reunited with her daughter. It was just too short. Anyways, it's a 40 page story so maybe, that's just it. In general, it's still a dramatic and touching story.
January 28, 2015
The Temple Is Not My Father is a story of a young mother and her child, how as a child she is tricked by her own father and how she manages to live a life of dignity in an undignified situation. The story has twists and turns right till the last line; she might be free but is she really free?
How innocents are tricked and those we trust is the evil that we are fighting.
I did not want to take a break; some stories are like that they challenge you not to put them down.
I had picked this book when it was free on Amazon for a short while, I think I am going to go and buy her other books now. I was quite skeptical as to what the story will be like after reading about the hype but I was pleasantly surprised.
If this story does not keep you awake and bring tears to your eyes; you need to get yourself checked.
Rasana uses her word with care, well chosen and powerful. Simple language and judicious use of language; make this a very pleasurable read.
No over emotional or screechy dialogue, Godavari under goes so much but she bears her burden with quite dignity.
The story makes you think and makes you cherish your education even more.
It is a sad commentary on the status and condition of Indian women in so many ways. Sad but true, hope it spurs us to do better, take action.
#BetiBachaoBetiPadhao is a step in the right direction.
How innocents are tricked and those we trust is the evil that we are fighting.
I did not want to take a break; some stories are like that they challenge you not to put them down.
I had picked this book when it was free on Amazon for a short while, I think I am going to go and buy her other books now. I was quite skeptical as to what the story will be like after reading about the hype but I was pleasantly surprised.
If this story does not keep you awake and bring tears to your eyes; you need to get yourself checked.
Rasana uses her word with care, well chosen and powerful. Simple language and judicious use of language; make this a very pleasurable read.
No over emotional or screechy dialogue, Godavari under goes so much but she bears her burden with quite dignity.
The story makes you think and makes you cherish your education even more.
It is a sad commentary on the status and condition of Indian women in so many ways. Sad but true, hope it spurs us to do better, take action.
#BetiBachaoBetiPadhao is a step in the right direction.
February 25, 2016
In this short story Godavari was given by her father at a young age to become a devadasi :
(devadasi, or servant of god, is a girl who is dedicated to the goddess Yellamma and cannot marry a mortal. Girls from poor families of the "untouchable", or lower, caste are "married" to Yellamma as young as four. The devadasi system has been part of southern Indian life for many centuries. A veneer of religion covers the supply of concubines to wealthy men, but are now just used in prostitution. Now the system is seen as a means for poverty-stricken parents to unburden themselves of daughters. Though their fate was known, parents used religion to console themselves, and the money earned was shared.)
Godavari was able to escape this fate with her daughter, for the most part as her mother was able to leave her some money and a home, yet she was always seen as an undesirable, and looked down upon by all. Throughout this story one will feel the loneliness of Godavari and her daughter, Sreeja. With a glimpse here and there of hope as friendships arrive in their solitary world, but also it is a story full of tragedy.
I found it very interesting to learn about this practice that I never knew about and found the characters interesting, but was left with the feeling of wanting to know more about what had happened.
(devadasi, or servant of god, is a girl who is dedicated to the goddess Yellamma and cannot marry a mortal. Girls from poor families of the "untouchable", or lower, caste are "married" to Yellamma as young as four. The devadasi system has been part of southern Indian life for many centuries. A veneer of religion covers the supply of concubines to wealthy men, but are now just used in prostitution. Now the system is seen as a means for poverty-stricken parents to unburden themselves of daughters. Though their fate was known, parents used religion to console themselves, and the money earned was shared.)
Godavari was able to escape this fate with her daughter, for the most part as her mother was able to leave her some money and a home, yet she was always seen as an undesirable, and looked down upon by all. Throughout this story one will feel the loneliness of Godavari and her daughter, Sreeja. With a glimpse here and there of hope as friendships arrive in their solitary world, but also it is a story full of tragedy.
I found it very interesting to learn about this practice that I never knew about and found the characters interesting, but was left with the feeling of wanting to know more about what had happened.
November 20, 2014
I enjoyed this story. Its message, which is intensely personal, political, moral, and ethical, is told beautifully and in literary fashion. It follows Godavari, a woman who lives in a village who is marked as an untouchable---for reasons I won't spoil. I am not very familiar with Indian culture, so this was something new for me, and I felt like I came away with an understanding of just how complex modern India is. I feel that the author does a great job in telling this story not through the character, but through the relationships between the characters. All of the characters in the story are strong women---Godavari, Vanaja and Nreeja. Sreeja, not so much, but she has to grow into it, especially after what happens to her. I had no complaints with the story other than I felt that it started off a bit slow. It really picked up around 15% but then lost steam again at the 75% mark. I still really enjoyed it, though.
Formatting: Flawless. I didn't catch a single typo.
Cover: I love this cover. I also like that the author's covers are branded, which makes them instantly recognizable.
I recommend checking this out. The author has created a great book at a great price that is worth your time.
Formatting: Flawless. I didn't catch a single typo.
Cover: I love this cover. I also like that the author's covers are branded, which makes them instantly recognizable.
I recommend checking this out. The author has created a great book at a great price that is worth your time.
December 3, 2014
It was the Indian author Rasana Atreya herself who offered me her novella The Temple Is Not My Father for review. Usually I refuse, but this time I accepted for reasons unknown even to myself. Probably it was meant to be. At any rate, it was a good decision since it’s an important work shedding light on women on the margins of society whom we tend to neglect or to even overlook deliberately. The cruel fate of Godavari, a devdasi dedicated to Goddess Yellamma (which in modern times has become a synonym for prostitute), is only one example for the abuse of girls and women in the name of tradition. In fact, their existence hasn’t been entirely new to me, but it makes a difference if you just read or hear about them or if you are drawn into the tragic fate of one, be it through a true or a fictitious story. A well-written and interesting novella from rural India which deserves recommendation and a wider audience.
For a longer review see my post The Tenacity of Unworthy Old Traditions on Lagraziana's Kalliopeion.
For a longer review see my post The Tenacity of Unworthy Old Traditions on Lagraziana's Kalliopeion.
January 12, 2021
Ok so I didn't realize it was a short story when I began it so keep that in mind if you wish to read it now.
I have a real fascination about fictional "social" issue(s) novels and when I read I like to learn about other cultures etc. lately I've been stuck on India and the culture that still treats women and girls very different. ESP the small villages.
I really enjoy this book after I got over the "goddesses" etc... At heart it's a woman plight and the way she deals with the life she was dealt.
Many descriptions on the book out there so I won't describe the plot but just say that I did love it until the ending. I feel like I just started caring about the characters and then boom.. It's done. I need more answers.. It sort of felt like the book had chapters ripped out of it and it wasn't completed...
Still enjoyed it but really wish there was more to read
I have a real fascination about fictional "social" issue(s) novels and when I read I like to learn about other cultures etc. lately I've been stuck on India and the culture that still treats women and girls very different. ESP the small villages.
I really enjoy this book after I got over the "goddesses" etc... At heart it's a woman plight and the way she deals with the life she was dealt.
Many descriptions on the book out there so I won't describe the plot but just say that I did love it until the ending. I feel like I just started caring about the characters and then boom.. It's done. I need more answers.. It sort of felt like the book had chapters ripped out of it and it wasn't completed...
Still enjoyed it but really wish there was more to read
January 26, 2017
I chose to read this e-book after receiving a free copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
This story is short but full of emotion and tradition. Godavari is married to the temple. This is confusing to Godavari’s daughter, Sreeja, because she’s told that the temple is not her father.
When Godavari was very young, her father forced her into the life of the Devadasis, those married to the Goddess of Yellamma, but over time have become no more than prostitutes. The only positive thing for Godavari was her mother who protected her as much as she could and Godavari ended up being sexually abused by only one man rather than many.
Godavari lives for her daughter and only wants her to be happy and not have a sad life such as hers. She sacrifices so much for Sreeja, doing what she believes is best. But is it?
I definitely recommend The Temple is Not My Father. It is short but powerful and informative.
This story is short but full of emotion and tradition. Godavari is married to the temple. This is confusing to Godavari’s daughter, Sreeja, because she’s told that the temple is not her father.
When Godavari was very young, her father forced her into the life of the Devadasis, those married to the Goddess of Yellamma, but over time have become no more than prostitutes. The only positive thing for Godavari was her mother who protected her as much as she could and Godavari ended up being sexually abused by only one man rather than many.
Godavari lives for her daughter and only wants her to be happy and not have a sad life such as hers. She sacrifices so much for Sreeja, doing what she believes is best. But is it?
I definitely recommend The Temple is Not My Father. It is short but powerful and informative.
September 22, 2014
This was a very interesting read but it does stir up your emotions such as anger, sadness, anger, sympathy, anger! It still amazes me that women in India are treated the way they are but reading this story made me understand that while the government of India is trying to make sure women are not mistreated the local police which consists of men haven't changed. This author was able to hold my interest in all of the characters. Being of Indian heritage I was able to relate to how the young girls felt due to the way their parents think about the Western lifestyle and my ancestors left India in the mid 1800's! While I chuckled at some of it, it's really not funny. I wanted the book to continue to understand how it ended the way it did. This is a good read but you will want more. I will definitely be reading more of her books!
September 27, 2014
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed, Rasana Atreya’s “Tell a Thousand Lies” , I was eager to read her second book, “The Temple is not my Father”. Well..the two books couldn’t have been more different from each other: whereas thousand lies starts on a light note and becomes serious and dark towards the middle, the Temple starts on a disturbing note and becomes more disturbing as you thumb through the pages. Towards the end you are left with a mind numbing chill. But it’s not just the end; perhaps you had seen that coming- it is more of reality unfolding before your eyes and you wanting to retreat into a world of happy endings and quaint beginnings
Read more at http://thewritejourney.in/the-temple-...
Read more at http://thewritejourney.in/the-temple-...
December 18, 2015
A touching tale of a Devadasi who struggles to protect her daughter from the taboo and does the unimaginable. The tale is fast paced, with lively characters and varied perspectives. Godavari, the protagonist shines all through, being a fighter against circumstances.
The book also briefs about how the various steps taken by government and NGOs fall flat while brining out the much needed reform to win back the dignity of those with a Devadasi past. Rasana's narrative reflects ground societal reality and even dwells on the dark side of certain NGOs.
The ending is heart rending and also a bit abrupt, making the reader want more. I shall wait eagerly for the part 2 of the title.
The book also briefs about how the various steps taken by government and NGOs fall flat while brining out the much needed reform to win back the dignity of those with a Devadasi past. Rasana's narrative reflects ground societal reality and even dwells on the dark side of certain NGOs.
The ending is heart rending and also a bit abrupt, making the reader want more. I shall wait eagerly for the part 2 of the title.
September 2, 2014
'The Temple is not my Father' is a heart-wrenching story of a mother, a woman chained by the unscrupulous male-dominated society, which has always taken advantage of weak and helpless. Rasana Atreya has captured, the evils of the ‘Devdasi’ system in modern times, poignantly and concisely in this novella. The twist in the last was unexpected, it hit really hard.
The story forces you to stand and do something about the issue.
The sad part is that due to lack of education and/or conservative mentality, even women insult and exploit the victims.
The story forces you to stand and do something about the issue.
The sad part is that due to lack of education and/or conservative mentality, even women insult and exploit the victims.
March 9, 2015
Novella (1hr.34mins)
I was given this audiobook in return for an honest review.which was nice as I would not normally use an audible credit on such a short story.
A rather shocking story , giving an insight into some of Indias customs and the shocking way women and young girls can risk being treated.
Nicely told by the narrator Shruti Kapdi, the Indian accent did mean I had to pay extra attention a few times , but the rest of the time it was fine, pleasant voice, I felt the Indian voice was very neccesary for story to be believable . all in all a good listen .
I was given this audiobook in return for an honest review.which was nice as I would not normally use an audible credit on such a short story.
A rather shocking story , giving an insight into some of Indias customs and the shocking way women and young girls can risk being treated.
Nicely told by the narrator Shruti Kapdi, the Indian accent did mean I had to pay extra attention a few times , but the rest of the time it was fine, pleasant voice, I felt the Indian voice was very neccesary for story to be believable . all in all a good listen .
December 18, 2015
This book made me cry in public (I was reading this in a public place to keep myself occupied from other distractions). Heart breaks thinking about all those like Godavari and Sreeja has to go through. This short story made me realize lot of things on life of people who go through uncountable miseries. My heart sunk with sorrow when I finished reading this short story.
This book has beautifully captured the love of a mother , a sister and the sacrifice a mother can do for a daughter.
I sincerely hope this is NOT a true story & praying that this should never be a true story in future
This book has beautifully captured the love of a mother , a sister and the sacrifice a mother can do for a daughter.
I sincerely hope this is NOT a true story & praying that this should never be a true story in future
December 24, 2015
It is a painful story of the based on the old devdasi system. Once taught in history books, this divine practice has now become polluted. The book is small, compact and contains something a reader would take home. I have decided to give it a 3.5 star because I wanted to feel and live through the lives of the characters which is impossible within an window of 40 pages. But the end was good enough to change my mind. So, go for it; recommended.
If you want to explore more about the subject matter in this book, you can watch a documentary by 'Vice media' in youtube.
If you want to explore more about the subject matter in this book, you can watch a documentary by 'Vice media' in youtube.
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