Bahir is a convoluted tale narrating the ordeal of Sawera. Sawera born in
a conservative Muslim family in Pakistan and is adopted and separated from her
mother by birth. The child was named Sawera as she was considered as dawn for
her new family and her father moved to Saudi Arabia for better future prospect
and later rest of the family joined him in his quest for prosperous future.
This book is brutal and honest effort to narrate Sawera’s struggle for
survival. Monisha K’s storytelling is crisp and she moves you with her poignant
and persuasive retelling of plight of a migrant family. Sawera is let down by
almost every people around her and always find herself in middle of a crisis. 1st
being neglected and physically abused by her mother as escape to her
frustration and anger. Sawera has been brought up in an orthodox Muslim family
and had to abide by tough rules and regulation. Sawera has grown up to a beautiful
17 year with sexual desires. She has always regretted her life choices 1st
being expelled from a prestigious school because of a love letter and later caught
red-handed trying to sneak a male accomplice in her room. Her life takes a
complete turnaround when she is married to a distant cousin in Pakistan who is
heart broken and suicidal. He exploits her for his sexual needs and results in
a marriage with no emotion and feelings. Sawera is left gasping for some air
and belongingness and gives birth to 3 children while suffering physical and
sexual abuse. She moves to Saudi to take care of her ailing mother while being
pregnant and a bleeding heart. Bahir is an earnest effort by Monisha to bring
the plight of a migrant lady who is sexually exploited multiple times, who is
physically and mentally tormented for mere survival and existence. It also let us mull on the difficulties and challenges
a honest migrant faces just to survive with some dignity. Though Sawera’s never
ending struggle and hardship makes the story emotionally exhausting yet Sawera’s
positivity and hope will guide you through the story. An unputdownable and
crisp story will satisfy your desire as a reader. Monisha has definitely a
winner in Bahir.
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