Butterfly in a Bind by Sheba Ghosh | Book review

Book review:

" Butterfly in a Bind" is a crime thriller where ACP Shyama finds the body of a trans woman in an idol of Maa Durga on a shore. Set amidst Kolkata, the story is about the life of the victim and how ACP Shyama finds the culprit and brings justice to the victim. Her own quest to find reason behind her mother working as a owner of a place where flesh is bought takes her on a ferocious journey of solving this case at any cost.

During the investigation, she comes across many revelations that leave her stunned. The story keeps switching timelines. One of the timelines shows the present investigations after Bijaya's murder and the second timeline shows Bijaya's story and her perspective. Bijaya, suffered the pangs of fate and betrayal of love.  Life wasn't easy for Bijaya as She wasn't born as a woman and it took her time to understand herself, her choices and preferences. Running to different places, she found her body violated and hurt. Even if the physical scars go away, mental hurt doesn't let you live in peace.

When Bijaya decides to be with a man and adopt a daughter, her life changes significantly. Her husband died in a fire accident and after four years, someone killed Bijaya. Who would want Bijaya to be dead? 

The author has excellently put the message about the life & dilemma of trans woman in the novel & in the society. Language of the book is lucid and the characters engross the reader in unfold mystery that is quite intriguing.

Overall,"Butterfly in a Bind" is a book that will give you the rush of a thrilling mystery case along with emotions of what it is like to be a Transgender person in today’s world. Do grab this book for a unique experience.