Ladies' Tailor by Priya Hajela | Book review

 Book review:

"Ladies' Tailor" emerges as a venture born of necessity when three men residing in a refugee camp pool their meagre resources to carve out a livelihood, embarking on an ambitious journey fraught with peril yet promising rich rewards.

While the book subtly alludes to the political and social climate of the era, its primary focus lies on the bonds that form amidst adversity. The central characters exude individuality, with women stepping into the spotlight rather than lingering in the shadows cast by men. Although the male lead occupies more page space, the women characters shine brightly.

At the heart of this narrative is Gurdev, a refugee yearning to establish a life in India with his wife Simrat and their two sons. The tale commences with Gurdev's fateful trip to the hospital with Simrat, who absconds with priceless diamonds, blessed by her mother-in-law. She flees with their sons, leaving Gurdev to grapple with both the loss and his unforeseen alliance with Nirmal, a Ladies' Tailor catering exclusively to refugee housewives, and Sangat, a fellow refugee he encounters at the camp.

Nirmal Singh's unwavering loyalty to his young embroiderers from Lahore sets the stage for a perilous journey undertaken by Gurdev and Noor, an affluent Muslim from Delhi drawn to Gurdev. Together, they venture into Pakistan to rescue the two boys. Their journey is mesmerizing.

Priya's narrative is a tapestry of evocative words, vividly portraying an era defined by uncertainty and fear. The scenes within the refugee camp tug at the heartstrings. Priya meticulously crafts her characters, from their attire to their distinct personalities. The fabric and upholstery descriptions exude opulence.

The portrayal of post-partition India is nostalgic yet optimistic, highlighting progress and positivity. The book strikes a balance between maintaining reader engagement with well-placed twists and, at times, superfluous additions. As the book concludes, the reader is left yearning for more.

In sum, "Ladies' Tailor" is a finely penned novel with a prominent theme, unpredictable characters, a solid plot, and a captivating cover—a literary journey that leaves a lasting impression.

Purchase: Ladies'Tailor