Tell a Thousand Lies by Rasana Atreya 4 of 5 stars
Pullama wants nothing more in life than to be a wife and mother. But how will she find a husband who will take her with no dowry? Her ugliness and dark skin are a burden her family can’t hide.
Her two sisters, Malli and Lata, are beautiful–their marriages are assured. But in the midst of Malli’s wedding preparations, something horrible happens and Pullama’s life takes a downward spiral.
Will Pullama ever find the fulfillment of her dreams? Or will the chains of her culture slowly devour her and those she loves?
I purchased Tell a Thousand Lies on my kindle for $3.99 and it was worth every penny. It tells the moving tale of the few choices a young woman has in a society bound by tradition.
The book begins with spurts of humor, but moves forward through tragic events until Pullama finally takes the path of her life into her own hands.
SPOILERS————
I do want to say that I read previous reviews which made comments disparaging “the good guys,” which I’d like to address. As an American born citizen, I can see how Srikar’s actions seemed more like in-action–or just not enough. But as a woman married to a man from a similar culture, I can see where tradition, honor, and respect for elders can create a stranglehold which chokes courage. When reading books set in a culture different from your own, remember to be mindful that those differences can seem alien to your own understanding.
In any case, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. There were times I laughed–and cried, but the read was enjoyable throughout. The ending felt slightly contrived, but I greatly enjoyed the story’s resolution nonetheless.
A job well done by Rasana Atreya and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.