A woman in Indian society endures a lot. But sometimes, her forbearance breaks, a little. She quickly corrects herself, brings self and surrounding to the previous balance. Hour Before Dawn by Bhabendra Nath Saikia is an Assamese, translated into English by Maitrayee S.C. is a story of such a woman. Menoka is the central character in the novel. Around her revolves the story of her household, her husband, his second wife, the children from both the marriages and an outcast boy, who steadfastly supports Menoka, with whom she has a brief affair. Inder her eldest son, exposed to the complicated human relationship at an age he could not comprehend anything, leaves the village. Menoka takes pity on the beaten frail wife of her husband and takes her and her children into her large maternal lap.
A beautiful novel, full of emotions, the cultural flavour of Assam and explores the various bonding a person forges. Menoka comes out a strong personality, brave and holding herself even in the darkest hour in her life. This is a rich addition to the collection of translations from Indian literature, which the Penguin has been doing well. -VN
(Penguin Books, 11, Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi-110 017)
