Dirty Women by Madhumita Bhattacharyya
Genre: Contemporary Crime Fiction, Thriller
Rating: 4.5/5
One Line Review- A riveting exploration of motherhood and true-crime reporting intrigue.
Madhumita Bhattacharyya’s most recent offering, Dirty Women, takes readers on a gripping journey through the disappearance of four-year-old Tara Sengupta in Calcutta, and the subsequent media frenzy that unfolds around Tara’s mother, Drishti Sengupta. The narrative unfolds in two timelines, shedding light on the complexities of the police investigation and the aftermath in a contemporary ‘true-crime’ setting.
Bhattacharyya skillfully captures the atmosphere of 2002 Calcutta, providing readers with a vividly gritty backdrop that enhances the story’s authenticity.
At the heart of the story is the engagingly crafted mystery surrounding Tara’s disappearance. However, it is the women of the book, Drishti and Ahana, who truly steal the show. Drishti, the enigmatic, sultry singer and a single, unapologetic mother, stands out as a refreshing and realistic character, while Ahana, the primary narrator and a young journalist, determined and empathic, adds relatability and intelligence to the narrative.
The exploration of societal expectations and the challenges faced by a woman choosing to live life on her own terms adds depth to the narrative. The author adeptly weaves a tale of tragedy, not just in the disappearance of Tara, but in the collective judgment and condemnation of a city that turns against a woman daring to defy traditional norms.
Ahana’s character introduces a fantastic perspective, adding layers of depth to the overall narrative. In the wake of Tara’s mysterious disappearance, the focus on the societal obsession with Drishti’s personal life, particularly the search for Tara’s father, serves as a poignant commentary on the media’s tendency to sensationalize rather than investigate.
The book’s structure and presentation emerge as its standout features, resembling a sensational news report that is both voyeuristic and salacious—a unique aspect that sets Dirty Women apart in the crime-thriller-fiction genre.
Despite the strengths, one aspect that gave me pause is the justification Drishti gives to Tara’s biological father for concealing Tara’s existence from him. While concepts like “My body, My rules” are valid and necessary arguments for feminism, the application to the realm of parenthood (where the rights of both the mother and father, and even the children, have to be considered) introduces myriad complexities. In a book with a social message, this justification dilutes the strength and depth of Drishti’s character arc, making her seem unwarrantedly petty at this moment, in my opinion.
However, acknowledging Drishti as a flawed character, the book successfully weaves an engaging and exciting tale. It introduces a fascinating take on the true-crime-thriller-fiction genre, leaving readers riveted by its quick pace and fluent storytelling.
What really makes Dirty Women stand out for me is its sharp, lucid prose. The language is powerful and novel. Some sentences just took my breath away:
“My nostalgia is better than yours, she wanted to whisper into his ear.”
“Not caring brings freedom, but sometimes, it also brings with it a certain kind of obliviousness.”
Overall, Dirty Women is a thought-provoking exploration of motherhood, media scrutiny, and societal expectations. Madhumita Bhattacharyya delivers a compelling narrative with richly drawn characters and a keen commentary on the impact of public perception.
I would highly recommend this book to those seeking a thrilling exploration of crime reporting, complex characters, and a unique narrative structure. Dirty Women offers an enthralling experience that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
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This book has been published by Roli Books