The Dowry Bride

by Shobhan Bantwal

Book Overview

One sultry night, a young bride overhears an extraordinary conversation. The voices speak of a plot to murder a wife who has failed to produce a child and whose family has failed to produce the promised dowry...

Megha is sick with horror when she realizes she is the intended victim. Her husband-the very man who tied the sacred necklace of marriage around her neck-and his mother are plotting to kill her In the moment of panic, she runs for her...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758220316
• ISBN13: 9780758220318
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Glad I stumbled upon this book!

You won't be disappointed with this novel. The storyline is filled with romance, and suspense! I have found a new favorite author after reading this novel. I would literally re-read it again. Plus, the ending isn't what I expected. I definitely would give this book ten stars, if I could.

Captures your attention

This book was an amazing accidental find! The author did a wonderful job of weaving a heartfelt story with color and words and facts about the culture of India. It shows the strength of a country with many old traditions and manages to keep the pages turning so quickly you feel as though you are in her world. And the message is life filled with new beginnings and hope!

An incredible first novel about a disturbing subject.

***Spoilers*** I purchased this book today at Borders. I was originally attracted by the gorgeous cover art (it so rare to see Desi books at my local store), and the back cover blurb was intriguing. I found "The Dowry Bride" nearly impossible to put down. Megha's growth from a frightened girl in fear for her life to the strong woman she becomes at the end captivated me. It's difficult to find words to describe the effect this novel had on me. Wonderful and enjoyable aren't right, but would be if the subject of dowry deaths wasn't so horrific. Reading about Megha's progress after fleeing her inlaws, however, was truly delightful.

insightful look at India's culture

In Palgaum, India, Megha Ramnath overhears her mother-in-law Amma insist that her son kill his wife because divorce is unacceptable, but a widower can find a new spouse. Amma is irate that Megha has failed to produce the heir and her father has not paid the dowry. Megha knows law enforcement will think she is an inane bride and not intervene until she is dead from the execution of a fiery plan. Frightened she flees into the night to escape the arson's death. However, anyone she turns to for help will be ostracized by society. Her own family will reject her as a woman belongs to and with her husband and her best friend would be ruined. Megha decides her only hope resides with kindhearted Kiran, Ramnath's cousin; as he has showered her with respect although he has kept his distance from her. Outraged by his aunt's plan, he hides her in his apartment even while their attraction to each other turns to unacceptable love THE DOWRY BRIDE is an insightful look at India's culture as the beleaguered heroine has no options once Amma decides she must go without a scandal; which means homicide not divorce. The story line is incredible when the frantic Megha seeks help; once she mentally settles in Kiran's apartment, the exigency and stress abates somewhat yet also continues to provide a powerful discerning look at relationships. Still this is a fabulous look at the importance of a dowry in India in spite of laws protecting the rights (and apparently the life) of a bride. Harriet Klausner

India and all its ironies - Highly recommended

As someone who has lived in India, and had educated friends and relatives succumb to the demands for dowry ( some very subtle, some not so subtle), DOWRY BRIDE, is a book we needed. The issue has permeated all socio-economic strata's and faith groups in India and some brides do burn for not bringing enough of a dowry, while others live with taunts, abuse and discrimination for not having brought the laundry lists of goods demanded. Female infanticide in India has its roots in traditions such as this. Woven into fiction, 'The Dowry Bride' will perhaps do for dowry what 'Kite Runner' did for Afghani kids. Highly recommended!

The Dowry Bride - superb storytelling

In her debut novel, THE DOWRY BRIDE, Shobhan Bantwal has delivered a superb story that weaves the controversial and archaic custom of dowry with interesting cultural elements and vivid characters that keep the reader eagerly flipping the pages. The young bride and protagonist, Megha Ramnath, despite her good looks and intelligence ends up in a disappointing marriage that involves a weak husband and an abusive mother-in-law. The story opens with Megha's accidental discovery of her mother-in-law's plot to kill her for not bringing the promised dowry. A panicked Megha escapes to save herself from a gruesome death. Her extraordinary flight is what makes the story so unique and fascinating - constant suspense combined with stark fear and glimpses of hope. Ms. Bantwal has given readers a rare peek into the darker and more mysterious elements of a culture that can be curiously modern and conservative at the same time. The universal themes of betrayal, hope, love, and the resilience of the human spirit are captured beautifully in this book.