Promises for Tomorrow is a thought-provoking fictional book written by Pushpa M. Parmar. She explored the life of Indians in South Africa against the backdrop of the 1940s and 1950s.
The book follows a 12-year-old Indian girl named Rekha, who is growing up living all the disparities the woman has to go through, and to make it even worse there’s her abusive mother who used to abuse her physically for not doing the household chores properly. This book questions the societal status of women without losing the essence of the story.
Book Review: Promise for Tomorrow by Pushpa M. Parmar
Sometimes we don’t even understand that something wrong is occurring with us. We become so acquainted with the things happening around us that we often ignore the fact that this is not something we deserve. But, one day will come when you will finally stand up for yourself and face the world. Promises for Tomorrow will teach you how to stand up for yourself and face the challenges with power.
Setting ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story is about a girl named Rekha who is living with her parents and siblings. She used to cook, clean, and take responsibility for her siblings. She was performing the role of a suitable to-be wife. Engrossed in regular societal prejudice, Rekha’s determination to make an identity of herself was both inspirational and touching.
For her, the meaning of freedom was getting married where she wouldn’t be beaten for household chores, where she could live happily with his husband and have babies. The story portrays racial prejudice, gender bias, and the privileges we often take for granted.
Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rekha was born in an Indian family residing in South Africa. Engulfed with patriarchal thoughts, her mother used Rekha and her sister as mere housekeepers and held them away from all the basic privileges given to the males of her family.
Rekha had a cousin named Manjuben who was treated as the polar opposite of her and enjoyed the life of Rekha’s dream. As Manjuben was getting married, all Rekha could imagine was a life full of freedom and love.
When Rekha heard the news that she was getting married soon, she couldn’t wait
to begin her new life with her partner and end her oppressed life.
For her, marriage is the key to ending all her suffering and struggles she went through so many years, and was the beginning of her actual life. This book will confront you with so many questions you might be seeing daily but ignoring every time.
Theme ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a story with well-curated characters who dare to hope for a better life despite having millions of struggles. The author unveils the lesser-known saga of women throughout history and provokes the discussion regarding empowerment and equality.
Writing ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The plot and writing style of the author is really engaging and the language is very lucid. Readers can easily resonate with the characters and the attention to detail was just the cherry on the cake. Once you grab the book you can’t put it down without finishing it.
| Setting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Plot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Writing Style | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Vowelor Review: A heartwarming story that unveils a fresh perspective of the women battling societal prejudices in the 1900’s. |
4.0 |
Reasons to add this book to your TBR
If you are looking for some thought-provoking books then Pushpa Parmar’s Promises for Tomorrow is the right pick for you. This book contains everything you crave. The author’s portrayal of Rekha makes it very touching and heartwarming. Rekha’s emergence from oppression was a turning point in this book. The book offers its readers a fresh perspective of the women living in the 1900’s. If you are a fiction lover you can’t afford to miss this book.
About the Author: Pushpa M. Parmar
Pushpa M. Parmar is a Canadian author of Indian Gujarati descent. Living in Toronto, she is married and has 3 children. Born in South Africa, she has a passion for history and ‘herstory’ and giving voice to the many voiceless women of generations past and present. She has lived and worked in the USA, UK, and Canada. Her father, an anti-apartheid activist, and her family moved to Canada as political exiles from South Africa via Zambia.
Read the full interview of Pushpa M. Parmar where she candidly talks about herself, her journey, and her books.
This review was written by one of the Vowelor’s book review team members – Shruti Kapoor. She is a content writer and an aspiring journalist.
Shruti is a generous person who always has a special space for plants and animals in her life. In her free time, she loves to read philosophy and stuff that stimulates her intellectually.
