|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lilacs Bloom in my Backyard Ramona, the protagonist, is a successful interior designer. While on a holiday in the US, she decides to call off her three-week-old engagement just five days before her wedding, shocking her parents who are concerned more about the backlash from society than the feelings of their own daughter. Their insensitive behaviour hurts Ramona, but she has already made up her mind and is ready to face the consequences with a broken heart and a cold smile. Back home in India, the 30-year-old professional finds solace in the company of her adorable pets, ‘Hunter’ and ‘Candy’. Her busy work schedule make her forget the pain and misery and help her cope up with the emotional vacuum in her life. However, her efforts to lead a detached life do not last long. Her friend Misha, a painter by profession, confides in her that she had been living in an abusive relationship with her husband for years. Ramona’s heart aches for Misha and she motivates her to make one last attempt to save her marriage. The plot is woven around failed marriages and relationships that are either dying or are dead. Ramona’s own failed relationship with her fiancé Amit, her parents’ marriage which is more like a compromise, her sister Ragini’s marriage that goes through a rough patch and finally, her friend Misha’s marriage that has gone sour baffle her and she finds comfort in the thought that there is no man in her life. As time passes, the coldness between Misha and her husband grows and so does Ramona’s fondness for Misha and her daughter Aastha. The unusual intimacy between the two friends alarms Ramona’s mother whose insensitive behaviour hurts Ramona and pushes her more towards Misha. She bares her heart and soul to Misha which initially bewilders her, but soon she realises that even she desires Ramona the way Ramona desired her. Unable to bear her father’s coldness and mother’s insensitivity towards her feelings, since they want her to toe their line, Ramona decides to move out of the house. Support comes from where it was least expected. Ramona’s friend and business partner Ravi stands by her in everything she does and wants to do. His support adds wings to her dreams. The story brings to the fore the hollowness and artificiality of most relations at the same time restoring one’s faith in goodness of unconditional friendship and love. Towards the end, Ramona and Misha discover that they are made for each other and foster a bond to last a lifetime. Although it doesn’t seem to be a cakewalk, they remain firm in their resolve. But then, does the relationship actually last? Does society accept their relationship? Do they regret entering the relationship later in their life? Such questions keep popping up in reader’s mind but he gets all answers before he puts the book down.
|
THE novel is a bold depiction of a challenging subject—alternate sexuality. Written in simple prose, it revolves around a modern professional woman who courageously defies the age-old traditions and chooses to lead her life the way she wants without bothering about society. Revolt against the established norms of society and hypocrisy in relationships due to societal pressure is what forms the crux of the story. Rich descriptive details lend a light touch to an otherwise gloomy story. The agony of the main characters is brought out in a manner that arouses sympathy towards them. 