The small, serene town of Rangvihar, nestled away from the chaos of Delhi, appears idyllic on the surface. However, this peaceful facade is shattered when a group of six women, each harboring secrets and scars from their pasts, come together to form a bond in this seemingly tranquil setting. Falguni, Kesri, Gunjan, Asha, Farzeen, and Rani find solace in their newfound friendship as they seek a fresh start in their lives. Yet, fate has a different plan in store for them.
The tranquil atmosphere of Rangvihar is disrupted when Falguni’s teenage daughter goes missing, unveiling the dark underbelly of the town. Shocking revelations about an ongoing human trafficking ring come to light, leading to more disappearances and tragedies. Despite their efforts to seek help from the local authorities, the women find themselves ensnared in a web of danger. As they navigate through this crisis, they also unravel unexpected truths about each other, testing the strength of their sisterhood.
Author Sreya Sarkar delves into these intricate themes of female friendship and social justice in her debut novel, “Beneath the Veneer.” In an engaging interview with Surabhi Pandey for India Currents, Sarkar shares insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind her compelling narrative.
Unveiling the Heart of the Story
When asked about the inception of her novel, Sarkar reveals that the climax of the plot was the initial seed, followed by a focus on world-building and character development. The story evolved organically, driven by the characters’ motivations and the intricate details of their intertwined lives. At the core of the narrative lies the strong bond of friendship among the female characters, shedding light on the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity.
Sarkar eloquently weaves together the themes of trauma, societal indifference towards women’s struggles, and the hidden stories of everyday female relationships. By placing a diverse group of women in a crisis that forces them to confront their past traumas, Sarkar crafts a poignant tale that resonates with the complexities of female experiences in a patriarchal society.
Challenges and Surprises in the Writing Process
Reflecting on the most challenging aspects of writing her book, Sarkar acknowledges the emotional toll of immersing herself in solemn topics and the delicate balance of portraying authentic emotions. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and knowing when to step back from the fictional world to preserve her emotional well-being. Through the editing process, Sarkar discovered the evolution of her voice as a writer, showcasing her growth and maturation throughout the creative journey.
Surprisingly, Sarkar found herself rewriting parts of her book to simplify the narrative, highlighting the continuous evolution of her writing style and sensibilities. This realization underscores the dynamic nature of the writer-reader relationship and the ongoing growth that writers experience in their craft.
As Sarkar contemplates the possibility of a sequel to “Beneath the Veneer,” she remains open to exploring the future trajectories of her characters while also delving into other pressing topics like climate change. Her advice for aspiring novelists emphasizes the importance of reading widely, exploring different genres, and writing about topics that ignite a passionate spark within the writer’s soul.
In conclusion, Sreya Sarkar’s exploration of female friendships and societal challenges in small towns offers a poignant reflection on the resilience of women in the face of adversity. Through her evocative storytelling and nuanced character development, Sarkar invites readers to delve into the intricacies of human relationships and the enduring power of solidarity in the midst of turmoil. As she continues to navigate the literary landscape with grace and insight, Sarkar’s voice resonates as a beacon of empathy and authenticity in the realm of contemporary fiction.
