Title: Dalit Women and the Fullness of Life
Author: Christina Dhanuja
Publisher: Pengiun Viking
Type: Hardcover
Length: 272 pages
Age group: 15 years+ (mature & older teenagers onwards)
Written by the absolute talent that is Christina Dhanuja, this book discusses with absolute honesty the reality of being a Dalit woman, beyond a statistic or exaggerated stereotype, and the lived experience in a society that finds it more comfortable to talk about them as if they’re not complex people with desires, motivations or struggles beyond their caste, but also shaped by the treatment surrounding their caste.
As a reader who’s not great with non-fiction, I was a little intimidated to start the book, but I was instantly taken in by Dhanuja’s incredibly strong voice as an author. As I was reading, I genuinely felt like she was talking to me through the page. From the writing itself, you can hear exactly what she’s trying to explain or narrate, the emotions behind the words and the strength that they carry.
She also seems like she’d be one of the coolest people I’d know if I got to meet her in person – I’d love to hear her speak for hours on end.
Although the beginning of the book struggled to balance the anecdotes with the more objective research, this evens out as you read on. The writing also flows smoothly, guiding you through the transition of each. I personally really appreciated the notes that provided more context – it was a fantastic way to provide the necessary information without breaking the rhythm of the words.
Dhanuja’s insistence to move beyond pain and resilience, survivors or victims, breaks the mental structure that most people hold in their heads that Dalit women are one-dimensional and encourages people to look at them and their experiences fully. Caste permeates all aspects of our society, even if we don’t realise it – down to a systemic level. She calls this out whilst also discussing joy, sisterhood and community because representation involves ALL aspects of one’s life.
I cannot recommend this book to people enough. Not only is it eye-opening, but it’s also such a delight to read through with all the knowledge, wit and charisma it’s written with.
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