Review of Hidden Women: Dara's Tree and Cosmic and Eternal Love

[Jennifer Coxon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hidden Women: Dara's Tree and Cosmic and Eternal Love" by Amrita Sen.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Hidden Women: Dara’s Tree and Cosmic and Eternal Love by Amrita Sen is a compilation of two short stories based on women in religious mythology. In both cases, the author explores what happens when the woman is at the forefront of the story.

The first story included is called ‘Dara’s Tree’. Dara and her family moved out of the city onto a farm when her father sold their house. There was not much to do in the countryside, but Dara found happiness in the mighty tree in one of the fields. Her father wanted the tree gone because he could not farm that field due to the leaves falling on the ground. He agreed to keep the tree if Dara maintained the area, removing all the fallen leaves. She worked morning and night to clear the field. One day, Dara stayed out late with friends after school. When she returned home, the tree was gone. Dara left the farm that night. She felt the tree was the sole thing keeping her there. She worked through villages until she found herself in the city where she was born. Find out what happened to her.

The second story is called ‘Cosmic and Eternal Love’. Radha worked in her family business, where she bound books. One day, a lady asked Radha to use honey and gold to cover a book for her baby son. Radha was unsure how to make the bindings. However, she did as was required. The next day, the woman returned to collect the book and asked for another book to be bound the same. This pattern repeated over several days, and each time, Radha started to perceive the face of a charming baby boy. Once all the books were bound, the woman took Radha to see her baby, Krishna. Find out how Radha’s story progresses.

I liked the overall formatting of the book. The author used short, simple sentence structures, which made the story accessible and strangely soothing. The background music added to the atmosphere like illustrations in other material. In large, I consider the stories to be pleasant. They did not meet my expectations, but there was nothing to dislike. I noted no errors.

The stories held lessons, but the book did not capture my heart or imagination. Despite there being nothing to dislike, I found the book average. As such, I rate the book three out of five stars.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy variations on Hindu and Buddhist mythology. I think prior knowledge of the original stories will help to provide a contrast with the stories included in this book.

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Hidden Women: Dara's Tree and Cosmic and Eternal Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

[Marina Flisvou]

Your feedback provides valuable insights for potential readers. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and provide an honest review.

[Cara Wilding]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hidden Women: Dara's Tree and Cosmic and Eternal Love" by Amrita Sen.]

The first story included is called ‘Dara’s Tree’. Dara and her family moved out of the city onto a farm when her father sold their house. There was not much to do in the countryside, but Dara found happiness in the mighty tree in one of the fields. Her father wanted the tree gone because he could not farm that field due to the leaves falling on the ground. He agreed to keep the tree if Dara maintained the area, removing all the fallen leaves. She worked morning and night to clear the field. One day, Dara stayed out late with friends after school. When she returned home, the tree was gone. Dara left the farm that night. She felt the tree was the sole thing keeping her there. She worked through villages until she found herself in the city where she was born. Find out what happened to her.

The second story is called ‘Cosmic and Eternal Love’. Radha worked in her family business, where she bound books. One day, a lady asked Radha to use honey and gold to cover a book for her baby son. Radha was unsure how to make the bindings. However, she did as was required. The next day, the woman returned to collect the book and asked for another book to be bound the same.

I liked the overall formatting of the book. The author used short, simple sentence structures, which made the story accessible and strangely soothing. The background music added to the atmosphere like illustrations in other material. In large, I consider the stories to be pleasant. They did not meet my expectations, but there was nothing to dislike. I noted no errors.

The stories held lessons, but the book did not capture my heart or imagination.

Jennifer, if only you could have seen my face drop when I read "...the tree was gone." I loved the way you framed that tree, and the emotion it evoked knowing it was gone - nicely done! The second story has a bit of a mysterious vibe to it with the whole honey and gold. Was this an audiobook?! I only ask because of the "music." Dang it, I'm sorry it failed to capture your heart or imagination - the way you described it had so much potential. As always, I enjoyed your review, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this one. Until next time...

[MsH2k]

These stories sound interesting. I wonder what Radha discovered when she went to see the baby Krishna. I think his name may hold a clue. Like Cara, I am intrigued by your mention of background music. Was this an audiobook?
Thank you for your take on these tales.

[Jennifer Coxon]

Jennifer, if only you could have seen my face drop when I read "...the tree was gone." I loved the way you framed that tree, and the emotion it evoked knowing it was gone - nicely done! The second story has a bit of a mysterious vibe to it with the whole honey and gold. Was this an audiobook?! I only ask because of the "music." Dang it, I'm sorry it failed to capture your heart or imagination - the way you described it had so much potential. As always, I enjoyed your review, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this one. Until next time...

Thanks, Cara. Yes, it was an audiobook. It almost sounded like it should be playing at a spa. Very sedate.

[Cara Wilding]

Jennifer, if only you could have seen my face drop when I read "...the tree was gone." I loved the way you framed that tree, and the emotion it evoked knowing it was gone - nicely done! The second story has a bit of a mysterious vibe to it with the whole honey and gold. Was this an audiobook?! I only ask because of the "music." Dang it, I'm sorry it failed to capture your heart or imagination - the way you described it had so much potential. As always, I enjoyed your review, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this one. Until next time...

Thanks, Cara. Yes, it was an audiobook. It almost sounded like it should be playing at a spa. Very sedate.

That makes so much sense! Ohhhh, that might put me to sleep...not ideal if I'm trying to review