THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN BY BHABENDRA NATH SAIKIA (TRANSLATED FROM THE ASSAMESE NOVEL ANTOREEP BY MAITREYEE S.C)

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BOOK NAME: THE HOUR BEFORE DAWN 

AUTHOR NAME: BHABENDRA NATH SAIKIA (TRANSLATED FROM THE ASSAMESE NOVEL ANTOREEP BY MAITREYEE S.C)

GENRE: DOMESTIC FICTION

PUBLISHER: PENGUIN BOOKS




BOOK REVIEW

Some books we plan to read strategically based on our moods and needs, but a few others end up in our lives unplanned to change our entire perspective. One such book that made me thank my stars for accidentally uncovering a gem is this one. There is no doubt I loved it more than I expected. How did I get this lucky? Really!


This is the story of Menoka, who devoted herself to her husband, Mohikanto, and their four lovely children, toiling every day and finding joy in little things in life. But she wonders where she must have faltered when Mohikanto brings home a young girl, Kiron, unannounced as his second wife. She breaks, she shatters, she screams within herself. But she never lets anyone see her wreckage. Instead, she grows resilient and makes a few decisions that will forever change her relationship with Mohikanto and her elder son, Indro. It is the story of the making of a matriarch, Menoka, who goes from a caring, innocent wife to a stronger, self-sufficient mother.


To imagine that a man wrote this book, that too in the 1980s, more so in an Indian regional language, gives me exceptional joy. I do a little happy dance whenever a male author depicts an assertive woman exceptionally for who she is. The story is so nuanced, and every person and even material things in the book seem to have a life and purpose. There is no doubt that Menoka has become my favourite protagonist for her bold, straightforward stance. But also, many other characters managed to impact my mind, including Chitra, Kiron, Poornima, Indro, Modon, and many others.


I am glad I discovered a treasure, and I recommend that all of you read it, too. It’s not just another coming-of-age story or multigenerational saga but a powerful tale of womanhood, sisterhood, and finding oneself among chaos.


This is a part of BlogchatterA2Z2026 challenge

#penbooksandscalpel





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