"UNCHAIN MY HEART" - THE COMPELLING TALE OF FOUR MODERN INDIAN WOMEN TACKLING LIFE'S CHALLENGES
Acclaimed author Sharika Esther Sharma unveils her much-anticipated second book, "Unchain My Heart", published by Rupa Publications, set to be released on August 5, 2023. An exclusive book launch will take place in Delhi and Mumbai later that month, giving audiences a unique insight into the compelling narrative and its creation.
"Unchain My Heart" is a groundbreaking feminist drama that unfolds the riveting tales of four modern Indian women – Alya, Eisha, Reena, and Malini – as they navigate life’s challenges within the rapidly evolving cultural backdrop of contemporary India. Each character's journey is a testament to their struggle, resilience, and quest for personal fulfillment amidst societal expectations, pressures, and norms.
Alya, a charismatic and successful actress, grapples with the loneliness and emptiness at the height of her career. Eisha, married young to a wealthy man, finds herself entrapped in the soulless world of the ultra-rich. Reena, on the other hand, battles her insecurities about her appearance while dealing with the mounting pressure to marry. Lastly, the story of Malini, a privileged yet neglected woman, unfolds her journey towards self-discovery.
The narrative skilfully intertwines the women's lives, exploring their struggles with careers, marriages, relationships, and motherhood. It presents a unique yet universally familiar tale of modern Indian women striving not just to survive but to thrive in an intensely competitive world.
Sharika Esther Sharma, the half-Indian, half-Dutch author, uses her cross-cultural upbringing and versatile writing style to illuminate the complexities of these women's lives. A graduate of the University of San Diego, USA, with a degree in Communication Studies and English Literature, she has previously contributed insightful articles to The Asian Age and Education Times. Sharika has also lent her pen to television, having been part of a production for the Star Plus channel.
After her successful first book, "Monkeys in My Garden: Reflections from a Life in Isolation," a memoir penned during the lockdown, Sharma now embarks on a new journey with her first work of fiction, "Unchain My Heart." The compelling narrative marks her progression as a versatile author who skillfully navigates the spectrum between personal memoirs and feminist fiction.
"Unchain My Heart" is a significant addition to contemporary Indian literature. Its characters, their struggles, dreams, and resolutions speak to the heart of the reader, reflecting the realities of millions of women in a society that is constantly balancing tradition and modernity.
"Within each woman's heart, there's an unchained melody, a symphony of dreams and ambitions, resilience and courage. It is in giving voice to this melody, in letting it rise above the din of societal norms and expectations, that we truly liberate ourselves." - Sharika Sharma
In the vibrant underbelly of Delhi's elite, Alya is swept into a vortex of high-society shenanigans. At a bachelorette party on Prithviraj Road, the evening takes a dystopian turn as champagne flows freely, cocaine lines the washrooms, and a Viagra-stimulated male stripper dances amongst them. Alya, repelled by the vacant hedonism, leaves the party, her admiration for Eisha's seemingly carefree lifestyle now tinged with uncertainty.
Alya's journey takes her from a wild party to the more serene Act India Forum, where thinkers and doers from all walks of life come together to discuss world problems. There, she encounters Dharmesh Pawar, her past lover, reigniting feelings of regret and longing for the love she once spurned due to his modest means. A discovery awaits her in Mumbai, further fueling her tumultuous emotional state.
At the Cannes Film Festival, Alya mingles with the rich and powerful. Sheikh Adnan Ahmad bin Sultan Al-Ibrahim, one of the Middle East's wealthiest men, extends an invitation to her and director Jim Jonas for a lunch on his yacht. Amidst the glitz, glamour, and unexpected incidents, Alya receives a marriage proposal from the charismatic Sheikh. Meanwhile, unknown to her, a clandestine duo is snapping away, hoping to capture the newly single Alya in a scandalous moment.
A timely and much-needed narrative, "Unchain My Heart" illuminates the resilience and strength of Indian women in a changing cultural milieu. Through the lens of these four women, readers will get a glimpse of the triumphs, tears, trials, and tribulations that make up the fabric of their lives.
The book presents the journey of its characters through a variety of ups and downs in their personal and professional lives. From the high-stakes world of property development and refurbishment to the glamorous yet challenging realm of Bollywood, the narrative weaves an intricate tale of ambition, power, and survival.
"Within each woman's heart, there's an unchained melody, a symphony of dreams and ambitions, resilience and courage. It is in giving voice to this melody, in letting it rise above the din of societal norms and expectations, that we truly liberate ourselves." - Sharika Sharma
"Unchain My Heart" will be available from August 5, 2023, online and in bookstores worldwide. It promises to touch the hearts of readers, offering a fresh perspective on the journeys of Indian women in the modern world.
About Sharika Esther Sharma:
Sharika Esther Sharma is a published author of Indian and Dutch descent, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful exploration of the human experience. A graduate of the University of San Diego, USA, Sharma's works encompass a wide range of topics, reflecting her diverse background and unique insights into modern Indian society.
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