The Forbidden Daughter
Book Club Reading Lists

Book Club Reading Lists: The Forbidden Daughter

In Isha and Nikhil's country female children are seen as a burden. A son is considered the joy of a family and so pregnancy is a highly anticipated and speculated about event. Although illegal, some doctors in India preform sonograms to learn the baby's sex and then assist the parents in selectively aborting a female fetus, if they so choose.

When Isha and Nikhil find out their second child will also be a girl they are delighted and dismayed all at once. Their first daughter, Priya has never been treated with love or shown any affection by her grandparents. In fact, Nikhil's father and mother have made it clear they wish for Isha to have a selective abortion if she finds out she is having another girl. Both Isha and Nikhil strongly oppose this and feel that the doctor performing them should suffer some consequence.

When Nikhil is brutally killed in what looks like a robbery gone bad, Isha is left pregnant, with a five year old daughter in her in-laws care. Not more than several weeks after Nikhil's death, she takes her daughter and her belly and leaves to find them a better life.

Her path is fraught with hardship from this point forward. With no money and no help it seems uncertain whether or not Isha and her girls will survive. Fortunately, her path is also blessed with the introduction of some very helpful, kind individuals who might just be able to lend Isha a hand in finding her way as a single mother.

Book Club Reading Lists: The Forbidden Daughter Opinion

This book brings to light an issue worthy of reflection and discussion. The practice of selective abortion in India appears to be highly illegal as well as highly common. As I read this book I had to keep reminding myself that this really does happen otherwise I would have thought it too awful to be true.

Isha's story is sad and painful for any woman, and especially a mother, to read. Imagine being told that your tiny, wonderful infant girl is the cause of so many unfortunate events in your family. It's no wonder Isha decides she must leave!

The characters are heartwarming and realistic. From Priya and Harish's quick friendship, to Baba and Ayee's horrific behavior, Bantwal paints a believable picture of life in contemporary India. I found the writing to be simplistic in style but powerful none-the-less. Probably my favorite thing about this book is that I could find hope even in desperate circumstances. Isha's strong will and tenacity don't allow her to just lay down and die when things get tough. I hope if I ever found myself in a similar situation that I would rise to the occasion just the same.

Book Club Reading Lists: The Forbidden Daughter Discussion Questions

1. Would you have left your in-laws home under the circumstances as Isha does?
2. Do you find it ridiculous that Ayee blames all her family problems on an infant?
3. Should Isha marry Harish?

Return from Book Club Reading Lists: The Forbidden Daughter to Home