Daughter of Luharu: Book Review

Daughter of Luharu by Monica Sudhir Gupta is a powerful tale of resilience set against India’s freedom struggle. Roheeni, married at eight, fights patriarchy, injustice, and fate to break the cycle for her daughter. A must-read for historical fiction lovers.

on Mar 19, 2025

A powerful tale of resilience, patriarchy, and breaking cycles.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of India’s freedom struggle and partition, Daughter of Luharu by Monica Sudhir Gupta is an evocative narrative of endurance, oppression, and the indomitable spirit of a woman forced into marriage at the tender age of eight. Roheeni’s journey from a powerless child bride to a woman grappling with deep-seated societal norms makes for an immersive and thought-provoking read.

Gupta vividly pictures the bleak situation of a patriarchal society of pre-independent Haryana, wherein Roheeni struggles against the tyrannical mother-in-law and the evasive husband besides her own induced silence. The climax of the novel comes in when her daughter is to face the same plight—will Roheeni snap the chain and change the sequence, or history repeat itself?

What makes Daughter of Luharu extraordinary is its ability to remain relevant even after seventy-four years of India’s independence. Roheeni’s struggles with self-worth, love, and motherhood resonate deeply, making readers question whether societal norms have truly evolved. In a way, the book serves as India’s own A Thousand Splendid Suns, shedding light on the silent battles many women continue to fight even today.

Monica Sudhir Gupta’s writing is poignant and immersive, blending historical accuracy with raw emotion. Her deep understanding of human emotions and societal conditioning makes Roheeni’s story all the more compelling. The novel is not just a piece of historical fiction—it is a mirror to our past and a question mark on our present.

For those who enjoy strong female-led stories with a historical twist, Daughter of Luharu is a read not to be missed. It is a tale of bravery, survival, and the constant search for identity in a world that refuses women their own voice.

Verdict: A must-read for fans of historical fiction and strong women's stories.