Book: Burnt Sugar

"Burnt Sugar" by Avni Doshi is a gripping exploration of the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between a mother and daughter. The novel is set in the vibrant city of Pune, India, and follows Antara, an artist struggling with the emotional baggage of her past as she endeavors to care for her ailing mother, Tara, who is grappling with early-onset dementia. Through Antara's reflections, Doshi meticulously peels back the layers of their fraught history, revealing a tapestry of resentment, love, and betrayal.

As Antara confronts her memories, the narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the inescapable ties of family. The prose is both sharp and evocative, capturing the nuances of Antara's internal conflict and the shifting dynamics of their relationship. Doshi’s exploration of the complexities of maternal bonds is both unsettling and deeply moving, painting a portrait of two women bound together by necessity and shared history. "Burnt Sugar" is a compelling read that challenges the reader to contemplate the nature of memory and the enduring impact of past traumas on present realities.