Renowned author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, known for her fictional retelling of mythological and historical stories from a woman’s perspective, has recently made a foray into non-fiction with her latest book, An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy. In an exclusive interview at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), she discussed her experience of writing non-fiction for the first time, the power of storytelling, and the importance of portraying complex and flawed characters in literature.
When questioned about her transition from fiction to non-fiction, Divakaruni expressed initial hesitation but was ultimately drawn to the largely unknown stories of the Murthys’ early life. She saw it as an opportunity to inspire and encourage readers through their remarkable journey, tapping into the emotions and relationships that defined their lives.
Despite the shift in genre, Divakaruni found parallels between writing non-fiction and her previous work in fiction. Drawing from her experience in portraying strong and flawed women in mythological and historical settings, she managed to infuse the biography with emotions and dramatic storytelling, providing readers with a nuanced and engaging narrative.
The conversation then turned to her recurring theme of strong and flawed women in her body of work. Divakaruni emphasized the importance of showcasing complex female characters, resisting the societal pressure to idealize heroines and instead portraying them as relatable and human. She spoke passionately about the immersion in her characters’ emotions, particularly in her latest book, where she felt a deep connection with Sudha’s experiences as a working mother.
When discussing the portrayal of mythological figures, Divakaruni highlighted the significance of presenting heroes and heroines as multifaceted and relatable, rather than glorifying them in a one-dimensional manner. She stressed the need for readers to relate and learn from these characters, steering clear of using them for propaganda or ideological purposes.
As the interview delved into the impact of literature on society, Divakaruni acknowledged the potential for books to be misused for propaganda and the propagation of divisive ideologies, particularly in the face of rising religious majoritarianism. She stressed the need for writers and readers to recognise the power of words and to use them to examine our times and uphold our common humanity, guarding against the misuse of literature for divisive agendas.
In her parting words, Divakaruni underscored the influence of readers in shaping the literary landscape, urging them to support books that embrace the complexities of human experience and promote empathy and understanding.
In conclusion, the interview with Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni shed light on the transformative power of storytelling, the portrayal of multifaceted characters, and the responsibility of literature in fostering empathy and unity in society. Her insights serve as a testament to the enduring impact of words and narratives in shaping our collective consciousness and understanding of the human spirit.
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