Background of the Novel

The independence of India with its cursed partition lies at the background of the novel. The book is a family story of Sushila, a forced migrant from erstwhile East Pakistan.

The shocking declaration of partition at once made them alien to their motherland. The eight-membered family, forced by circumstances to leave behind rich property, set out for India penniless. Sushila's father-in-law died on the way. That stunning blow brought her back to her past life under the guidance of her father-in-law, whose tremendous personality she tried to present, reminiscing past incidents.

Social and Educational Context

The contemporary social milieu and the educational system in erstwhile East Pakistan are presented through the bringing up and education of Nirbed, Sushila's elder son.

Family Hardships and Survival

The ineffable hardship and struggle of the family and finally their survival at the cost of a number of deaths that the family faced deserve praise, but Sushila was then beyond all acclaims.