A Rag Doll after my Heart

Originally published in 1966, this novella by Anuradha Vaidya explores a mother's longing for her daughter, depicting their evolving relationship through lyrical free verse and rich allegorical imagery.

A Rag Doll after My Heart, originally published in 1966 by the acclaimed Marathi author Anuradha Vaidya, is a poignant free verse novella that now makes its debut in English, translated by Shruti Nargundkar. This lyrical narrative explores the timeless theme of a woman's yearning for a daughter and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. The story begins with a profound and unconditional love between mother and daughter, but as time unfolds, it reveals a growing distance and tension that complicates their bond.

Vaidya skillfully crafts the mother-daughter relationship, portraying it as a complex game with established rules that can be bent or reinterpreted. This metaphor invites readers to engage deeply with the characters, as they navigate the intricacies of their lives. The playful yet reflective tone of the novella encourages readers to connect with the underlying emotions and experiences of the characters, drawing them into a world that is both familiar and thought-provoking.

Throughout the narrative, Vaidya employs rich allegorical imagery, enhancing the poetic quality of the text. Each page is filled with allusions to life as a game played on a global stage, where the characters are depicted as pawns in a larger narrative. This creative approach not only captivates the reader's imagination but also prompts reflection on the complexities of familial relationships and the universal quest for connection and understanding.