Book Review

Overwinter
Ratika Kapur
Hachette India
Rs. 495

Bold and absolutely brilliant – two words that best describe Ratika Kapur’s debut novel. And rightly so. Overwinter wouldn’t have been long-listed for the Man Asian Literary Prize if it wasn't anything but riveting. So what is it about the book that holds you spellbound from start to finish? It has to be the very convincing portrayal of an urban-Indian existence. There is an acute awareness and understanding that we chance upon as the story unfolds, that such a realistic portrayal of family life can only come from personal experience. Because let’s face it, writing about realistic family dynamics, though this is not a typical Indian family, and relationships can only be achieved with some sort of personal knowledge, whether known first hand or not.

Set in Delhi, the story surrounds protagonist Ketaki Khanna and her aunt Neera Sood in the wake of a terrible tragedy. What follows is their individual ways of dealing with adversity. Neera finds it best to evade the problem, sending her into a downward spiral of denial almost leading to a nervous breakdown. The manner in which Ketaki chooses to deal (if you can call it that) with the onslaught of troubles and family secrets is to drink, smoke and sleep around.

What is remarkable, however, is the fact that the author is completely unapologetic in her style and approach and the way she chooses to portray Ketaki and the lifestyle she leads. She makes no attempt at disguising or even delicately stating that Ketaki is seriously screwed up.

Kapur has done an exceptional job of capturing human emotions, particularly pain, betrayal and the loss of a loved one. What you ultimately take away from the story is a feeling of unrest and turmoil. If that stems from the fact that we don’t really know what happens in the end, whether Ketaki and Neera are ultimately able to move on from their fractured existence, is left to interpretation. But one thing is for certain, Ratika Kapur can write, and write well!

My Take


A story that will stay with you long after the last page has been turned, Overwinter is a realistic portrayal of how deeply guarded secrets can be the ruin of you. Highly recommended.

By Charlene Flanagan