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Maitabi Banerjee has immense confidence in herself, and it shows in her assured writing. Meet one of the 3 Featured Authors on Women's Web, this August 2017.
Maitabi Banerjee has immense confidence in herself, and it shows in her assured writing. Meet one of the 3 Featured Authors on Women’s Web, this August 2017.
Women’s Web is a collection of very diverse voices, of Indian women (and a few men too), from around the globe. Every month, we feature 3 of our community members here, authors who have made a difference.
In August 2017, one of our Authors of the Month is Maitabi Banerjee. An avid reader, as well as someone who loves to review what she reads, Maitabi is great at bringing across the flavour of the book to her audience in simple language. Besides book blogging, she also blogs on the issues she sees around her everyday. You can view Maitabi’s writing here at Women’s Web, and on her own blog too.
Authors are often asked this question, but everyone has their own reasons, very personal to them. So, why do you write?
I write because I love to write. Well, that’s a cliche I guess. Honestly, I write because this is the only way I can express those unspoken words and emotions buried inside me. It makes me happy, satisfied and loved.
When and how did you first begin writing?
I began writing way back when I was in school. I loved everything about literature, poetry, reading, writing. And all these became even more prominent when I did my graduation in English and then Masters in Mass comm.
Do you have a muse?
I am my own muse. I inspire myself. I think no one else can. Everything, good or bad begins within you. Until you want, you believe nothing can act as a propeller or catalyst. With all the varied experiences I have, I think am complete in many ways!
Where do you get your ideas from?
Everything that is mentioned above. There is a story behind every smile, every tear, every pat on your back, every frown, I mean everything. You just need to look deep and bring that out. I get ideas from a simple hug that my kids give, a thanks from a friend, a simple conversation with my maid, a gossip with my mom, after a walk with my hubby, and most importantly my own experiences, which are essentially mine.
When it comes to writing on/for/about women, what questions and issues drive you the most?
The need for acceptance, Dignity, Non-judgement and Respect.
Anything you’d like to tell others who would want to write?
Just Write! Pour yourself out. Nothing is more gratifying, trust me!
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Gender stereotypes, though a by-product of the patriarchal society that we have always lived in, are now so intricately woven into our conditioning that despite our progressive thinking, we are unable to break free from them.
Repeatedly crossing, while on my morning walk ̶ a sticky, vine-coloured patch on the walkway, painted by jamuns that have fallen from the jamun tree, crushed by the impact of their fall, and perhaps, inadvertently trampled upon by walkers, awakens memories of the mulberry tree that stood in my parents’ house when I was growing up. Right at the entrance of the house, the tree caused a similar red and violet chaos on the floor, which greeted us each time we entered the gate.
Today, as I walked by this red-violet patch, I was reminded of an incident that my mother had narrated to me several times. It had taken place shortly after her marriage and her arrival in this house from her hometown.
Gitanjali was drawn into a relationship with this charming younger man against her better judgement, but soon after marriage came up against his narcissistic, abusive side.
After I read Beguiled by Ruchika Soi, I was reminded of the myth of Narcissus and Echo.
This poignant myth crystallizes the tragic problem of relationships with narcissists. Sadly, both partners are locked in a painful drama, where neither feels satisfied or sufficiently loved. The narcissist tends to blame the cause on his or her partner, and sees him or herself as someone who is beyond reproach, and too often his or her partner readily agrees to his theory and echoes his thoughts.
Considering this book is true story about a divorce, I wondered if it would be a vituperative account of a victim. But what surprised me was the way the really tough going was handled by the author.