The Other End of the Corridor by Sujata Rajpal

Leela is a bored, frustrated, humiliated and childless housewife. She  did have romantic dreams about her marital life and an ardent aspiration to become a RJ. However, with time, her dreams and aspirations get diluted by the constant pressures of her suffocating marriage. 

At a point when her days move without anything to look forward to, she lets her heart and mind waver in the direction of shallow gratifications until something happens that changes her life forever. 

The dormant warrior in her gets revived and she is no more the woman who worships her husband's feet. 

Hailing from a simple, middle class family, Leela doesn't have a big say in choosing a life partner. Fortunately, an alliance from an educated, well-off family comes her way for their handsome boy. Leela feels blessed, for finally her dark life at her maternal home is about to see light. However, what her marital life turns out to be is a complete disbelief to what she had dreamt of. 

She continues to remain submissive to her ill-fate. Though she lacks emotional support from close acquaintances, she finds excitement in the high class lifestyles of her friends and the cyber world. Their possessions allure her to that extent that she even compromises her dignity for second-hand clothes and accessories from her friend. And soon a new and an important acquaintance springs up, who unknowingly turns her destiny upside down at a later stage. 

The author hasn't spilled a bean, in the book blurb. That makes me oblige her way and hence I am not revealing much about the plot here. However, as it can be inferred, it's the story of how a submissive woman, at one point, gathers courage to break free of all shackles to pursue her dreams. 

"The corridor, I was walking down didn't have a trace of illumination. I couldn't see the other end. But I kept moving and now, when I have reached the other end, I realize that more than the light, you need the determination to keep moving, keep struggling for your dreams, for your existence, for your survival." (From Leela's Concluding speech, Page 237)

Strong Characterizations

It was as though I lived the life of Leela, in her confinement. Every blow and every abuse she faces will move the reader's emotions. Not just Leela; her husband and mother-in-law were standing-out characters as well. 

A Peep into the Psyche of a Neglected Wife

It isn't easy to be a housewife. Especially, when one is passionate about working outside. With Leela, loneliness and an unloved feeling adds to the pain. The emotional intricacies of a destitute Indian woman is brilliantly brought out. 

Strong Social Impact

The book is especially about women of our society who are confined within a distasteful marriage, but are bound by societal norms making themselves resign to their nemesis. From a social point of view, I appreciate authors as Sujata who bring into light, the many untold domestic issues of the women of our country. Perhaps, the percentage of women subjected to such traumas must have reduced in the recent years, at least in the urban regions. However, such cases are not yet completely ruled out from a male-dominated society like our's. 

This book must not be missed by women who are undergoing strong emotional tug-of-wars about breaking their marriages. I don't mean it can give one the courage to step out of an ugly marriage. But it will help one to get clarity, from a wider perspective, about what a woman should compromise and what she shouldn't. 

Not for Impulsive Women

The plot carries strong sides against male chauvinists and a few emotional domestic violence scenes. I will not recommend this book to women who tend to get agitated by the slightest assaults on women. It could leave them disturbed beyond the fact that it's just a fiction. 

Slightly Contrived at a Few Places

It is definitely a well-thought and well-planned plot. But, towards the climax, it felt as though the positive changes unfolded a little too suddenly. However, it did sync well with the flow. Also, Leela's final speech did not bring justice to the expected inspirational emotion that the actual story did. 

Engaging Write-up

238 pages didn't really feel like 238! The story line is captivating enough to move fast through the pages. Especially as a debut work, The Other End of the Corridor is admirable!

Reviewed for the Author

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as a complimentary copy from the Author in exchange for a honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Title: The Other End of the Corridor

Author: Sujata Rajpal

Publisher: Mahaveer Publishers

Pages:238

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About the Book

When your dreams are tainted with lies and deceit, you have no other choice but to walk to the other end of the corridor

Leela has nothing extraordinary about her except the dream to become famous. Her desires take wings when she gets married to a handsome boy from a respectable family in Delhi. But her dreams are shattered even before they have a chance to take flight.

She happens to meet two friends from a long forgotten past, which infuses hope and opens new avenues to realize her dormant aspirations.

Leela delves into previously unexplored paths of deception and forbidden passions that only make her stronger.

In an attempt to rediscover herself, she falls in love with life and with herself but her life takes a sudden turn again…

No matter what, Leela will continue to chase her dreams.

Where does this journey take her?

About the Author

Sujata Rajpal heads Corporate Communications & Public Relations function of an IT MNC in Mysore. She aspires to be a full time author one day. Sujata holds an MPhil degree in Economics and has studied Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. She regularly contributes articles and short stories to publications and journals, such as Star of Mysore, Femina, Deccan Herald. Her short stories have been published in E Fiction India and Women’s Web. Her debut novel –The Other End of the Corridor was published in January 2015.