Rapescars …a sensitive issue dealt with empathy and finesse

Nowadays, most of us write or try to write what people will like or enjoy reading. But Gaurav Sharma is one writer, who still believes that writing can change the society. Therefore he picks up a subject that is confronting our society. He says rather it is a subject that picks him up to write on it
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The issue of rape and sexual harassment is not a new thing, we have been regularly and consistently struggling to deal with this menace, and it has not been very long we witnessed tragic and barbaric Nirbhaya incident.

Gaurav Sharma’s second novel, Rapescars… deals with this sensitive issue but from a different point of view. The story not only deals with this social malaise but also the side-effects of it such as trauma, stigma, public disapproval and then life-long psychological and mental struggle for the survival.

As the story begins Akriti and Raman appear like any normal couple, and we find a romantic story in progress. As a reader I thought there would be an attack by an unknown person. But story takes a sudden turn and leaves us grasping.

Though we never come to know why Raman did what he did, we find a girl who is not going to let him get off easily. And when he is nailed and is about to receive the punishment, she feels the quantum of punishment is nominal in comparison to what she has gone through. So she decides to intervene and proposes marriage with her rapist. Incredulous isn’t it? Yes, it is but story doesn’t end with marriage, it only takes an interesting turn.

And if you want to know what happened thereafter you must read this book, Rapescars…

You may not agree with writer’s conclusion but Akriti’s point of view may compel you to understand a victim’s psychology. It does create some unease but Akriti’s character is strong and keeps the reader attached to her. The language of the book is simple, flawless and gripping. It is not a voluminous book and can be finished in a few sittings.

My congratulations to Gaurav Sharma for handling such a sensitive issue with empathy and finesse.