Book Review "Golden Gate"

By: Moin Uddin

I read the Novel book "GOLDEN GATE" written by Shrijana Sharma. It's a story of a simple average middle-class girl whose dream – is like any other person – wanting to live in the prosperous country and living life contentedly.

Like most of the Nepalis –Mahima – the main character of the story, fills DV (Diversity Visa) and gets an opportunity to live in US (United States), but her dreams of living life there with her husband and children were not coming true.

The America she dreamed was not like what she imagined, instead she felt – it was a land filled with struggle, however she thought that – one can earn money according to the hard work they do there. She struggled.

In her hardship days, she meets many people –transgender –her brother (for whom she met there knowing him as a Nepali and made her brother) – her mitini – an old man – and finally to an Indian man- Rupesh – where she worked in his house as a nanny to his son –Rahul.

Day in and day out spending time together and getting closer to each other – Mahima breaks the societal barrier without any regret and enjoy intimate sexual process.

After much struggle her husband Pranaya comes to US with his two children. 

His dreams of pursuing PhD gets shattered knowing that Mahima spent – intimate moments with the Indian Guy.

The story ends in a liberal way. 

Mahima was ready to face any decisions to be taken by her husband – whether he'll accept her – or Divorce her?

Pranaya on the other hand gets trapped in a situation where he can't accept nor leave her –as he gets haunted by what his society might say when he returns Nepal.

He feels bad of sending her to US and also regrets saying to himself, "I have send my wife to the brothel to get the American visa, I am useless,…"

Later he accepts her in his own thought without letting her know his feelings.

It ends in Mahima's determination, "I'll be struggling –alone, no-matter what comes in the process".

The plot and concept is good. Language is simple. Some English words are used, perhaps it's digestible. The writer has used Proverb and idioms –many.

There is less creativity in the novel and is same like any other writer writes, but the story is regular with newness.

The book is written in a form of first person but from page 178, "Pranaya ka paila Newyork ma" the story telling is in a third person.

Some letters are missing from a word. Suspense could have been used to make it more interesting for the readers to read as almost the story can be predicted.

Hom Bhattarai has edited the book and the cover of the book is made by Kuruchi Das Gupta and the title "Golden gate" suites the novel. Akshar Creation has published it. The book is of 211 pages and its Market Price is Rs 290.

The book is about struggle and dreams shown from a women perspective. May be it was written because the writer herself is a woman.


So to hear the book review of this novel then go through this you-tube link 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlYoMi1sGgk&feature=youtu.be