True courage results in some extraordinary outcomes, something which we hope for deep down in our hearts but don’t expect in our practical life and yet life surprises us with some beyond imaginable out-turns, only because of our courageous and bold decisions!   

Reviewing this Short Stories book, “The Goddess’s Homecoming: Stories of Hope and Courage” by Author Nibedita Deb has been a special experience to me since I started reading this book during the festival days of Navaratri and clearly the theme of this wonderful book is based upon Durga Puja, as the readers can make out simply from the title of this book.

About the Author: Nibedita Deb hails from the City from Joy. She is a two-time gold medal awardee – first from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and then from Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA). She is also the recipient of Sir Ratan Tata Trust Scholarship (2013) and All India Reynold’s Scholarship (2003).

In 2017, she founded Curioven, a boutique content development agency, and was adjudged as a winner at the National Leadership Awards 2020 in ‘Women Entrepreneurs’ category for her outstanding work. She has been trained in Rabindra Sangeet and Hindustani Classical Music and loves to discuss art, music, movies, innovation, and books.

She can be reached at author@nibeditadeb.com.

Title: The title of this book, “The Goddess’s Homecoming: Stories of Hope and Courage” is most certainly a catchy title and this is something which makes the book even more interesting, as the title itself compels you as a reader to pick up this book for a read. You would feel the urge to go inside the chapters and try to understand the Author’s description of the festival and the stories set in the backdrop of this huge Durga Puja celebration in West Bengal.

Moreover, the addition of “Sub-Title” to this book has made it even more interesting and relevant to theme of the Navaratri festival. The words like Hope and Courage creates a very positive impact and as a reader you would certainly pick up a book, which would give you a positive vibe.

Well, the Author Nibedita Deb has completely succeeded in choosing a perfect Book Title and her stories had also fully indeed justified the title. Therefore, I must mention that it’s a very apt title for this short-stories collection book and the Author had been extremely wise to go for this title.

Theme/Concept: Short Stories – There are a total of “5 Reading Worthy Stories” in this book and they serve the readers with the beautiful portrayal of rural and suburban Durgotsav celebrated by the Bengali Community. It recognizes women who muster the courage to fight demons that lurk both within and outside of themselves.

As mentioned by the Author, ‘This anthology of short stories is set against the backdrop of the most important festival of the Bengali community – Durga Puja.’ It forays into the premise that Goddess Durga is more than just a warrior from mythic times. The stories unfold across the five important days of the festival, i.e. Shoshti: The Sixth Element, Shaptami: Seven Steps to Heaven, Ashtami: Anjali’s Eight Virtues, Navami: The Ninth Rasa, and Dashami: Vijayapath – The Road to Victory – and take the readers on a tumultuous yet eye-opening journey. Even though the collection touches base with urban festivity from time to time.

Moreover, the stories in this book had made an attempt to show the portrayal of Goddess Durga in today’s modern day world and she has been described as a persistent voice of rebel amidst a norm-abiding crowd. Her indomitable spirit is embodied by ordinary women who make extraordinary choices in their everyday lives. 

Readers Connect: The Author Nibedita Deb has very vividly painted the beauty of this Durga Puja festival with her words in the five amazing stories, contained in her book. A sense of hope and courage has been created by the Author in her stories, which truly creates a very positive vibe for the readers!

This short-stories collection book, “The Goddess’s Homecoming: Stories of Hope and Courage” is something really incredible and is undoubtedly an enough reason for you to shift your focus towards her stories and give this book a chance. Even though the plot of the stories revolves around Durga puja and the different parts of West Bengal, this book will be loved by the readers across India since Author has touched the subject of the inner strength of the women.

The readers will get to read some very remarkable tales reflecting multiple aspects of women’s lives, just like Goddess Durga. She is an embodiment of strength and courage, which gives you an immense amount of satisfaction as a reader.

Verdict: A Book like “The Goddess’s Homecoming: Stories of Hope and Courage” is for sure a Must-Read one and deserves a chance. The way author had penned down these five marvellous fiction short stories, which is undoubtedly relatable to the reality of the modern society of ours, the Author truly deserves appreciation.

Moreover, if you’re looking for a worthy “Women-Centric” fiction plot to read then this book is the most perfect fit for you. The Author, Nibedita Deb is a promising author, who is very honest with her writings, which can be felt in her spectacular stories!          

Book Title: The Goddess’s Homecoming
Author: Nibedita Deb
Published by: Notion Press (22 October 2020)
Reviewed By: Neel Preet at The Literture Today