Book Review of The Novel Fifth Hand Wife by Neelim Akash Kashyap

ABSTRACT

In the depths of India, a distressing tradition known as "Molki" prevails, reducing brides to mere commodities labeled with a price tag. This appalling practice mirrors an underground bride market, where women are bought and sold as if mere merchandise. Shockingly, these innocent brides often find themselves valued lower than livestock, a chilling reality that exposes the depths of human degradation. The criteria for their prices are degrading, assessing their worth based on factors like skin color, age, and virginity. In response to this grave concern, writer Neelim Akash Kashyap emerges as a powerful voice, addressing this issue through his debut novel, "Fifth Hand Wife." With courage and conviction, he sheds light on the plight of these women and the haunting reality they face. Through his compelling narrative, he seeks to challenge and dismantle this dark tradition, sparking awareness and empathy among readers.

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