That Bird Has My Wings is a novel by Indian author Jarita Davis that was first published in 2009. It tells the story of a young woman named Sita who is searching for her identity and place in the world. The title refers to Sita feeling like she is caged like a bird yearning to spread its wings and fly free.
What is the plot summary of That Bird Has My Wings?
The novel opens with 18-year-old Sita living in her conservative village in West Bengal, India. She feels trapped by the expectations placed on her to marry young and start a family. Sita’s one escape is her love of books and learning. She is intelligent and yearns for experiences beyond her small village.
When Sita’s family arranges a marriage for her, she feels unable to go through with it. She runs away to the city of Kolkata, changing her name to Tara Dey. In Kolkata, Tara explores life outside of tradition and starts to discover her own identity. She finds a job at an insurance company and makes friends with her outgoing co-worker Neha.
Through Neha, Tara is exposed to parties, relationships, alcohol and even drugs. While enjoying her newfound independence, Tara hides her past from her friends. She starts dating a charming but controlling man named Rahul who disapproves of her behavior. After an abusive episode, Tara breaks up with Rahul.
Missing her family and village, Tara returns home where she continues to feel torn between tradition and her desire for independence. The story ends with Tara making a life for herself that combines both old and new. She finds empowerment in forging her own path while still staying connected to her roots.
Who are the main characters in That Bird Has My Wings?
The main characters in the novel are:
- Sita/Tara Dey: The protagonist. An intelligent, passionate young woman searching for her identity.
- Neha: Tara’s bold, fun-loving friend and co-worker in Kolkata.
- Rahul: Tara’s boyfriend who becomes abusive and controlling.
- Tara’s parents: Her conservative parents who want her to settle down in an arrange marriage.
- Biju: A compassionate man from Tara’s village who supports her independence.
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Some of the main themes in That Bird Has My Wings are:
- Identity: Tara seeks to forge her own identity outside of tradition and expectations.
- Independence: Tara desires independence from social norms and control.
- Women’s roles: The novel examines traditional gender roles for women in India.
- Urban vs. rural life: The clashes between urban and rural values are depicted.
- Oppression vs. freedom: Tara feels freed in the city but also oppressed by abusive relationships.
- Cultural traditions: Tara cherishes her cultural roots but also wants freedom.
Why is the book titled That Bird Has My Wings?
The title That Bird Has My Wings is a metaphor for Tara feeling trapped by the expectations placed on her, like a bird with its wings clipped unable to fly. She yearns for the freedom and independence that birds represent. When she runs away to Kolkata and changes her name, Tara starts to spread her wings like a bird finally set free from its cage.
However, through her journey Tara also comes to realize she can find ways of merging her wings (her desires for freedom) with her cultural background and roots. By the end, Tara creates a life that allows her wings to soar while still staying connected to her traditions and community. The title reflects her personal struggle.
How was the book received upon publication?
When That Bird Has My Wings was first published in 2009, it received overwhelmingly positive reviews and strong sales. Some key accolades for the book included:
- Won the 2010 Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize in India
- Shortlisted for the 2010 Vodafone Crossword Book Award in India
- Named one of the best books of 2009 by the Hindu newspaper
Reviews praised Jarita Davis’ lyrical writing and her ability to capture the contemporary female experience in India. Critics called it a moving coming-of-age story that explored important social themes. Readers connected with the characters and found the story both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
The book was lauded for providing an insightful look at the clashes between tradition and modernity faced by young Indian women. It sparked discussion around gender roles, identity, and women’s place in a rapidly changing Indian society.
How did the book help launch Jarita Davis’ career?
That Bird Has My Wings was author Jarita Davis’ first published book. Its success established Davis as an important new literary voice and helped bring her national acclaim. Some ways the novel contributed to Davis’ writing career include:
- Won major literary prizes like the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize
- Generated robust book sales and drew major publisher interest
- Received strong reviews that validated Davis as a talent to watch
- Expanded readership for her next books
- Enabled Davis to leave her corporate job and focus on writing
In the decade since, Jarita Davis has published two more novels and a short story collection. Her work continues to explore identity, gender and women’s issues in contemporary Indian society. However, That Bird Has My Wings remains her most famous and well-regarded book.
How does the book’s portrayal of women relate to feminism in India?
The novel’s portrayal of Tara’s struggle for identity and independence mirrors larger feminist issues surrounding women’s roles in India. Some ways the book relates to feminism in India include:
- Reflects women seeking equality, education, and empowerment
- Exposes issues like domestic violence, workplace harassment
- Challenges traditional gender roles that limit women
- Advocates for women’s freedom to choose their own paths
- Captures tensions between modernity and traditional values
- Criticizes societal norms that devalue or oppress women
Through Tara’s story, the book highlights the conflicts many Indian women face between their desires for independence and traditional cultural expectations. Tara personifies the struggles of contemporary Indian feminism.
How does the setting of India contribute to the novel?
The India setting is crucial to the novel and shapes many aspects of the narrative including:
- Provides insight into Indian social structures, customs and values
- Sets up expectations for women to be homemakers rather than independent
- Contrasts urban and rural areas which create internal conflicts for Tara
- Establishes family’s key role in arranging marriages
- Allows exploration of Indian identity and contemporary Indian society
Without the culturally rich Indian setting, much of the novel’s exploration of independence, modernity, tradition and societal values would be lost. The Indian backdrop makes Tara’s personal journey more meaningful and relatable.
What writing style and techniques does Jarita Davis use?
Jarita Davis uses several literary techniques in That Bird Has My Wings including:
- Metaphor: The title serves as an extended metaphor for Tara’s desire for freedom
- Imagery: Vivid, sensory details immerse the reader in the setting
- Symbolism: Birds represent freedom, flying represents independence
- Foreshadowing: Hints of Tara’s discontent suggest her eventual rebellion
- Characterization: Complex, fully realized characters depict different social roles
Davis’ writing style is lyrical and poetic, with beautifully crafted language bringing the world to life. She expertly develops Tara’s inner emotions and conflicts. The prose moves fluidly between past and present as Tara’s story unfolds.
Conclusion
In summary, That Bird Has My Wings tells the coming-of-age story of Tara, a young Indian woman seeking identity, independence and freedom from tradition. Its themes of female empowerment and clashes between modern and traditional values resonated widely. The book vaulted Jarita Davis to fame and acclaim. More than a decade after publication, the novel remains relevant in exploring the contemporary female experience in India through a feminist lens.