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Best Book Publishers UK | Austin Macauley Publishers

By: Pushpa M. Parmar

Promises for Tomorrow

Pages: 202 Ratings: 5.0
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Rekha is a 12-year-old girl growing up as the eldest daughter of Indian immigrants in South Africa during the 1940s and 1950s. Despite her strong and determined nature, she is innocent in many ways and struggles with her life as the cook, cleaner, and caregiver for her family, all while enduring emotional and physical abuse from her mother. As an Indian female, she is controlled, abused, and marginalized, and is expected to fulfill the patriarchal role of a ‘suitable wife.’

When she discovers she is promised to a boy from a ‘good family,’ Rekha dreams of a life filled with love, financial stability, and freedom, in an effort to escape her current life of hardship. Through Rekha’s story, we gain insight into the unique South African Indian experience, including customs and traditions surrounding marriage, childbirth, and death, as well as the struggles of newly arrived merchant immigrants trying to survive and succeed in a colonial, racist, and apartheid society.

Pushpa M. Parmar is married with three children, living in Toronto, Canada. A Canadian of Indian descent, born in South Africa with a passion for history and ‘herstory’. She has lived and worked in Canada, United States and the UK. Her father and family moved to Canada as political exiles from South Africa and were Anti-Apartheid activists in Canada.
Customer Reviews
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  • Booksforbadal

    "Promises for Tomorrow" by Pushpa M. Parmar delves into the poignant journey of Rekha, a 12-year-old Indian immigrant growing up in the challenging landscape of South Africa during the 1940s and 1950s. The book encapsulates Rekha's resilience and determination as she navigates her responsibilities as a caregiver, while also enduring emotional and physical abuse from her mother. Parmar skillfully portrays the struggles and marginalization faced by Indian females in that patriarchal society, shedding light on the expectations and limitations imposed upon them. The narrative takes a powerful turn as Rekha discovers her engagement to a boy from a 'good family,' sparking dreams of escaping her hardships and finding love, stability, and freedom. Parmar's portrayal of Rekha's aspirations and the societal pressures she confronts adds depth to the story, shedding light on the complex interplay of cultural norms and personal desires. As readers follow Rekha's journey, the book offers a poignant exploration of the South African Indian experience. Parmar delves into the intricacies of customs, traditions, and the struggles of merchant immigrants arriving in a colonial, racist, and apartheid society. Through Rekha's eyes, readers gain a unique perspective on themes such as marriage, childbirth, and death, providing insight into the broader social and cultural fabric of the time. "Promises for Tomorrow" masterfully weaves historical context, personal struggles, and cultural insights, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Pushpa M. Parmar's vivid storytelling captures the spirit of endurance and hope, making this novel a compelling and thought-provoking read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history.

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