Ambubachi 1 by Madhumita Sengupta [Paperback]

The setting of the novel Ambubachi is the early 20th century. Unlike today’s concept of a ‘nuclear family,’ joint families were the foundation of Bengali households, deeply rooted in traditional values. The novel is set against the backdrop of the prevalent customs in Bengali joint families, the pros and cons of child marriage, and the socio-political consciousness of that era.

Ambubachi - Part 1 was published at the 2019 Kolkata Book Fair. Following family traditions, Kumud and Bimbabati were married at a very young age with the consent of both families. Being polar opposites in nature, they often quarreled and teased each other, yet their relationship blossomed into love. However, due to a significant family reason, they were separated for a few years.