Book review- Pratigya

“Pratigya” by Munshi Premchand

Munshi premchand, was the most celebrated Indian writer known for his masterpieces on Hindi-urdu literature. This novel, “Pratigya” was written right after his legendary novel “Godan”, making it a must-read for Indian-classic lovers. Premchand's stick-to-earth nature can clearly be reflected in this novel.
The story reveals around a number of characters, but majorly around two close friends, Amritrai and Daannath. Upon being inspired by a speech on social reforms, widower Amritrai decides to cancel his second marriage (which was with Prema, the girl of Daannath's dreams) and either stay single or marry only a widow. Soon after Poorna (Prema's friend) turns into a widow. The story ends with providing an alternate solution to the helpless widows.
The story speaks of a lot for social concerns like friendship-its faith, male ego selfishness, selflessness, widow as helpless women preyed by the heinous males , and what not.

-Jayishnu Roy