Book Review: Awaken the Durga Within by Usha Narayanan

Book Name: Awaken the Durga Within: From Glum to Glam, Caged to Carefree

Author: Usha Narayanan

Publisher: Rupa

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb: Awaken the Durga Within is a handy, easy-to-follow guide to help every woman assert themselves at home and work and reclaim their life. As a woman in a patriarchal country like India, they are often held back by family or society; and even education or employment does little to help improve their status.
Bringing in the lesser-known and exciting stories about goddesses from the Hindu mythology, Awaken the Durga Within puts forward practical solutions that can be implemented immediately, without compromising on values and principles. These stories will help invoke the ‘Shakti’ within every woman so as to transform their minds and transcend their limits. Identify the fears holding you back and discover a pithy, three-step process to help you take control of your life and garner respect. Make choices that are right for you and experience the rewards. Discover the true spirit of feminism wherein women are given the same rights, power, and opportunities as men.

Review: Usha Narayanan invokes the fierce spirit of Hindu Godesses and teaches important life lessons. The book is primarily aimed at women who find it difficult to balance their lives in today’s hectic world. It is not aimed only at the working woman but also would appeal equally to housewives and other single women who find it difficult to maintain balance in their lives. The three C’s approach has been highlighted with a twist and depicts how women can use it to enrich their lives and lighten their workload.

Picture Credit: Rupa
Picture Credit: Rupa

“Though shiva and Parvati together are known as Ardhanarishwar, it was only when they separated into Purusha and Prakriti that Creation happened.”

She draws inspiration and teaches important life lessons from Durga, Sati and Parvati and how each woman can incorporate these lessons in day to day life in order to enrich her life.

The book is written in a lucid and simple manner and is meant as a handy guide for all women. There is something here for everyone.

Usha Narayanan has been penning down mythology until now and its nice to see her effortless transformation into a different niche. The book still draws inspiration from religion and mythology but is essentially a self-help guide that every woman will cherish.

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