• Critical Evaluation of The Novels of Bapsi Sidhwa

Dr. Vasudha Maitre

Abstract: Bapsi Sidhwa in her writings examine issues of gender, culture, and identity while frequently referencing South Asian history and the experiences of minorities. Her critically regarded books, such as ‘The Pakistani Bride’, ‘The Crow Eaters’, and ‘Ice-Candy Man’ (also known as Cracking India), demonstrate her literary mastery and cultural awareness. Through the eyes of Lenny, a young Parsi girl, ‘Ice-Candy Man’ depicts the agony of the 1947 Partition, emphasizing societal turmoil and the loss of innocence. ‘The Pakistani Bride’ delves at the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies while ‘The Crow Eaters’ satirically portrays Parsi life in colonial India. Sidhwa's art eloquently and humorously conveys cultural history, societal critique, and resilience.