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Author Shaheen Chishti’s debut novel, ‘The Granddaughter Project’ is a tale of sorority, empowerment and filial bonding. Published by Nimble Books, this novel of the British-Indian author highlights the adversities that women had to face during times of national and global crises like the world war. Apart from the oppression that the events led to, gender becomes another breeding ground for exploitation and added atrocities that women are subjected to, hence rendering them doubly oppressed.

‘The Granddaughter Project’ is the story of three women- Kamla, Helga and Lynette who find companionship, bonding and solidarity in each other’s company as they go through equally scarring experiences in life. Having met by chance and having struggled for equality, empathy and kindness all their lives, the three women decide to pen down letters to their granddaughters-Tanya, Rebecca and Ronnie, who they do not want to go through the same fate. The book primarily highlights the life of the three grandmothers whose life stories are narrated to the audience through their letters and are followed by those of their granddaughters’. Events like the Holocaust, the Bengal Famine of 1943, and the riots of Notting Hill form the backdrop of the stories of the grand mothers’ lives, which they survived in addition to toxic, unfair men and a life without guidance.

The description and depiction of the most prominent crises in global history amidst which the women manage to conquer their personal lives is heart-wrenching. However, the guidance that they wish their granddaughters to have and provide them with, is touching and compensates for the pain that the harsh and cruel reality inflicts upon the readers. A tale of sacrifice, tragedy, friendship and hope the book is worth a read for anyone who enjoys a cathartic retreat combined with equal amounts of awareness and optimism.