Blame

Dilruba Z. Ara's 'Blame' follows the lives of Laila and, to a lesser extent, Gita, from their early teens in 1965 through to 1971, when they are cast out by their families after being raped during the liberation war. Set in what was then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, the novel delves into the deep-seated tensions between Muslims and Hindus, the political divide between Pakistan and India, and the cultural clash between Urdu and Bengali. Beyond the personal stories of the two women, the book explores the broader conflicts between men and women, and how individuals navigate these cultural divides. It is a powerful narrative about friendship, betrayal, sacrifice, love, and the profound shame that shapes their lives.