A Conspiracy in Calcutta by Lesley D Biswas

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Continuing on the Songs of Freedom Series, A Conspiracy in Calcutta can be read as a standalone. This could not have been coincidentally well timed than 23rd January - the 125th birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose - the true son of the soil.

I have always been so fascinated and touched about the Indian freedom struggle and how much had transpired not only at a national level but also in every home. When I speak about Indian history to my students, I never fail to tell them that this part of history must never be forgotten. It makes us whatever we are - good, bad or ugly. And no country is perfect. We have to strive to make it perfect and keep it running like a well-oiled machine. 

A Conspiracy in Calcutta is a sweet story of how little Bithi is all inspired by her dada [older brother], who is actively participating in the freedom struggle by being part of secret revolutionary groups and spear heading rallies and talks. Every young man in Calcutta is charged to make a difference. So why leave the girls behind? Bithi's father, a forward thinking man, along with dada, encourages Bithi to learn self defense like lathi khela [stick fights]. He believed his daughter's name would go down in history. Making that as her motive, to live up to baba's [father's] belief, Bithi joins an akhada where they teach young girls how to fight. 

But, alongside to the freedom struggle and dada getting imprisoned for his active role in clubs and groups, Bithi's best friend, Sulata is being forced to get married. Who marries at this young age? Sulata is married off and she has moved to Alipore but Bithi cannot tolerate that her best friend cannot come back to her maternal home whenever she feels like or meet her best friend at free will. One afternoon, in an act of defiance and against the wishes of the elders', she lands herself in Sulata's new home only to find that her best friend is being tortured, beaten black and blue. 

India would surely achieve independence from the British in the near future, but Sulata had to achieve her freedom from the hands of her horrible husband and in laws. Bithi is not worried if her name will go down history books, but at least she wants to feel the peace that she saved her friend's life. 

This sweet book can be read over the Republic Day weekend. It is a good book for children as well. I have recommended it to my 8th graders, some of who are still in the nascent stage of reading.  

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