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Extraordinary tale of a domestic worker

For once this is a Hindi best seller being translated into English. And unlike any other work of fiction, this one is true and has been written by Baby Haldar. Titled "A Life Less Ordinary", it is her first book. While it might not be an unusual situation for most writers who have to make a beginning somewhere, Baby is no ordinary writer. A domestic worker, she belongs to a silent, invisible world where writing or even reading needs more than just a command over the language. Probably the only one in its section, the book is special because it is about a life that most people would not be exposed to. Published by Zubaan and Penguin India, it will be launched in a different way with actress Nandita Das talking to the author at the end of the function.

Apart from getting a chance to discuss her book, there will also be a film on Baby.

An autobiographical account of her life, the book traces her life from her difficult childhood, spent moving from place to place to her "missing" father and her bad marriage.

Abandoned by her mother, Baby was married at 13 years to a man twice her age. Denied the luxury of childhood, Baby lived with her violent husband till she finally escaped with her three children to the city to find work. Bringing alive her life, her book was first written in Bengali and then translated into Hindi. It has also been translated into other Indian languages. The book has apparently done well in both languages and received accolades from some of the best-known writers.

Baby's search for work led her finally to the home of Prabodh Kumar, a retired professor and grandson of Munshi Premchand. With his encouragement and support she wrote her life story. Urvashi Butalia has translated the book into English. A story of courage, her book will add a completely new perspective to the world of writing by women.

The book will be released at India Habitat Centre this Thursday. -- Mandira Nayar

-- Mandira Nayar

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