Teething: A Story Told in Verse
Megha Rao’s 'Teething: A Story Told in Verse' presents a profound and evocative journey through the intricate labyrinth of familial bonds, psychological scars, and the voyage of personal enlightenment. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Kerala, this poetic narrative opens with the heart-wrenching suicide of Kochu, a young boy whose innocent affection for a neighbor’s son leads to devastating consequences. Fast-forward several years, and his older sister Achu sets forth on a personal odyssey to untangle the web of their troubled family history. As she diligently collects the shards of their collective past, Achu unveils the unsettling truths surrounding their mother’s fervent religious zeal, their father's enigmatic nature, and the haunting individual traumas that have hampered their emotional development. Rao's lyrical storytelling intricately crafts a mosaic of unfiltered feelings and startling discoveries, ultimately positing that genuine healing and growth necessitate a fearless confrontation with the shadows of one’s history. This artfully woven tale delivers a nuanced exploration of LGBTQ+ realities in India, while deeply engaging with themes of self-identity, familial relationships, and the transformative path toward embracing oneself.
- Author: Megha Rao
- Publisher: HarperCollins India (20 December 2021)
- Genre: Poetry
- ISBN: 978-9354894305
- Pages: 88 pages