Why read The Thousand Faces of Night?

Book cover of The Thousand Faces of Night

Book description

A debut novel which interweaves the fabled myths and legends of India with a young woman's search for self, exploring such universal themes as freedom, independence and desire.

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Literary fiction

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Thousand Faces of Night as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Berlie W. Doherty

Author

I was given this book thirty years ago by an Indian poet, who promised me I would love it. It is a feast of stories, told to the central character Devi throughout her life. Through her grandmother’s ancient stories, she learns about love, beauty, riches, and womanhood. Her father-in-law tells her stories that teach her about life, how to survive her lonely marriage, how to belong. Stories and dreams give her wealth and power, but they evaporate and still she is there, empty, alone, and desperate for the love that the old stories are about.

Two other women’s stories weave…

From Berlie's list on The best books on the psychological power of fairy stories and fables.