UNFULFILLED AMBITIONS: A DISJOINTED JOURNEY THROUGH THE WOMAN WHO CLIMBED TREES

 

The Woman Who Climbed Trees by Smriti Ravindra is a beautifully layered novel that delves into the life of Meena, a young woman whose life journey unfolds against the backdrop of societal constraints, personal desires, and familial obligations. The book is set in Nepal during the late 20th century, a period when traditional gender roles were very much alive, and the conflict between old values and new aspirations was becoming more prominent.

Central Plot and Themes

"The Woman Who Climbed Trees" primarily follows the story of Meena, set in late 20th-century Nepal. Her journey highlights the clash between societal constraints and personal desires. Married off to a relative she doesn't know or love, Meena feels isolated and trapped, reflecting the oppression many women face in rural settings.

Gender and Patriarchy

A major theme in the novel is patriarchy. Meena is expected to conform to societal norms as a perfect wife and mother, but her own aspirations and emotional needs are neglected. Her journey toward self-empowerment critiques patriarchal values that restrict women's roles and freedom.

Forbidden Love

Meena's involvement in a forbidden love affair symbolizes her rebellion against societal restrictions. This relationship leads to inner conflict, self-discovery, and a reevaluation of her place in the world, highlighting the struggles of love in a repressive cultural context.

Migration and Cultural Clashes

The novel also explores the migration of people from rural Nepal to urban areas, particularly migrants from Bihar. This migration creates tensions and shifts in cultural dynamics, reflecting the broader socio-economic changes in Nepal.

Tree Symbolism

The act of climbing trees is a metaphor for Meena's desire to escape societal boundaries and reconnect with her sense of self. Trees symbolize both freedom and entrapment, tied to her search for identity, rebellion, and attempts to break free from traditional constraints.

Narrative Style and Structure

Ravindra's writing is rich with emotional depth and vivid descriptions, intertwining cultural myths and fables with personal storytelling. However, the novel's shifting narrative structure and multiple points of view can be disorienting, making it harder to follow the story.

Critique

While the novel tackles significant themes,  it lacks in story structure, character development, and meaningful plot. The disjointed narrative and underdeveloped characters made the story harder to follow and less engaging. The setting, particularly Kathmandu, failed to evoke the richness of Nepali culture, and controversial elements like incest and poorly executed queer relationships detracted from the narrative.

Conclusion

Ultimately, despite its ambitious themes and cultural reflections, the novel fell short in delivering a cohesive and compelling story. The most positive aspect was the section on anti-monarchy protests in the Madhesi communities, but even this was not given enough attention or depth.