Book Review: The Elephant Chaser's Daughter by Shilpa Raj

Title- The Elephant Chaser's Daughter

Author-Shilpa Raj

Publisher-Rupa Publications

Genre-Non-Fiction/Memoir

Format-Paperback

Year-2019

Rating-4.5/5 

Who would have thought that the daughter of an Elephant Chaser and a maid will one day write a book of her own and will be featured on a NETFLIX documentry directed by an Oscar Winning Director? Yes, Author Shilpa Anthony Raj has turned her dreams into reality. In this book she has literally poured down her innermost feelings in the most beautiful way possible. It is the story of her battle, a battle for identity, a battle to do something for her Dalit community, who are considered 'untouchables' even today.

This is a book which proves that if you have the courage to do something, nothing can stop you. Dr.Abraham George, a US-based Indian businessman who started the initiative to educate the children of the untouchables to break this chain of caste determined occupations and to uplift their lives is truly amazing.

When I go through the book it touched me to such an extent that I decided to watch the NETFLIX documentry based on the book to understand their situation in a better way. In the book you will find Shilpa's interpretation of the situation and it is actually very interesting to read and understand what was going on inside the mind of a little girl when she first arrived at Shanti Bhavan to study and how with the course of time her mindset was shaped by the teachers of Shanti Bhavan.Also the book narrates the differences she observed inside Shanti Bhavan where eveyone treat them as a human being, in contrast to the outside world where they are considered as an animal.

I am really surprised to see the level of maturity and understanding the writer possesses which very much reflects in her writing. With her excellent narration techniques she has explained everything in a vivid manner. Some of the incidents she has shared are really horrific and it demands real courage to share such events.The writing style, narration, choice of words to portray the exact emotions are all absolutely brilliant.

This is a book which showcases the reality of our society and the treatment we give to the poeple of the lower strata of the society. This is a book which will motivate millions of people who dares to dream. 

The title of the book is apt and the beautiful cover photograph by Carrie Burke and the cover design by Mugdha Sadhwani could not have been better.

I absolutely loved the book.I would recommend you to go through the book first and then watch the documentary where you will find the versions of some of the other students of various ages and of the teachers to understand how they manage the children and play their role not only as their teachers but also as their guardian as well.

It is my desire that after completing my studies I will pay them a visit to Shanti Bhavan and if they allow me I would love to join their initiative.

Happy Reading