Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part H (2024)

Marriage has long been a central theme in Indian literature, reflecting its enduring significance in people's lives. It requires two individuals from different backgrounds to coexist in love and harmony for a successful partnership. With growing concerns over marital stability, numerous authors have explored this issue in depth. Many renowned writers have addressed themes such as bigamy, divorce, and adultery in their works. Literary figures like Chitra Banerjee, Sudha Nair, Chetan Bhagat, Shobha De, Sara Desai, and Bharati Mukherjee have examined various dimensions of marriage. Manju Kapur, a distinguished author, has also engaged with these themes in her novels. Some of her most acclaimed works include The Immigrant, Difficult Daughters, and Custody. The novel Custody was adapted into an Indian television drama, shedding light on contemporary marital and family struggles. The narrative revolves around two significant husband-wife relationships, both of which eventually collapse. Beyond portraying the emotional toll on married individuals, Custody also highlights the psychological distress experienced by children of divorced parents.