A very sad and touching story about girls growing up in a conservative household.
Hard to decide what hurts more, the creep's behavior - danger was palpable - or the way mothers and women treated girls, very unfairly. A very painful read, and true! I am glad that you won. I wish I could have the similar effect on readers.
Yes Diana, I understand the sentiment! I wanted to capture how all encompassing danger, risk and misogyny are. It's difficult to pinpoint where the problem is, because it's so pervasive - so I'm glad that came through! And I'm sure you have an incredible effect on readers as well <3
Probably the problem is the way society treats women. The parental behavior you describe also exists in America, probably a bit less harsh. But parents, schools look down on girls experimenting, and, sadly, creeps are there everywhere.
Hopefully, our writings, and women's voices, will make a difference. Women in America once made it, second wave feminists in the seventies. They made life better.
I selected the same subject, a short story titled The Lost Girl, analytical, technical, with parents, police work and all, but your writing is filled with emotions. I can learn a lot from you!
I imagine every Indian woman reading this story must remember some version of it that defined their own girlhood, a version of the Bad old days as you say. Perhaps, we ought to be talking more about them if only to empower our girls today. Thanks for your courage.
And I can completely relate. It feels like all of us were surrounded by 'incidents' that go forgotten and unspoken about. I know it's a cliche, but I do think that removing the shroud of silence can be powerful. Thank you for reading <3
Wonderfully written story. In some ways, I can see how people I personally know would react in a similar manner as Lola's family, it's sad. Thank you for sharing.
A very sad and touching story about girls growing up in a conservative household.
Hard to decide what hurts more, the creep's behavior - danger was palpable - or the way mothers and women treated girls, very unfairly. A very painful read, and true! I am glad that you won. I wish I could have the similar effect on readers.
Yes Diana, I understand the sentiment! I wanted to capture how all encompassing danger, risk and misogyny are. It's difficult to pinpoint where the problem is, because it's so pervasive - so I'm glad that came through! And I'm sure you have an incredible effect on readers as well <3
Probably the problem is the way society treats women. The parental behavior you describe also exists in America, probably a bit less harsh. But parents, schools look down on girls experimenting, and, sadly, creeps are there everywhere.
Hopefully, our writings, and women's voices, will make a difference. Women in America once made it, second wave feminists in the seventies. They made life better.
I selected the same subject, a short story titled The Lost Girl, analytical, technical, with parents, police work and all, but your writing is filled with emotions. I can learn a lot from you!
I'd love to read your story Dianne; is it up on Substack?
I would be honored! I will send it to you, as soon as I figure out how to attach in Substack comments or messages.
You will see what I am talking about. Your story is very natural, real, relatable, and intense. Congratulations.
Wow. Just wow. Such a chilling, well-written story. You absolutely deserved to win this contest. I’ve just subscribed.
Thank you so so much Serena! I appreciate that you subscribed
Poignant but beautiful Anagha, congratulations.
I imagine every Indian woman reading this story must remember some version of it that defined their own girlhood, a version of the Bad old days as you say. Perhaps, we ought to be talking more about them if only to empower our girls today. Thanks for your courage.
Thank you Aditi.
And I can completely relate. It feels like all of us were surrounded by 'incidents' that go forgotten and unspoken about. I know it's a cliche, but I do think that removing the shroud of silence can be powerful. Thank you for reading <3
This story seared my bones 😭😭😭 congratulations, Anagha!
Wow thank you so much Stephanie
Such an incredible story and a well-deserved win. I couldn't stop reading!
Thank you Karli!! This is too kind
I can see how you won, this is great writing, you are very talented!
Thank you so much Johanna! This is very encouraging; I appreciate you.
Well done and a well-deserved honor, Abagha!
Thank you so much!
Wow. I chew every word. A pleasure. Congratulations!
Thank you Yolanda <3
Anagha Smrithi earned this prize with this well-crafted story. Thank you for sharing it here!
Really appreciate it Kim! Thanks for reading.
Wow what a story
💙💙
So well done! Congratulations Anagha and thank you for sharing your talent!
I really appreciate it <3
Awesome
Thank you Ibrahim
Oh my ! This hits home on so many levels ..
I’m left speechless. I read it again and again.. so relatable and beautifully written !
Thank you for speaking up!!
This story really shook me...so devastating and all too real. Congratulations, Anagha - such an important & necessary story!
Wonderfully written story. In some ways, I can see how people I personally know would react in a similar manner as Lola's family, it's sad. Thank you for sharing.