Lajja (Shame) | Internationally Acclaimed Novel

Lajja (Shame) by Taslima Nasrin is a compelling literary novel set in Bangladesh in the aftermath of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India in December 1992. The story follows the Dutta family—a secular Hindu household consisting of Sudhamoy, Kironmoyee, Suranjan, and Maya—whose lives are turned upside down as communal unrest and religious extremism spread across the country. Through their experiences, the novel portrays the fear, uncertainty, and emotional turmoil faced by ordinary people caught in the cycle of hatred and violence.

Blending fiction with historical events, Taslima Nasrin delivers a deeply moving narrative that explores themes of identity, humanity, secularism, and the consequences of intolerance. Rather than focusing solely on political conflict, the novel highlights the personal cost of prejudice and the fragility of peace in a divided society. Written with honesty and emotional intensity, Lajja remains one of the most influential works of contemporary South Asian literature.

Key Message: Lajja (Shame) reminds readers that humanity must rise above religious and communal divisions. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, equality, and mutual respect while encouraging reflection on the devastating consequences of hatred and intolerance.

• Title: Lajja (Shame)
• Author: Taslima Nasrin
• Translator: Tutul Gupta
• ISBN-13: 9780140240511
• ISBN-10: 0140240519
• Publisher: Penguin Books India
• Language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• Publication Date: 01 June 1994
• Number of Pages: 216
• Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
• Subject: Religious Extremism, Communal Violence, Human Rights, South Asian Literature
• Original Publication Year: 1993 (Bengali)
• Setting: Bangladesh
• Country of Origin: India (English Edition)
• Target Audience: Adult Readers, Literature Students, Contemporary Fiction Enthusiasts
  

Q1. What is Lajja (Shame) about?
The novel follows a Hindu family in Bangladesh whose lives are transformed by communal violence following the events surrounding the Babri Masjid demolition, highlighting the human cost of religious intolerance.

Q2. Who is the author of this book?
The book is written by Taslima Nasrin, the internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi author, physician, and human rights advocate.

Q3. Is this novel based on real events?
Yes. While the characters are fictional, the story is inspired by the communal violence that occurred in Bangladesh after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992.

Q4. What genre does this book belong to?
It belongs to Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction.

Q5. Who should read this book?
It is recommended for adult readers, literature students, and anyone interested in South Asian history, social issues, and contemporary literary fiction.

Q6. What is the binding format of this edition?
This ISBN is available in Paperback format.

Q7. How many pages does the book contain?
This edition contains 216 pages.

Q8. In which language is the book published?
This edition is published in English and is translated from the original Bengali by Tutul Gupta.