That Long Silence

That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande is the story of Jaya, a middle-

aged woman caught in the emotional silence of her marriage and

family life. Once a promising writer, Jaya now finds herself

suppressed by the expectations of being a wife and mother. As her

relationship with her husband becomes increasingly distant, Jaya

reflects on her life, confronting past secrets and the silence that has

shaped her existence. The novel explores themes of gender roles,

identity, and the internal struggles of women living within societal

constraints. It is a profound exploration of self-expression, emotional

repression, and the journey toward reclaiming one voice.