A Plate of White Marble: A Widow’s Defiance, A Woman’s Rebirth

"She refused to let grief define her, nor society confine her—she chose instead to carve her own destiny."

What does it mean to truly break free? Can a woman, bound by tradition, reclaim her life on her own terms? And what happens when the last thread anchoring her to the past is severed—does she crumble, or does she rise?

Set against the backdrop of post-Independence India, A Plate of White Marble is a deeply moving tale of resilience, rebellion, and reinvention. Recently widowed, Bandana refuses to surrender to the suffocating expectations of widowhood. With her uncle’s unwavering support, she steps into the unknown, daring to dream beyond the confines of tradition.

But how does society treat a woman who refuses to conform? Scorned, alienated, and tested at every turn, Bandana clings to her one source of solace—her son. When even that is taken from her, what path remains? Is there life beyond loss? Is there freedom in choosing to walk away?

First published in Bengali in 1990, this poignant, thought-provoking novel—now available in translation—challenges readers to ask : 

In a world that dictates who we should be, do we dare to become who we truly are?