Pratigya

Premchand has always had great characters - this one however lacks in how they are developed; especially women. There is a lot of back and forth in how characters act depending on what the scene demands which feels erratic.

The premise is basically how Hindu society reformation movements have played out in people's lives from back in the day- especially savarnas. And the book sufficiently brings out the hypocrisy.

One quirky character was the servant's who is very well written with a few scenes he is in. That is possibly because it's right in Premchand's quarter to pen people from the lower strata.

All in all it's a short read, easy to follow, fun at times, sad at others, and can be given a shot if you are Premchand's fan.