Faith Carves Twigging Roots is a book that resonates deeply with the soul—it is not just a collection of stories but an intimate journey through the alleys of faith, community, and resilience among the ethnic and tribal people of Bengal. As a debut work, Kakoli Roy’s offering is mature, grounded, and emotionally stirring, showing a deep commitment to preserving the untold histories and cultural legacies of marginalized communities in the Birbhum district and Durgapur.
This book is a triumph in both storytelling and cultural documentation. It opens a doorway to the indigenous voices often lost in the rush of urban development, industrialization, and modernity. Kakoli writes with an observant eye and a compassionate heart, crafting stories that are raw, organic, and undeniably real.
🌾 Rooted in Soil, Stories, and Soul
The strength of Faith Carves Twigging Roots lies in its thematic clarity. The title itself is poetic and layered—it speaks of resilience (“faith”), growth (“carves twigging roots”), and identity forged in the face of adversity. Kakoli paints the canvas of Bengal with the earthy colors of belief, simplicity, and tradition. Her writing is gentle but persistent, like the people she writes about—quiet in strength but unshakable in spirit.
Every tale in the book is grounded in real-life struggles. The people we meet are not mythical or exaggerated. They are students fighting financial constraints, families coping with displacement, workers affected by the shutdown of industries, and women clinging to cultural traditions in a changing world. What unites them all is their unwavering belief in their roots, their gods, their rituals, and, most importantly, in each other.
🛠️ The Steel City and Its Fractures
One of the most poignant aspects of the book is how it explores Durgapur—the steel city of West Bengal. Once a place of booming industrial growth, it is now described through the lens of economic decline and social displacement. Kakoli carefully charts the transition of Durgapur from a hub of tribal and working-class unity to a town fractured by industrial collapse and rapid modern encroachments.
However, it’s not a story of decline alone. Amidst the fading glory of the city’s factories, the author finds the flicker of human resilience. She speaks of community togetherness, of faith binding generations, and of how shared hardship becomes the glue that keeps people from splintering apart.
🧠Mapping Human Struggles
Rather than offer broad, abstract overviews, Kakoli Roy excels in intimate detailing. Her stories are embedded with real places, people, and emotions. We meet families from Birbhum with dreams tethered to both tradition and progress. We hear voices that have been long muted—the tribals, the laborers, the dreamers in dusty classrooms, the homemakers holding their worlds together with fragile hope.
She also challenges the reader to reflect on what resilience really means. It’s not just survival; it’s the act of choosing to carry on traditions, to cook in old clay stoves, to speak one’s mother tongue, and to believe in a better future even when circumstances scream otherwise.
✨ Writing Style: Lyrical, Grounded, Evocative
Kakoli’s writing style is particularly noteworthy. Her words don’t shout—they echo softly, but powerfully. There is a poetic cadence to her prose, which may come from her background in classical dance and music. She doesn’t simply describe her characters; she feels them. The rhythm of her storytelling is akin to a folk song—steadily unfolding, carrying age-old wisdom within its verses.
Her language is accessible yet rich, and her narrative choices are deeply immersive. She doesn’t overdramatize pain or romanticize poverty. Instead, she presents life as it is, filtered through lenses of hope and heritage.
🎙️ Beyond the Book: A Cultural Mission
It’s also worth acknowledging that Kakoli Roy’s work goes beyond literature. She is a cultural ambassador of sorts—someone who is not only preserving stories but also inspiring others to look at the world with more empathy. Her roots in Meghalaya, her education in Bengal, her passion for interior design, and her artistic expressions in classical dance all weave into this multidimensional narrative voice. It’s no wonder that her first book is not just a debut—it’s a declaration.
The TRI Literary Award is a recognition of both her literary prowess and her social mission. She is a woman deeply connected to her roles—as a mother, an artist, a writer, and a cultural observer. This blend adds weight and authenticity to her work.
đź’ Takeaways: Why This Book Matters
- For Readers: It is a reflective, soul-stirring experience that reminds us of the unseen lives around us. It’s perfect for those interested in cultural studies, regional literature, or stories of human resilience.
- For Communities: It is a tribute—a respectful, honest, and moving portrayal of the lives many forget to honour.
- For Literature: It marks an important moment in Indian regional literature, especially from a woman writer who chooses to write about community instead of the self.
Below is the thoughtful feedback from each of the nine reviewers, reflecting their individual perspectives after reading Faith Carves Twigging Roots by Kakoli Roy:
1. Prashant Sahu:
Kakoli Roy’s debut book is a quiet revolution—rich in cultural sensitivity and grounded in truth. As someone deeply invested in community-based storytelling, I found the narratives in this book deeply immersive and emotionally striking. It gave voice to the unspoken and dignity to struggle. A commendable tribute to Bengal’s unsung resilience.
2. Sameer Gudhate:
What moved me most was the authenticity in Kakoli’s portrayal of socio-economic struggles. She doesn’t exaggerate or dramatize; instead, she presents the subtle power of faith and unity in a community that’s been through industrial decay and personal loss. This is grassroots literature at its finest—poignant and real.
3. Apeksha Gupta:
The emotional layering of each tale in this book is extraordinary. As a woman, I was especially touched by the inner strength of the female characters—quiet yet unwavering. Kakoli’s lyrical prose reads like a folk song passed down generations, carrying not just words, but wisdom. A beautiful and inspiring debut.
4. Akansha Sinha:
Reading this book was like walking through the rustic lanes of Bengal, feeling the pulse of every household Kakoli introduces. The book celebrates simplicity without romanticizing poverty and emphasizes hope without undermining hardship. It’s reflective, moving, and above all, human.
5. Glenville Ashby:
Kakoli Roy’s work is reminiscent of ethnographic brilliance. As someone who values indigenous perspectives, I found this book to be an important cultural document—carefully curated and spiritually resonant. She gives voice to the voiceless in a way that’s both respectful and poetic.
6. Pooja Sahu:
Every story in this collection felt like a whisper from the soil—gentle but profound. Kakoli’s understanding of regional identity and its influence on human emotion is remarkable. Her characters stay with you, reminding you that strength often wears the cloak of silence and simplicity.
7. Versha Singh:
The book moved me to tears more than once. The characters, though rooted in a specific geography, feel universally relatable. Kakoli’s ability to transform ordinary moments into profound truths is a rare gift. This book is not just a literary achievement—it’s a mirror of many real lives.
8. Shivangi Yadav:
Kakoli Roy’s writing is a beautiful confluence of observation and empathy. What stood out to me was the nuanced way she addresses change—industrial, cultural, and emotional. There’s grief, but there’s also quiet courage in every page. It’s a book that deserves to be in academic and literary circles alike.
9. Kavita Kaushik:
From the first page to the last, I was captivated by the raw emotion and unfiltered honesty in Kakoli’s stories. Her book reminds us of the power of storytelling in preserving culture and nurturing empathy. A powerful voice has emerged in Indian literature—and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
đź“Ś Final Verdict
Faith Carves Twigging Roots is a remarkable achievement. It deserves to be read, re-read, and shared. It reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, people continue to grow—like roots finding water in parched soil. Kakoli Roy’s storytelling will linger with you long after the last page. This book is a meditation on culture, endurance, and the invisible strength of ordinary people.
