I’m thrilled to share with you a new novel, Beyond the Fetters, written by my friend, Balroop Singh. I’ve read Balroop’s beautiful poetry collections that are always evocative, deeply touching the heart. Then I was excited to hear that she has a new novel coming out.
Balroop’s words:
“This is an ambitious project, dear to my heart as I’ve been working on it for almost seven years.”
So, I invite you to read what the buzz is all about:
The Inspiration:
Fetters are not just chains or manacles used to restrain a prisoner.
Fetters is a metaphor with wider and profound implications. They symbolize the emotional and mental restraints imposed by society. They refer to the unwritten rules that bind the spirit of people, that clip the wings of girls in their infancy, and they grow up with oppressive traditions and antiquated systems. They are stronger than physical fetters, as there is no key to open them. So, breaking these shackles is impossible.
The inspiration to rebel against so-called traditions lies at the foundation of this story. The journey of my characters was not easy, but their resolve to break free could never be weakened as they were ready to jump into the cauldron of embers. Physical wounds couldn’t scare them, lack of support didn’t shake their determination, and resistance couldn’t weaken their willpower.
Book Blurb:
Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.
Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams.
The sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.
Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “We are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.
Book Information:
Title: Beyond the Fetters
Author: Balroop Singh
Genre: Fiction
Publication date: October 1, 2025
Amazon link: https://tinyurl.com/mu4bzr7v
An Excerpt:
Grandma’s word was the law. Age had not touched this beautiful woman. She was still svelte, walked straight with poise and wielded control of her estate with an exceptional zeal. Her sons tried to emulate her free, traditional spirit and respected her towering presence.
The warning of “not giving her too much” stayed with Earthy all day. She played with her cousins but grandma’s comment hammered at her mind again and again. She quietly munched her evening meal and didn’t ask for more.
At night, she lay beside her mama and asked, “Why did Grandma say that?”
“What did she say?”
“Didn’t you hear when she yelled?” She said, “Don’t give her too much to eat.’”
“She is right. Girls shouldn’t eat too much.”
“But why?” Earthy’s innocent eyes implored for an explanation.
“They grow up faster.”
“Won’t Trod grow up faster? He eats so much.”
“That doesn’t matter. Don’t keep an evil eye on your brother’s food. He is a boy. He has to take up many responsibilities.” Shanti’s wrath was noteworthy.
“But why, Mama? Why shouldn’t I grow?”
“You speak too much, Earthy. Don’t ask absurd questions. Sleep now.”
The conversation ended abruptly each time as Earthy was expected to keep her mouth shut. “Girls don’t talk much,” her grandma often told her.
She looked at the high ceiling of the room for a long time. The carvings transformed into real figures that resonated with her until dreamy cobwebs took her to the land of fairies. She loved this land, where clouds shimmered and trees whispered magical songs, far away from the people who liked to comment on her.
***
Nobody could snub Earthy. The next morning, when she saw Grandma, sitting in the verandah, attached to the kitchen, churning buttermilk in a big earthen vessel, she kissed her good morning and asked the same question – “Ma, why can’t I eat as much as I want?”
Grandma was more than happy to answer it. She stopped churning, looked at Earthy and said, “If you eat all day and grow taller, we’ll have to marry you. So, what is the need to grow up so fast? You have a lot to learn before you go.” Grandma laughed and started moving the strings of the wooden stand that fitted in the vessel.
“Marry? Were you married when you grew tall? Didn’t they ask you about your wishes?”
“Girls don’t have wishes and who cares about them?” Grandma muttered.
Earthy tilted her head quizzically. She didn’t understand the logic. She didn’t know the significance of the word ‘marriage’ at the tender age of eight. Why should she stay half-fed because of this so-called marriage?
About the Author:
Balroop Singh, an educator, a poet and an author always had a passion for writing. She would jot down her reflections on a piece of paper and forget about them till each drawer of her home started overflowing with reminders of her creativity, popping out at will! The world of her imagination has a queer connection with realism. Soaring on the wings of words, she gathers the dreams, and blends them with the melodies of nature. She writes about people, emotions and relationships.
A self-published author, she is the poet of Sublime Shadows of Life andEmerging From Shadows, both widely acclaimed poetry books. She has also written When Success Eludes, Emotional Truths Of Relationships, Allow Yourself to be a Better Person, TimelessEchoes , Moments We Love, Magical Whispers, Slivers, Hues Of Hope and Fusion. Her latest poetry book is Just One Goodbye.
Balroop Singh has always lived through her heart. She is a great nature lover; she loves to watch birds flying home. The sunsets allure her with their varied hues that they lend to the sky. She can spend endless hours listening to the rustling leaves and the sound of waterfalls. The moonlight streaming through her garden, the flowers, the meadows, the butterflies cast a spell on her. She lives in California.
Simply click on the link below to pre-order the kindle version, and the paperback will be available on October 1st.
Global Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/jfc7fkf
X link: @BalroopShado
https://balroopsingh.com
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A Huge Congratulations to Balroop, and
Thank you, dear friends, for taking time from your busy schedule
to visit my corner of blogland.
I hope you’re enticed and will add Balroop’s book to your home library.
I can’t wait to hold the paperback in my hands.
Have a lovely week ahead! 🌺❤️
© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.
Lauren Scott
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