Book Review: Porridge and I: Growing Up With India

Review By Anita Panda

Porridge and I: Growing Up With India
Author: Roopali Sircar Gaur
Publisher: Authors Press
Year of Publication: 2024
Pages: 284
Price: ₹695 on Amazon.in

ISBN: 978-93-6095-696-7
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Authored by academician, poet, educator, and social justice activist Roopali Sircar Gaur, Porridge and I presents a brilliant, compelling, and riveting journey through a rapidly evolving post-colonial India at a critical juncture in its modern history. This captivating and multi-layered narrative grips readers and, to quote novelist Azam Gill, “gets into your head and stays there creating magic.”

This compelling work offers a powerful record of a newly independent, postcolonial India as seen through the eyes of an innocent, young but astute girl child. The narrative sweeps readers across the vibrant and shifting landscape of India from the enchanting Blue Mountains to the scorching desert across its diverse terrain. Gaur offers a vivid glimpse into an era of transition, chronicling the complexities of a nation reborn with its rich cultural heritage and new identity, capturing humour and heartache, laughter, longing, and the scars of partition poignantly. Throughout, readers remain engaged with this journey of growth, resilience, and the joys of sisterhood. 

The opening line, “Miss Doris is English. That is why her skin is so white”—is immediately gripping. Disarmingly innocent yet cleverly exposing the racial bias and Indian fetish with ‘gora’ skin, Gaur rips apart racism from the perspective of childhood observation. The author's vivid language and imagery reflect her creative genius through a child's eyes, as when the narrator describes: “Mother is a real fairy princess. Stars shine in her eyes and red blood-looking jewels hang from her neck.”

Stinging satire and humour are cleverly woven into the narrative highlighting racism, gender bias, and the submission of Indian women to patriarchy.

The author delivers sharp criticism through a child's innocent but keen sarcasm: “Babloo is a boy and therefore, God's special creation. He is a son after all.” The book boldly challenges gender stereotypes with observations such as- “A good woman must die before her husband to get a good funeral” and “What are girls supposed to do? Cook of course and look after babies.”

Anita Panda

The book serves as an unapologetic assertion of the author's unique stamp of feminism and boldness. This is exemplified in scenes such as: “They were not expecting to see the terrifying sight of Mother...a sickle in her hand—"Don't you dare step forward,” she had warned.” Education emerges as vital to female empowerment, with Mother as a constant and strong influence:
“My girls will have real education...only if girls are educated and earning their own living can dowry be forgotten.” The celebration of feminine power is evident in references to goddess figures: “Like Athene of the flashing eyes, Goddess Durga rides the big-faced lion with eyes like big blue lakes...she pierces the evil heart of Mahishasur.”

The author’s use of vivid imagery and metaphors through changing landscapes and varied people reflect her creative genius, brilliant perception and insightfulness through a child's perspective. Food becomes an emotion in descriptions such as: “The black earthen pot which sits still on the fire, is full of the most delicious curry...the mouths suck out the curry-filled intestines and the happy teeth chew the pieces.”

The delightful mix of English, Hindi, and colloquial dialects reflects India’s diversity, with hilarious twists in pronunciation and spelling— “Phitte mooh twada” and “Aiyo aiyo, see who's talking”—adding sparkle, flavour and dynamism to the narrative. The humour keeps readers entertained throughout, as with the parrot Gangaram who shrieks all day: “pata nahin, pata nahin, pata nahin. After which it lets out a long shrill whistle. The security guard does it at night.”

The book presents an engrossing tale of childhood memories through myriad interactions and interpretations. Gaur doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, addressing the challenges, lurking dangers and sexual exploitation that can surface even in a child's protected environment: “Kundanlal Mali...stops me and puts my hand in between his legs...groans saying “ahhhh bahut accha.”

The narrative pulsates with robust patriotism that gives readers goosebumps, with staunch assertions of newfound Indian independence: “Women left chapatis to burn on the fire as they ran to greet the men ready to die...and never dare to sneak back again into our beautiful country again.” The assertive tone of a proud and patriotic Indian is evident despite lingering colonial influences: “The good old days are over. They were only for you ‘goras’, you white guys...I am an officer in the Indian Army which is no longer the King’s army...I am free to wear anything. I live in my own country.”

The book ends poetically, almost lyrically, on a beautiful, lingering, and proud note of Indianness, with the child narrator revealing: “My name? My name is Parijat, the immortal Indian tree in Heaven which blossoms flowers that look like stars.” The closing sentiment – “The English with their porridge and rosy-red cheeks were gone for good. India was now free”—encapsulates the book’s central theme of independence and identity.

Porridge and I presents a captivating and poignant kaleidoscope of a vibrant new postcolonial India at a landmark phase in its history, ingeniously captured through a child's eyes and the author's unique narrative style. The work remains relevant for all times, offering an emotion and narrative few can resist. This gripping work is a must-read and has the potential to be a bestseller. Highly recommended for readers interested in postcolonial literature, Indian history, gender studies, and coming-of-age narratives. The book offers valuable insights for academics, students, and general readers alike.

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Reviewer’s Bio: Anita Panda is a passionate bilingual author-poet, nature lover, spiritualist and an aspiring TEDx speaker.  She wrote ‘GENESIS’ in 2021, in honour of her Late soldier brother and debuted with her own book in 2023 ‘SONGS OF MY SOUL’. 

She is a prolific writer with her work finding space in various prestigious national and International Anthologies & notable publications- TOI, eShe & Mumbai Mirror.  She challenges social stigmas in a still patriarchal India and crusades for women’s empowerment.

A dynamic poet-performer on global stages, Anita is currently crafting her debut Hindi-Urdu book set for release soon.

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Setu, August 2025