Volume VI Special Issue V June 2026

Name of Author : Mrs.M.Kanimozhi, Dr. A. Venkateshkumar

Title of the paper : Trauma, Alienation and Female Identity in Namita Gokhales The Book of Shadows

Abstract: Namita Gokhales The Book of Shadows presents the psychological trauma and identity crisis experienced by women in a patriarchal society. The novel focuses on Rachita, an acid attack survivor who suffers from emotional isolation, fear, and social alienation after the incident. This paper analyses how Gokhale portrays the mental agony of women through psychological narration, memory, and Gothic elements. The study also examines the feminist dimensions of the novel by highlighting societys obsession with female beauty and the marginalization of women who fail to fit social expectations. Rachitas journey from trauma to self-realization reflects the struggle for identity and emotional survival. The paper further explores themes such as alienation, loneliness, and resilience in contemporary Indian womens writing. By combining feminist and psychological perspectives, Gokhale presents a powerful critique of patriarchal attitudes and social neglect. Thus, The Book of Shadows becomes an important feminist text that voices womens pain, resistance, and inner strength in modern Indian English literature.

Keywords : Trauma, Feminism, Identity, Alienation, Psychological Conflict.

DOI :

Page Number : 174-175