Book Review: ‘Candle in the Wind’ by Sharmishtha Shenoy

Book Title: Candle in the Wind: Stories of True Crime against Women and Children
Author: Sharmishtha Shenoy
Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Number of Pages: 224
ISBN: 978-9360459727
Date Published: Jul. 1, 2025
Price: INR 295

Book Review

Sharmishtha Shenoy’s “Candle in the Wind: Stories of True Crime against Women and Children” is a searing collection of true crime narratives that shine a light on the lived experiences of women who have faced unimaginable adversity and violence. Drawing from real cases, Shenoy crafts stories that are as empathetic as they are unflinching, refusing to sanitize the harsh realities of gendered violence in contemporary India. The book opens with a heartfelt foreword by Shikha Goel, IPS, Head of the Women’s Safety Wing, Telangana Police, which sets the tone for the collection—one of compassion, urgency, and a call for societal introspection.

The first story, “The Kidnapping of Baby Ishitha,” exemplifies Shenoy’s narrative strength. Through the eyes of Naina, a young woman living with disability, the reader is introduced to the layered realities of rural life, the weight of tradition, and the consequences of patriarchal decisions. Shenoy’s portrayal of female friendship—particularly between Naina and Poonam—offers a rare tenderness amidst the surrounding trauma. The author skillfully weaves in themes of resilience, the importance of education, and the often invisible bonds that sustain women through hardship. The authenticity of the dialogue and the evocative descriptions of village life ground the narrative in a palpable reality.

What sets “Candle in the Wind” apart from other true crime works is its refusal to sensationalize. Instead, Shenoy foregrounds the voices and agency of her subjects, granting them dignity and complexity. Each story is not merely a recounting of crime but an exploration of the social structures—patriarchy, poverty, and systemic neglect—that enable such tragedies. The stories are interspersed with moments of hope and solidarity, reminding readers that even in the darkest circumstances, the human spirit can persist and inspire change. The author powerfully conveys the emotional toll of crime on victims’ families in the book through intimate, empathetic storytelling that highlights their anxiety, guilt, and helplessness.

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Ultimately, “Candle in the Wind” is both an indictment of societal apathy and a tribute to the courage of women who refuse to be silenced. Shenoy’s meticulous research and honest storytelling make this book essential reading for anyone interested in gender justice, social reform, or the power of narrative to effect change. It is a book that demands to be read with an open mind and a compassionate heart, leaving readers not only more informed but also more determined to advocate for a world where no woman’s voice goes unheard.

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