The Avatar in Jahnavi Barua's Rebirth

Rebirth, by Jahnavi Barua is the story of Kaberi, a young woman who is married to Ranjit and resides in Bangalore. Prolonged years of childlessness makes their relationship estranged and the book opens at a point when Kaberi is pregnant but their marital relationship is on the verge of a breakage. Through the narrative technique of interior monologue is brought to forefront Kaberi's inner and outer world as she negotiates between them in turbulent waters of human relationships. Her narrative to her unborn child and her self realization through her avatar, alter ego Joya forms the core of the novel. In the end she like her avatar emerges as an empowered woman.