Book Review- The Silent Scream by Siddhartha Garg

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"Child abuse, one of the many problems that persist in India today, is arguably the filthiest. Of late, we have heard of instances of children being exploited but the most gruesome abuse is child sex abuse. The Silent Scream takes up this issue which people normally turn a blind eye towards. Through the subtlety quoted instances mentioned in this narrative non-fiction we are exposed to the disturbing lives of child predators and their innocent, young unassuming victims. The Silent Scream is a ready guide to create awareness about this rampantly growing evil with the aim of sensitising the general public on the ways in which sex abusers operate. A humble effort is also being made to counsel the victims and carry forward the war against this menace so that other innocent souls are saved."

 The Silent Scream by Siddhartha Garg presents a subtle yet apt picture of the different forms of child abuse prevalent in India. The book begins with the narration of a real life incident, in which a 6 year old girl- Harshita- living in one of the posh localities of Bengaluru is molested, raped and left almost paralysed by a member of the family. The member of the family, who dared to do this act, was none other than her own father. Shrouded by jealousy, hatred and ego over his wife's success and refusal to have another child, the father- a top notch businessman- resorts to an act that is irreparable. The initial few pages show how the mother stands firm on her decision to get her own husband- the culprit- punished, is something to feel proud about. Not many mothers in India, would come across on board to get their husbands pushed behind the bars. This mother was different. Strong, determined, and not bothered about the stigma that's attached to rape', the mother ensures that her husband - the culprit and a father - is punished for the dastardly act. She is an example to all the mothers/women in India, who fear for their reputation,life and much more for coming out in the open and discuss an issue, which is often pushed under the carpets to avoid bringing bad name to the families. 

 If you thought this real life account was enough to absorb, the author presents 10 more real life accounts of abuse across the country. The account will leave you angry and your inability to do something for the victims will make you sulk further down. The book is a genuine handbook for all the parents, who are unaware of the ways in which their child can be abused. The author has done a thorough research on the subject and has ensured his research does not have any loopholes. Considering the sensitivity of the subject, it is a very good effort on the part of the author as well as others who have played a role in bringing the book to its final shape. You may get angry and frustrated after reading the real life incidents; you may question yourself about what as a citizen can you do to stop such abuses from taking place; the book is an answer to all the bubble that is building up within you and is ready to burst any given moment. As a parent, I feel glad to have read the book in detail. 

 The Silent Scream is a thorough researched, well-crafted guide to create awareness about rampant growing abuse. The author, through the book, aims to sensitise the general public on the ways in which sexual abusers hunt for their prey.  

The only loophole I found in the book was proofing errors, which I guess could be taken care of by the publishers when it goes for a reprint. 

 Disclaimer: I would sincerely like to thank the author, Siddhartha Garg, for sending me a copy of the book for an unbiased review. The review is based solely on my experience after reading it. 

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