What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Forced to Marry Him: A Lifetime of Tradition and the Will to Break It?
In the late 1980s, I was forced to marry a man I didn’t know. When I was only fourteen years old, the marriage was arranged and set to occur when I turned eighteen. After four long years of the engagement, I had two choices: adhere to the customs and traditions of my family, or risk bringing dishonor to my home. I didn’t like either option, so I made a plan—a plan to survive.
In Forced to Marry Him: A Lifetime of Tradition and the Will to Break It, I tell of the pain, lies, and betrayal I suffered at the hands of those who were meant to protect me the most. But my story doesn’t end there. I continue to speak out and fight – hopefully saving not only my life but the lives of many other women and young girls. I would like to think I offer courage and strength to those who can’t advocate for themselves, and I work with organizations all over the world to help end child and forced marriages. To spread awareness on how many arranged marriages can really be forced marriages. I wish to give a voice to the voiceless, as I break down walls to eradicate cultural and traditional abuse.
I was inspired to write this book by wishing to give a voice to the voiceless and to offer hope and courage.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Forced to Marry Him: A Lifetime of Tradition and the Will to Break It, what would they be?
Don’t You Want Me by Human League – this theme song would be for my character as I felt I was not wanted by my family.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre is fiction. It’s actually not the same as my favorite genre to write which is non-fiction.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Rainbow Acres by Simrita Dhir; A Mindful Move by Kiran Prasad; Heir to Malla by Anna Bushi; War Of The Three Kings by Anna Bushi; Go Own Yourself by Kelly Bagla; and Go Legal Yourself by Kelly Bagla.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
When Auntie Jindie was slurping her tea, and gushing over it while gossiping with my mum about the arranged weddings that had been planned all around us.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Just a good night’s sleep – that’s essential!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My justice is spreading awareness.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
We have to be aware of what’s happening in our neighborhoods. If you notice a girl has gone missing from school over the summer holidays, speak up about it. Perhaps she was taken to her home country to be married off while still a child herself.
Davinder Kaur is the author of the new book Forced to Marry Him: A Lifetime of Tradition and the Will to Break It
Connect with Davinder Kaur
Author Site
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