Summary of " Breaking Ties " by Sara Abubakar Originally published in Kannada as Chandragiri Teeradalli , is a landmark feminist novel by Sara Abubakar. Translated into English by Vanamala Vishwanatha, the story provides a harrowing look at the patriarchal structures and rigid religious interpretations that govern the lives of Muslim women in coastal Karnataka and Kerala. Plot Summary
In an attempt to remarry Rashid, Khan imposes a cruel, archaic custom upon his daughter. Nadira is forced to enter a Halala marriage—a ritual requiring her to marry another man, consummate the marriage, and then divorce him before she can legally return to her first husband, Rashid.
is a powerful short story by the acclaimed Indian Kannada writer and translator Sara Abubakar . Known for her fierce advocacy for women's rights and her sharp critiques of patriarchal structures within traditional societies, Abubakar delivers a poignant narrative about autonomy, familial duty, and the painful necessity of self-preservation. This summary and analysis explores the core narrative arc, thematic depth, and character dynamics of this impactful literary work. Overview and Context breaking ties by sara abubakar summary
The emotional core of the story shifts when the protagonist returns to her maternal home, seeking refuge. In many cultures, the parental home is romanticized as a place of unconditional safety. However, Abubakar strips away this illusion. While her mother might harbor silent empathy, the dominant familial voice—usually represented by the father or male relatives—is governed by societal shame and religious orthodoxies.
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, starts happily, but it is soon derailed by the actions of her father, Mahammad Khan , who acts as the antagonist. The Conflict:
Breaking ties comes at a heavy cost. Abubakar does not romanticize the struggle; she vividly depicts the loneliness, fear, and financial vulnerability that the protagonist must confront as she steps away from the only social safety net she knew. Literary Style and Impact Nadira is forced to enter a Halala marriage—a
Abubakar uses domestic imagery to symbolize the protagonist's entrapment. The "ties" mentioned in the title are not just physical or legal bonds of marriage, but the invisible threads of guilt, societal expectation, and fear that keep her tethered. Breaking these ties is portrayed not as an act of rebellion for the sake of it, but as a necessary step for survival. Character Analysis