Indian-American first-time author, Kanchan Bhaskar has just unveiled her first book, Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage. An inspirational memoir of Kanchan Bhaskar’s life events, the book takes the reader through how she set herself free from an abusive marriage. The book can be found in the nearest bookstores and online on Amazon and Flipkart, following its launch on April 11, 2023 in US.
The book, a thoughtfully written, document of events of how raised by two loving parents in New Delhi, India, Kanchan Bhaskar has always been taught that marriage means companionship, tenderness, and mutual respect—so when she enters into an arranged marriage, this is the kind of partnership she anticipates with her new, seemingly wonderful, husband. But after they marry, she quickly discovers that his warmth is deceptive—that the man beneath the bright, charming façade is a narcissistic, alcoholic, and violent man.
Getting abused by her husband through the early years of the marriage, the book highlights how Kanchan finds herself with three children to protect and no change in the worsening situation by the day. With Indian law not on her side, she fears losing custody of her children. With a sparking thought of overruling the peril, Kanchan transforms into a tigress to do whatever it takes to protect her children. Though having left her husband, several times earlier, she gives in to his incessant requests of getting back together hoping the family will thrive together.
However, the situation remains unchanged through the years that follow. It is only when the family of five moves to the USA, Kanchan is presented with a real opportunity to leave him—and she takes it.
Chronicling Kanchan’s gradual climb out of the abyss, little by little, day by day, Leaving is an empowering story. It’s a window into Kanchan’s life of how—buoyed by her deep faith in a higher power and single-minded in her determination to protect her children best—she fought relentlessly to build a ramp toward freedom from her abuser. In this memoir, Kanchan lays out the tools and methods she utilized in her pursuit of liberation—and reveals how belief in self and belief in the Universe can not only be weapons of escape but also beautiful foundations for a triumphant, purpose-driven life.
Speaking about the launch of Leaving, Kanchan Bhaskar says, “Leaving is indeed very dear to me for it documents my life through all the years. It underscores how my relentless approach to provide a better life for myself and my children while distancing from the abuser has gotten me where I stand today. Writing this book is the beginning of a purpose-driven journey, and I’m far from my destination. My journey will end when I will reach the finish line and cross over to the other side. Until then, I will keep marching ahead.”