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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2025)
The Unspoken Court: Squash as a coping mechanism for grief and trauma in chetna maroo's Western Lane
Authors
Anurag Dahiya
Abstract
Chetna Maroo’s debut novel, Western Lane
(2023), explores grief, trauma, and coping mechanisms within a British-Indian
family following the sudden death of their mother. Through the perspective of
11-year-old Gopi, the novel portrays squash as a central metaphor for
navigating loss, offering structure and control while potentially hindering
emotional expression. This paper examines the pervasive silence surrounding
grief, the unique experiences of childhood trauma, and the role of squash as
both a refuge and a barrier to healing. Drawing on close readings and critical
reviews, it argues that while squash provides temporary solace, the family’s
avoidance of open emotional processing risks long-term emotional consequences.
The study also considers cultural influences and other coping strategies, such
as sibling dynamics and daily routines, to highlight the complexities of
healing in a culturally nuanced context.
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Pages:1-2
How to cite this article:
Anurag Dahiya "The Unspoken Court: Squash as a coping mechanism for grief and trauma in chetna maroo's Western Lane". International Journal of English Research, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 1-2
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