Summary and Reviews of Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao

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Poornima never once noticed the door of the temple. Neither did Savitha. But the temple watched them closely, perched as it was on the mountain that towered over Indravalli. The village itself was near the banks of the Krishna River, a hundred or so kilometers inland from the Bay of Bengal. Though it was situated in a level valley, the hamlet was shadowed by one of the largest mountains in Andhra Pradesh, called Indravalli Konda, with the temple halfway up its eastern face. It was painted a brilliant white and looked to Savitha like a big boll of cotton. To Poornima, the temple looked like the full moon, perpetually embraced by the sky and the branches of the surrounding trees.

Poornima was ten years old when she stood outside her family's hut, staring at the temple; she turned to her father, who was seated on the hemp-rope cot behind her, and asked, "Why did you and Amma name me after the full moon?" Her mother was sitting at the loom, working, so Poornima didn't want to ...

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. Discuss the novel's title. What does it mean to you? How is the experience of being a girl portrayed here? Did you find it eye-opening?
2. Why do you think the author chose to begin with the story about the old woman and the temple doors? What tone does that set for the rest of the novel?
3. How is friendship depicted in these pages? Why do you think Poornima and Savitha are so drawn to each other? What qualities do they share, and what qualities distinguish each of them? Do they change over the course of the novel?
4. Savitha tells Poornima about encountering an owl on the road in Indravalli. The owl tells Savitha, "If two people want to be together, they'll find a way. They'll forge a way. It may seem ludicrous, even stupid, to...

Please be aware that this discussion may contain spoilers!

Here are some of the comments posted about Girls Burn Brighter in our legacy forum.
You can see the full discussion here.


Are there examples in Poornima's story when she does take what she isn't supposed to? How does she exercise control over her own life?
From birth Poornima is marinated in a sauce that leaves her believing that she is entitled to nothing, not even her own life. I wept at her father’s admission that he could have as easily killed her as save her when she was a toddler. So as soon as ... - donnac

Did Poornima's and Savitha's stories change the way you think about issues such as rape, domestic violence, prostitution, sex trafficking, and abuse?
Yes, reading the book did change my thinking about sex trafficking and other such offenses because of the scene when one of the girls agreed to the amputation of her arm. I cannot imagine agreeing to such a horrific act in any situation; however, the... - judyg

Did you find the novel's ultimate message to be at all optimistic or hopeful? Why or why not?
In the end, I found hope and optimism because they were reuniting, or at least I am assuming the reunited. So, I had hope. It was a difficult read with all the tragic things these girls went through. - JulieAB

Discuss the owl's words. What does this novel have to say about willpower versus fate or coincidence?
Perhaps the acceptance of fate is showcased as a cultural value. India as reflected in this novel has several restrictions based on birth that become restrictive on the life a person can live. All cultures have these so ingrained that many people ... - paulagb

Do you think Poornima and Savitha are "swallowed whole" by their experiences? Why or why not?
I think Savitha was almost swallowed whole with her being rape again but this time in America. When Savitha was in the bathroom, the toilet sounds brought her some comfort like it did before. I wonder is that part of the reason she stayed in the ... - alwaysdaddygirl