Nymphet's Nemesis

Shakuntala, the eternal outsider. The little girl hovering by the door as her brother is being taught grammar. The wife who doesn’t belong. The whore ruled by shame. Eventually Shakuntala seeks redemption. And it is here that I have a grouse with the story line. Almost lovingly written all through, in its finale, the story suddenly acquires the leanings of a morality tale.... Shakuntala—forlorn, bewildered woman of tragic integrity—deserves better.