Maitreyi Devi was a Bengali poetess and novelist, known for her intricate explorations of human relationships and cultural intersections. Her writing delves into the complexities of personal experience, often challenging societal norms and perceptions. In her novel, written as a response to another author's portrayal, Devi sought to reclaim her narrative and present a more authentic account of her experiences. Her work is characterized by its introspective depth and a nuanced examination of Bengali culture and identity.
An account of the experiences of Maitreyi Devi, the highly educated Indian daughter of an intellectual father who fell in love with a female student staying at her home in the 1930s. the book was written as a response to Bengal Nights, by Mircea Eliade, the young student who had stayed with the family in Calcutta.