The Fourth Girl by Arefa Tehsin Review | Memory, Secrets and Womanhood

Book Title: The Fourth Girl
Author: Arefa Tehsin
Publisher: Penguin India
Number of Pages: 376
ISBN: 9377307120
Date Published: Jul. 22, 2026

Book Review

“The Fourth Girl,” by Arefa Tehsin explores themes of memory, womanhood, and the quiet violence that shape ordinary lives against the backdrop of Sri Lanka. The novel centers on three women, successful yet haunted by a shared tragedy—the mysterious disappearance of a fourth girl from their youth.

As they confront their past during a reunion at a funeral, long-buried secrets resurface, forcing them to reckon with their identities and the societal pressures that shaped them.

The intricacies of female relationships and the societal expectations imposed by caste, class, and religion can be seen in Arefa’s writing, which blends poetry-like prose with psychological insight.

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The protagonists, who come from a variety of backgrounds—Muslim, Baniya, upper-class, and lower-caste—navigate their entwined lives in a socially stratified environment, demonstrating prejudice and the quest for independence.

The book is more than just a mystery; it combines suspense with social commentary to tackle larger problems like patriarchy, domestic violence, and religious prejudice.

Arefa challenges readers to consider the tricky nature of truth and the lasting effects of the past by crafting an exciting yet emotionally stirring story that challenges the limits of freedom and dignity within society.

“The Fourth Girl” is a compelling blend of mystery and human drama, driven by strong, multifaceted characters.

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