This article presents a spoiler-free summary and review of the book One Part Woman by Perumal Murugan.
One Part Woman explores how gender essentialism affects women in India as a result of patriarchal traditions. The book explores the issues of ritual and tradition, as well as their influence on relationships, society, and the self. The story examines how a group of people’s unhealthy obsessions alienate a loving couple and causes them to divorce.
About The Book
Perumal Murugan
Title: One Part Woman
Author: Perumal Murugan; Aniruddhan Vasudevan (Translator)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction
Publisher: Kalachuvadu Publications (Tamil), Penguin Books (English)
Type: Book 1 in a trilogy
Pages: 240
Goodreads rating: 3.79/5
Kali and Ponna’s attempts to produce a child have failed, including their prayers, penance, potions, and pilgrimages. Though they are in a loving and sexually satisfying relationship, the comments and insinuations of those around them continually harass them.
All of their concerns and hopes ultimately focus on the chariot festival held in the temple of the half-female god Ardhanareeswara and the festivities surrounding it. Everything depends on the one night the laws are lifted, and homosexual unions of any gender are accepted. The couple’s anguish and humiliation may come to an end this evening. Yet it will also be the ultimate test of their marriage.
One Part Woman is a sharply observed book that bares all in an intimate and frightening depiction of marriage, love, and sex, stuck between the rules of societal convention and the pull of inner worries.
Book Review of One Part Woman
This book is a real gem! The characters are so multi-dimensional. Let’s talk about Ponna – she’s hands down the most brilliantly developed female character I’ve ever come across in a book written by a male author. She’s not just a character; she’s a whole person with depth and layers. She finds this tiny sliver of freedom amidst her fears and grabs it with both hands. Ponna is the epitome of those who are tired of the stereotypes about women’s intelligence but are too worn out to fight every single battle.
Then there’s Kali and Ponna, a couple who are just down on their luck. They’re forced into doing some pretty drastic things to escape the daily torment they face. The way the author captures the essence of Tamilian rural life is just breathtaking. You get a vivid picture of their beliefs, traditions, festivals, temples, and everyday life. But be warned, the raw humanity, the harshness, and some almost brutal practices might leave you stunned. You can’t help but feel for this couple, stuck on the fringes of society, suffering due to circumstances beyond their control. It’s a whirlwind of emotions – one moment you’re happy, the next you’re heartbroken.
Perumal Murugan’s writing is addictive. His bravery in tackling such a sensitive topic is commendable. And his storytelling – it’s like a rollercoaster, full of tales and time jumps. It might be a bit much for some readers, but if you stick with it, it’s worth every word. The chemistry and love between the main characters are so intense, it leaves you feeling a mix of admiration and envy.
Conclusion
Rating: 5 / 5
Recommendation: If you’re looking for something intriguing and fascinating, you need to read this book. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
About the Author:
Perumal Murugan is a Tamil-language author, academic, and literary historian from India. He has authored ten novels, five anthologies of short stories, and four poetry collections. Five of his books have been translated into English: Seasons of the Palm, which was nominated for the Kiriyama Award in 2005; Current Show; Poonachi or the Tale of a Goat; One Part Woman; and Pookkuzhi (Pyre). He was a Tamil lecturer at Salem Attur’s Government Arts College.
Link to buy One Part Woman by Perumal Murugan:
Articles you might also like:
- Book Review: Pride And Prejudice (Spoiler Free) – Favbookshelf
- Ahalya’s Awakening Book Review (Spoiler Free) | Favbookshelf
- Series Review: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Favbookshelf
- Review of Girl Online Series (Spoiler-Free) | Favbookshelf
Videos you might also like:
- 10 Must-Read Fiction Books of All Time | Awesome Reads
- Ascension of the Phoenix Book Review | Action – Thriller
Are you an author or a publisher? If yes, then you must check our services for promotions and marketing. They will undoubtedly benefit you.
Disclosure: One Part Woman book review is honest. Also, some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we recommend.
Have you read One Part Woman by Perumal Murugan? What did you like about it? Leave comments below. Indeed, we would love to know.
Contact Us:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: WhatsApp Us
Instagram: @fav_bookshelf
Let’s make your book shine!
Have a nice day ahead.🙂
