One Part Woman

Ponna and Kali are married for a dozen years. Yet they are insanely in love with eachother and refuse to keep hands off eachother like newly wed. They are hardworking and lead a comfortable life. Yet they aren't happy cz they are childless. Family/friends and strangers taunt them for not having a child. They call them names and treat them bad. Soon they learn to avoid people and any occasion that involves people. Their life turns miserable. They endlessly pray to God and perform all recommended prayers and offerings. Yet they are not showered with any blessing. Finally, Ponna participates in a temple ceremony where free sex is permitted for a night. It is believed that God whose one part is woman (Maadhorubaagan/Ardhanareeshwaran) would come in man's form and gift a barren woman with a child. However, Kali who is insanely in love with Ponna feels betrayed.

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Why love is not enough? Is it really important to have offsprings? Why society always like to be unfriendly? Can people live life Island just because they don't confirm with the perceived norms? These are some of the blaring questions that the story throws

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Though the story unravels in pre independence era, the plot and plight is still relevant. Outliers continue to be shunned. Over the years while Ponna becomes quirky and bold, Kali becomore subdued and 

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Originally written in Tamil, the translation has some words which are difficult to understand. I am well versed in Tamil and it's culture cz of which i was able to relate to everything. Few insights could have been added in free flowing language to cater globally. 75% deals with the impact of childlessness in Ponna and Kai's life. Though important, it tends to become redundant and boring. The translation doesn't help either. But that's a minor thing because we'd surely root for Ponna and Kali. We'd empathize and adore them. Thus the book wins

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This book became famous due to the controversy. I am glad that the controversy happened. If not we would not have known about this gem. The writer has a way to reach to our hearts and take us through the world he has beautifully woven

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While Ponna and Kali are more victims than survivors, I loved Uncle Nallupayyan. His words would echo for a long time; nudge us think

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⭐⭐⭐/5