One Part Woman - Book Review

I am writing this review for all three books of the One Part Woman set - One Part Woman, A Lonely Harvest and Trial by Silence.

Via Google

One part woman is the story of a childless couple, Kali and Ponna who endure the insults and social stigma of the village.  The story deals with the tender romance and the intense intimacy of this married couple.  Ponna is portrayed to be a very story and good natured woman.  Her portrayal is so down to earth that we can still see someone alike her if we go to any rural part of Tamil Nadu.  The attire, the village settings still remain the same, save for technology like  Mobiles and Televisions.  

The first part ends in a cliff hanger and I found myself craving for more.  I couldn't resist reading the first sequel A lonely harvest though Trial by silence seems to be the most favourite.  The author continues the story promptly from where he left in the first half.  After having written a superb first half, the second half also demands a similar effort.  And the author has given us two endings to suit ourselves.  After having finished this version I thought this was a more realistic version but the second version too proved to be realistic.  

Ritual or custom, still a mere one night stand would mean infidelity.  One may argue that it happened at a time when there were no advanced treatments like IVF available.  But infidelity in the name of god is even worse.  I still see couple who are childless in spite of all these medical advancements.  One way is to sever all relationships start afresh or adopt.  For someone who had been honest and faithful, Kali's anger was justified in both sequels.  And the measures Ponna takes to redeem herself is quite painstaking and depressing in both sequels.

The second sequel was also quite depressing as we witness the relationship wither and there is no way to salvage it.  But somehow it ends on a happy note.  All is fair in love and war and so they forgive and forget as they forge a new life.  Some incidents depicted just question the very base of our culture which advices and advocates that virtue is above life.  No wonder the author got into problems with the hypocrites and bureaucrats alike.

One interesting character worth mention was Uncle Nallayan.  His experiences, stories and talks were an antidote to the suffering couple.  The character gave a lighter vein to the whole story, but his character had not been given a rounded ending.  It was a huge disappointment.  The first sequel showed the author's interest in farming and rearing.  The setting and picturesque surroundings were portrayed with great detail as the author was born in a farming family in the same locality.

After having read the depressing second part two times I was quite sad when the story ended on a happy note in just a line.  I was craving for more happy episodes.  The translation by Aniruddhan Vasudevan was a delight.  Nothing was lost in translation and since Tamil is my mother tongue, I could see how precisely he had translated the native slangs and proverbs too.  On the whole it was a good read, all three books.

Esperanza rising

 

Growing up I had always heard stories of Eelam Tamils being chased away from their country, become refugees in various other countries.  I used to wonder how they would ever adjust to a life without any support or the things they are used to.  But becoming a refugee doesn't stop here alone.  It has been and is still happening all around us.  Israel, Bangladesh or Mexico to name a few.  Mexicans enter US everyday and the government has been taking measures to control it everyday.

Well, you may ask if I am ever going to review the story.  But this is the story.  Its about Esperanza and her family who are forced to flee their own country and take abode in USA.  The story starts all rosy and warm but young Anza's life is upturned when her father dies and every wealth is taken over by her scheming uncles.  

She leaves Mexico with her mother and friends and face a life she had never imagined.  But luckily she already has acquaintances in USA who arrange for a job and accommodation.  It would be a night mare to think of life if there were no support in a place too foreign to us.  It would be like walking in the dark.  The story is not about riches to rag with depressing details.  The author has not held any grudge or disappointment about the past or the turn of events, instead she focusses on hope, love and support without which no one can endure the wrath of fate.  The story also focusses on how they are being stereotyped, the poor living conditions and the toiling workload.  It also explains about how they have to put with a lot of things like no protest, poor wages and still show empathy towards each other.

The last remnants of her previous life become her comfort now esp. the crochet and hook and rose her father planted.  She finds solace in the fact that she has someone to lean on to.  It is not about revenge or becoming rich again, but its about something more practical and powerful - starting over again.  This ending is what makes it more touching and realistic.

In the author's note, she mentions that this story is based on her grandmother and her recollection of events in her life.  Its a promising and uplifting story of how one should "never be afraid to start over".

The Bridge Home

I am not sure if I am sad or inspired.  It was hard to see if this was a fairy tale story or the real world story.  To categorize this as a kids read may be difficult.  This is an emotional rollercoaster or maybe that's just me.  Just towards the end everything gets fine and the ending is happy but the story just lingers on in the memory.  Maybe because I have watched many kids in the same predicament and have accepted that this is the way that these kids are.  Finding out their stories will surely leave a lump in my throat.  I am sure the author who is a social worker herself, has put the situation very mildly here as its a middle grade novel.  I am sure that there are far worse situations for these so called street urchins who keep popping out everyday in the city. 

The narration goes on as the protagonist writes a letter to her deceased sister, much akin to Night Diaries.  The length of the novel may be short, because its a middle grade read, but the story leaves an impact.  I cried many times, both when I was happy and sad.  It was so true and real that it never felt like a story, but rather something happening somewhere right this moment.  I think its a great read for all ages, let alone the kids.  I love it how the author has stringed together so many messages like bravery, hope, disability, the bonding, the forgiveness and last of all faith in a way that it was subtle yet bold to leave an impact after reading.