Book Review : One Part Woman

Vasudha Pansare reviews One Part Woman By Perumal Murugan. It is the first in the two-part series, comprising One Part Woman and A Lonely Harvest.

This book, translated by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, is a powerful tale of a couple Ponna and Kali who is childless even after twelve years of marriage. The story focuses on their trauma and helplessness. They try to appease every God, visit every temple in that area, perform innumerable rituals to get a child, but in vain.
The narrative also analyses rural Tamil culture in pre-independent India. The relentless tension in the novel is relieved by moments of humour, but it slowly but surely moves towards impending tragedy. The love and passion of Kali for Ponna is so intense and single-minded that what he sees as her betrayal is intolerable for him.
All the characters in the story are etched so realistically that you feel this is a true story that must have happened. Ponna’s innocence, her suffering and Kali’s wholehearted devotion tug at your heart.
The sequel of One Part Woman, A Lonely Harvest, is also equally powerful and perhaps has a greater impact.