One Part Woman By: Perumal Murugan, Translated By: Aniruddhan Vasudevan

One Part Woman: A Journey into Love and Conformity

One Part Woman, translated by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, is a compelling exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations, penned by the renowned Tamil writer Perumal Murugan. Published in December 2013 as a 248-page hardcover under Penguin's Hamish Hamilton imprint, this novel offers an intimate portrait of a couple navigating their relationship amidst cultural norms and personal anxieties.

About the Book

The narrative follows Kali and Ponni, a loving couple desperate to conceive but faced with relentless failure. Despite their deep connection and physically satisfying union, they grapple with societal taunts and insinuations. Their journey takes them through prayers, penance, potions, and pilgrimages, all in vain.

As the chariot festival at the temple of Ardhanareeswara approaches, Kali and Ponni see it as their last chance to conceive and end their suffering. The annual revelry sanctions consensual union between any man and woman, offering them a brief respite from societal norms. However, this night could also challenge their marriage like never before.

Murugan's poignant portrayal lays bare the complexities of Kali and Ponni's relationship, caught between social conventions and personal apprehensions. With unsparing clarity, he explores themes of love, sex, and marriage, vividly conjuring an intimate and unsettling portrait that will resonate with readers.

About the Author

Perumal Murugan is a well-known contemporary Tamil writer and poet. With six novels, four collections of short stories, and four anthologies of poetry to his credit, he has received numerous awards from the Tamil Nadu government and Katha Books. Two of his novels, Seasons of the Palm and Current Show, have been translated into English with wide acclaim.

Aniruddhan Vasudevan, the translator, is a performer, writer, activist, and graduate student in anthropology at the University of Texas, Austin. He has written for various publications like The New Indian Express, Media Voice, and Kalachuvadu, and works on LGBT advocacy projects.

Book Details

• ISBN-13: 9780670086511
• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin
• Imprint: Hamish Hamilton

One Part Woman is a must-read for those seeking insight into the intricacies of relationships, love, and societal pressures. With its engaging narrative and profound exploration of human emotions, this novel promises an unforgettable reading experience.