One Part Woman is a powerful and evocative novel by Perumal Murugan, set in a rural Tamil Nadu village, exploring themes of love, identity, societal pressures, and the quest for parenthood. The story revolves around Kali and Poomani, a married couple who desperately desire a child but struggle with infertility. As time passes, they face immense pressure from the village and their community, who consider them incomplete without children. Their yearning for a child becomes a metaphor for the rigid societal expectations surrounding marriage and family.

The novel dives into the emotional turmoil of the couple and highlights the consequences of their journey toward self-discovery in a deeply conservative society. With sensitivity and grace, Murugan addresses the complexities of relationships and personal desires against a backdrop of tradition and judgment.

Translated into English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, One Part Woman also gives a voice to Murugan’s exploration of the intersection of tradition and modernity in India, making it a significant read for those interested in understanding contemporary Indian society.