A vibrant fable of marriage, caste and social convention from an important Indian writer
One Part Woman tells the story of Kali and Ponna, a South Indian couple perfectly content in their marriage, aside from one thing - they are unable to conceive. Quickly attracting gossip and familial disapproval, they try everything they can to have a child, from offerings at temples to atoning for the misdeeds of their ancestors, but each attempt brings fresh disappointment.
Their final hope rests on the annual chariot festival, a celebration of a god who is one-part woman, one-part man. For one night, the rules of marriage are relaxed and consensual sex between unmarried men and women is overlooked, for all men are considered gods. Could this be the opportunity they've been searching for?
Both tender and bitingly critical, One Part Woman is a powerful tale of marriage formed and deformed by social custom and anxiety.