The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma by Sangeeta Kampani

 The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma by Sangeeta Kampani | Book Review

Sangeeta Kampani’s "The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma" is a beautifully written, multi-layered novel that delves into the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and personal transformation. At its heart, the book is a deeply introspective character study of Mrs. Sharma, a woman whose journey is filled with self-discovery, contradictions, and the subtle rebellion against the roles imposed upon her by society.

This is the story of a woman and her dreams, her desires, her fantasies, her accomplishments, her trials, her grief, her flaws, her failures, and her humiliations. Mrs. Sharma is a homemaker. Steeped in tradition, she prioritises everyone's needs over her own, the quintessential kitchen queen, who is mostly taken for granted.

Mrs. Sharma's life dives deep into her thoughts from her youth, when she was a hopeful bride with dreams of love and companions, to her later years, when she finds herself looking back at decades of domestic responsibilities, social expectations, and acceptance and compromises.

On her 70th birthday, something strange happens that she has not expected in years. Being politically correct most of the time, she is presented with a gift that changes her life.

I was intrigued by the layers of her life and how she manages all. The story meticulously presents the hardships of a new bride and a homemaker. 

Kampani crafts a narrative that unfolds like a series of personal revelations, exposing the layers beneath Mrs. Sharma’s seemingly ordinary existence. The book subtly challenges the idea that homemakers lead unremarkable lives, revealing instead a tapestry of complex emotions, silent battles, and hidden aspirations.

Kampani’s prose is elegant yet deeply affecting. She has a way of making everyday moments feel profound, imbuing even the most mundane household interactions with emotional weight. Her writing is neither overly dramatic nor distant; it strikes a perfect balance—intimate yet powerful. She employs a reflective narrative voice, allowing readers to step into Mrs. Sharma’s world with empathy and understanding.

Mrs. Sharma is more than just a character; she is also a collection of numerous women we have known—mothers, grandmothers, and aunts—who have given up their wants for the sake of family responsibilities. She is complex, flawed, and achingly real. Kampani doesn’t paint her as a martyr; instead, she gives her a voice—one that is strong yet hesitant, hopeful yet burdened by years of conditioning. The book's strength is its nuanced examination of gender roles, family dynamics, and the emotional labour of homemakers, which is frequently overlooked.

Overall, "The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma" is a moving and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the often-invisible emotional labour women endure. Kampani’s nuanced portrayal of Mrs. Sharma’s journey resonates deeply, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the realities of domestic life. While the reflective tone may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced plot, the novel’s emotional authenticity and compelling character development make it a worthwhile and enriching read.

Purchase The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma here.

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