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One and a Half Wife
Unlike most Indian immigrants, Amara Malhotra is not destined to achieve the American Dream. Much to the anxiety of her parents – the spirited Biji and the doting Baba – Amara leads an unremarkable life. That is, until she marries Harvard-educated millionaire, Prashant Roy. However, this fairy-tale isn’t meant to last, and even as Amara’s marriage collapses, she finds herself returning to the land of her birth, to the small city of Shimla. Here, in a borough grappling with questions of modernity, Amara is caught in a tug-of-war between old beliefs and new ones, between parents who favour obedience and new friends who encourage independent thought. With powerful insights, One and a Half Wife traces the coming-of-age of multiple characters, while re-defining family, relationships and love in contemporary India.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2012
36 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Meghna Pant
19 books151 followersMeghna Pant is a multiple award-winning author, screenwriter, journalist and speaker. Her books – Boys Don't Cry (2022, Penguin), The Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad Good News (2021, Penguin), How To Get Published In India(2019, Bloomsbury), Feminist Rani (2018, Penguin), The Trouble With Women (2016, Juggernaut), Happy Birthday! (2013, Random House) and One & A Half Wife (2012, Westland) – have been published to commercial and critical acclaim. Pant has been named one of India's best writers by various publications.
She has been felicitated with various honours and shortlists for distinguished contribution to literature, gender issues and journalism, including the Frank O'Connor International Award, Commonwealth Short Story Prize, Laadli Media Award, Bharat Nirman Award, FICCI Young Achiever Award, Muse India Young Writer Award, FON South Asia Short Story Award and Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has described Pant’s writing as ‘surprising and moving’, Ashwin Sanghi as 'provocative and inspirational', Jeet Thayil as ‘deft, merciless, expertly-tuned’ and Namita Gokhale as possessing 'intense human sensibility'.
Pant's short stories have been published in over a dozen global literary magazines, including Avatar Review, Wasafari, Eclectica, The Indian Quarterly and QLRS, along with anthologies like The Himalayan Arc.
Meghna has lived in Delhi, Singapore, Zurich, Dubai and New York City. She is currently based in Mumbai with her husband and two daughters.
She has been felicitated with various honours and shortlists for distinguished contribution to literature, gender issues and journalism, including the Frank O'Connor International Award, Commonwealth Short Story Prize, Laadli Media Award, Bharat Nirman Award, FICCI Young Achiever Award, Muse India Young Writer Award, FON South Asia Short Story Award and Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni has described Pant’s writing as ‘surprising and moving’, Ashwin Sanghi as 'provocative and inspirational', Jeet Thayil as ‘deft, merciless, expertly-tuned’ and Namita Gokhale as possessing 'intense human sensibility'.
Pant's short stories have been published in over a dozen global literary magazines, including Avatar Review, Wasafari, Eclectica, The Indian Quarterly and QLRS, along with anthologies like The Himalayan Arc.
Meghna has lived in Delhi, Singapore, Zurich, Dubai and New York City. She is currently based in Mumbai with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 14, 2015
If you love stories dealing with human relationships and the emotions attached to them, then Meghna Pant’s One and A Half Wife is a must read. It is the story of a normal girl-next-door and how the different phases of her life, the heartbreaks and tribulations ultimately help her become a strong-willed person.
The story covers nearly two decades and along with it the different social issues and situations are also dealt with – people’s obsession of getting a Green Card, several misconceptions regarding the American Dream, failed marriages and putting the omen on the girl for that. It also showcases the post-globalization modern India and the corresponding emergence of the “moral polices” trying their best to keep ‘traditions’ intact by any means. With the passage of time, the story also portrays coming-of-the-age of the various characters.
Humor as well as darkness is smoothly woven in the story and that will definitely make you flip through the pages in quick succession. You will be able to connect yourself with the characters and the ensuing situations. It is a story which at times will seem to depress you, but in the end the sheer display of strength and bravado by the protagonist will definitely boast your confidence.
The story covers nearly two decades and along with it the different social issues and situations are also dealt with – people’s obsession of getting a Green Card, several misconceptions regarding the American Dream, failed marriages and putting the omen on the girl for that. It also showcases the post-globalization modern India and the corresponding emergence of the “moral polices” trying their best to keep ‘traditions’ intact by any means. With the passage of time, the story also portrays coming-of-the-age of the various characters.
Humor as well as darkness is smoothly woven in the story and that will definitely make you flip through the pages in quick succession. You will be able to connect yourself with the characters and the ensuing situations. It is a story which at times will seem to depress you, but in the end the sheer display of strength and bravado by the protagonist will definitely boast your confidence.
August 19, 2012
By Meghna Pant. Grade: B
The first impression of this book is contrasting. While the title is provoking and makes one curious, and the cover excellent, the blurb is drab and unexciting. But it was a review copy and thus, I forged ahead.
Unlike most Indian immigrants, Amara Malhotra is not destined to achieve the American Dream. Much to the anxiety of her parents – the spirited Biji and the doting Baba – Amara leads an unremarkable life. That is, until she marries Harvard-educated millionaire, Prashant Roy.
However, this fairy-tale isn’t meant to last, and even as Amara’s marriage collapses, she finds herself returning to the land of her birth, to the small city of Shimla. Here, in a borough grappling with questions of modernity, Amara is caught in a tug-of-war between old beliefs and new ones, between parents who favour obedience and new friends who encourage independent thought.
With powerful insights, One and a Half Wife traces the coming-of-age of multiple characters, while re-defining family, relationships and love in contemporary India.
Amara Malhotra is a traditional middle-class girl born into a traditional middle-class family of three in the picturesque Shimla of the nineties. Her parents have one dream: to get their Green Card so that they can live the American Dream. From a very young age, Amara has been raised to be a God-fearing woman who would make any man a perfect wife. Their wish finally gets granted when the envelope bearing the pink president arrives and they pack their steel trunks, eager to leave for America, where all their dreams will come true.
Unfortunately, in America they find themselves torn between two worlds, but fitting in neither. Amara’s uncle, who arranged for the Green Card now wants nothing to do with his less educated and uncouth sister and her family, and her cousins whom Amara had looked forward to meet with almost fanciful desperation snub her. She doesnt eat meat, isn’t allowed to fraternize with boys, or wear makeup. Quite naturally, she finds herself ostracized. Making up her mind to concentrate on nothing but her studies so that she can make her parents proud, Amara throws herself into work and turns into a timid young woman, always at the beck and call of everyone. In a party one day, she is interrogated by a rich looking woman who is looking for a traditional wife for her Harvard-educated son, Prashant. She is chosen to be Prashant’s wife and is married to him within a few days, thus fulfilling every dream her parents ever had.
But Prashant does not love her, and after living a loveless marriage that sucked out her very soul for six years, both of them give up and part ways. Amara needs to heal, and returns to Shimla, where nothing is the same. But she makes an unlikely friend and makes life-altering decisions, for the first time discovering who the real Amara is.
–
As far as plot lines go, this one is neither terribly original, nor very creative. The beginning was also quite slow, with the reader feeling bogged down by excessive descriptions. But the writing is mature and sophisticated, and very, very perceptive. I liked the author’s relationship with her words, and the characters were well sketched. Biji took the cake. A woman so annoying, so overdone, so real…She made a lasting impression.
Amara’s family’s fascination with everything American poked fun at the mindset of the nineties in a way that was not very kind, but perhaps unflinchingly true. I felt that some events were blown out of proportion, and that Amara displayed a passiveness that did not always endear her to me, but when I thought about it, I realized that I had no right to judge her, because she wasn’t a natural rebel. Passivity and acceptance were two of her inherent core values, and I can’t hold it against her that she didn’t immediately protest against her dominance.
It’s a decent read. I did not laugh, I did not cry, but I was also never bored enough to put it down. Readers looking for some fresh fiction from the new crop of Indian writers would like it.
Originally reviewed at http://the-vault.co.cc
The first impression of this book is contrasting. While the title is provoking and makes one curious, and the cover excellent, the blurb is drab and unexciting. But it was a review copy and thus, I forged ahead.
Unlike most Indian immigrants, Amara Malhotra is not destined to achieve the American Dream. Much to the anxiety of her parents – the spirited Biji and the doting Baba – Amara leads an unremarkable life. That is, until she marries Harvard-educated millionaire, Prashant Roy.
However, this fairy-tale isn’t meant to last, and even as Amara’s marriage collapses, she finds herself returning to the land of her birth, to the small city of Shimla. Here, in a borough grappling with questions of modernity, Amara is caught in a tug-of-war between old beliefs and new ones, between parents who favour obedience and new friends who encourage independent thought.
With powerful insights, One and a Half Wife traces the coming-of-age of multiple characters, while re-defining family, relationships and love in contemporary India.
Amara Malhotra is a traditional middle-class girl born into a traditional middle-class family of three in the picturesque Shimla of the nineties. Her parents have one dream: to get their Green Card so that they can live the American Dream. From a very young age, Amara has been raised to be a God-fearing woman who would make any man a perfect wife. Their wish finally gets granted when the envelope bearing the pink president arrives and they pack their steel trunks, eager to leave for America, where all their dreams will come true.
Unfortunately, in America they find themselves torn between two worlds, but fitting in neither. Amara’s uncle, who arranged for the Green Card now wants nothing to do with his less educated and uncouth sister and her family, and her cousins whom Amara had looked forward to meet with almost fanciful desperation snub her. She doesnt eat meat, isn’t allowed to fraternize with boys, or wear makeup. Quite naturally, she finds herself ostracized. Making up her mind to concentrate on nothing but her studies so that she can make her parents proud, Amara throws herself into work and turns into a timid young woman, always at the beck and call of everyone. In a party one day, she is interrogated by a rich looking woman who is looking for a traditional wife for her Harvard-educated son, Prashant. She is chosen to be Prashant’s wife and is married to him within a few days, thus fulfilling every dream her parents ever had.
But Prashant does not love her, and after living a loveless marriage that sucked out her very soul for six years, both of them give up and part ways. Amara needs to heal, and returns to Shimla, where nothing is the same. But she makes an unlikely friend and makes life-altering decisions, for the first time discovering who the real Amara is.
–
As far as plot lines go, this one is neither terribly original, nor very creative. The beginning was also quite slow, with the reader feeling bogged down by excessive descriptions. But the writing is mature and sophisticated, and very, very perceptive. I liked the author’s relationship with her words, and the characters were well sketched. Biji took the cake. A woman so annoying, so overdone, so real…She made a lasting impression.
Amara’s family’s fascination with everything American poked fun at the mindset of the nineties in a way that was not very kind, but perhaps unflinchingly true. I felt that some events were blown out of proportion, and that Amara displayed a passiveness that did not always endear her to me, but when I thought about it, I realized that I had no right to judge her, because she wasn’t a natural rebel. Passivity and acceptance were two of her inherent core values, and I can’t hold it against her that she didn’t immediately protest against her dominance.
It’s a decent read. I did not laugh, I did not cry, but I was also never bored enough to put it down. Readers looking for some fresh fiction from the new crop of Indian writers would like it.
Originally reviewed at http://the-vault.co.cc
July 22, 2012
One and a Half Wife is a brilliant book by an Indian author in a long time. The maturity with which Meghna Pant treats the subject of immigration, divorce and reverse-immigration among the 'one and a half generation' Indian-Americans is commendable. The characters are tightly chalked out and leave a long lasting impression on the reader, even after the book is done. It is easy to connect with the characters and you feel like you are actually a part of the life of the people in the book.
This is one of the rare stories that make it to print but something that we might have heard from a friend or a distant relative. I would strongly recommend it for readers of all age groups. Meghna Pant, takes you through a learning experience through the life of her protagonist, Amara Malhotra and I must advice you to take this trip with her.
Highly recommended.
Brilliant read.
This is one of the rare stories that make it to print but something that we might have heard from a friend or a distant relative. I would strongly recommend it for readers of all age groups. Meghna Pant, takes you through a learning experience through the life of her protagonist, Amara Malhotra and I must advice you to take this trip with her.
Highly recommended.
Brilliant read.
July 2, 2012
I am going to pretend (just like I do with Series 6 of Doctor Who) that the last 70 pages of this book don't exist.
The first two hundred pages, I think The Namesake did it waaaay waay better. Also, beware the Curse of the Shitty Indian Similes.
2.5 stars.
The first two hundred pages, I think The Namesake did it waaaay waay better. Also, beware the Curse of the Shitty Indian Similes.
2.5 stars.
April 30, 2014
I read about the author only when her last book came in 2013 and thought/planned to read it after reading about her past books. It was only when I was all set to buy it that I came across this book! The title of the book caught my attention and I thought better to start with her first novel and then move forward
I must start with giving her yet another e-clap for bringing the much talked about immigrant experience which is an essential story for our time in a beautiful book. She is brilliant in putting the story of the exiles, who straddle two countries and two cultures, and belong to neither, and come back home to find things have changed — both geographically and culturally! She also has succeeded in portraying the importance of human relations and how it can make and break the life of a person be it in India or abroad. The first couple of chapters are quite descriptive but as you keep on reading the story becomes more and more engrossing and addictive and that is how it started growing on me too. And then things changed..
The book can be clearly divided into two parts where almost two-third of the story is based in USA and rest in India. She is absolutely outstanding till we get back to India…the story slowly starts losing steam and then it enters the world of cliché which simply can’t hold it after the brilliance in the first part. I was so excited after reading the first part that I could not stop telling one of my friends that looks like I have got THE book of the year but sadly it just could not maintain the pace till the last part.
I will still recommend this book to people just to make them see how good this author can be if she doesn’t succumb to natural endings!
I must start with giving her yet another e-clap for bringing the much talked about immigrant experience which is an essential story for our time in a beautiful book. She is brilliant in putting the story of the exiles, who straddle two countries and two cultures, and belong to neither, and come back home to find things have changed — both geographically and culturally! She also has succeeded in portraying the importance of human relations and how it can make and break the life of a person be it in India or abroad. The first couple of chapters are quite descriptive but as you keep on reading the story becomes more and more engrossing and addictive and that is how it started growing on me too. And then things changed..
The book can be clearly divided into two parts where almost two-third of the story is based in USA and rest in India. She is absolutely outstanding till we get back to India…the story slowly starts losing steam and then it enters the world of cliché which simply can’t hold it after the brilliance in the first part. I was so excited after reading the first part that I could not stop telling one of my friends that looks like I have got THE book of the year but sadly it just could not maintain the pace till the last part.
I will still recommend this book to people just to make them see how good this author can be if she doesn’t succumb to natural endings!
September 12, 2016
A story so profound of a young Indian girl cursed to be the ‘One and a half wife’ whose life is sheltered by the institution of marriage and expected to ripen within that calyx; has been told with such audacity. Her journey from being a ‘Baby Buddha’ to an Indian immigrant then a de-horsey and finally a strong headed woman with a sense of self reliance keeps the readers busy.
Amara Malhotra, a girl instilled with thoughts and hopes of marriage and it being the prime and only goal in her life, her mother and father being extremely conservative even after living in the West gives a diverse view of the growing hypocrisy. The rejection of a sister, restriction towards making ‘white friends’ and the fear of failure in the US of A depresses her everyday until one day she finds herself married to a Millionaire, Prashant Roy. Her dreams, her aspirations remain short lived as he reveals his failure to love her back. A shattered and divorced Amara with parents who least acknowledge her presence returns to Shimla finding a new India with high rises and people wearing western clothes yet carrying the same conservative notions. A quest of knowing herself in new friends who inspire her to fight back and old parents who demand obedience. This book reveals the conflict between the old and new beliefs. It is a fight within to accept and move on.
Meghna Pant has effectively summarised all the characters and their behaviour towards everything
happening around them. One line that will make every reader take a pause is “Women sided with
men+Men sided with men=No one sided with women”, has been efficiently incorporated in the book. Overall, an interesting storyline that will connect in different manners to its readers.
Amara Malhotra, a girl instilled with thoughts and hopes of marriage and it being the prime and only goal in her life, her mother and father being extremely conservative even after living in the West gives a diverse view of the growing hypocrisy. The rejection of a sister, restriction towards making ‘white friends’ and the fear of failure in the US of A depresses her everyday until one day she finds herself married to a Millionaire, Prashant Roy. Her dreams, her aspirations remain short lived as he reveals his failure to love her back. A shattered and divorced Amara with parents who least acknowledge her presence returns to Shimla finding a new India with high rises and people wearing western clothes yet carrying the same conservative notions. A quest of knowing herself in new friends who inspire her to fight back and old parents who demand obedience. This book reveals the conflict between the old and new beliefs. It is a fight within to accept and move on.
Meghna Pant has effectively summarised all the characters and their behaviour towards everything
happening around them. One line that will make every reader take a pause is “Women sided with
men+Men sided with men=No one sided with women”, has been efficiently incorporated in the book. Overall, an interesting storyline that will connect in different manners to its readers.
July 30, 2012
One and a Half Wife is a debut novel by journalist Meghna Pant. While reading the novel, I deeply appreciated the author's capability to bring out in words, the emotions of an Indian lady named Amara Malhotra and the pain that she goes through while trying to settle down in an American country where she almost finds herself unfit. The ever-widening gap between Amara and her NRI cousins, an unsuitable personality in herself to get aquainted with the US culture etc., make her totally desperate. The hope of finding solace in a marriage also thrashes as her wedding with the affluent Prashant Roy fails after 6 years of living a dumb with him. Amara chooses to return to India where it is considered a sin to remain a single woman. She emerges a bold woman amidst all struggles and makes a bold choice to lead her life in her own terms. I would recommend this book for its simplicity and its intriguing story that will make you listen to the hues and cries of a harassed woman.
July 1, 2012
You know most days I really can’t afford to read and some days it seems that I did rather lie down and close my eyes and rest when I have a few minutes to myself. So I really did not know why I requested this book from Blogadda,com. There is no uniqueness in the blurb and it sounds really boring. The blurb really talks about immigration, trying to blend in etc etc. I would rather read Jhumpa Lahiri, because she is one who deals with these topics with such finesses that any other Indian author would have to really struggle to make a mark.
But I was blown away… really. I really LOVED this book. This is one book I want you to pick up and read… This is one book I will insist you read… and will not let you rest until you read. That blurb needs working, it doesn’t do the book any justice. At a bookstore I would not have picked this one up after reading that blurb. Now I think I am blabbering, but I cannot tell you how much I loved this book.
The mid-wife had another delivery to make across town at Chota Shimla. She didn’t have time to play coquette with chota girls.So she grabbed a hot white coal from the pot of coals lying on Biji’s stomach and brought it close to Amara’s left foot. Amara wailed, declaring herself only under provocation.
The story starts off with a parrot picking a card up which will ascertain Amara’s future as a wife. This is the parrot who tells her mother that she will be a “one and a half wife”. And hence starts Amara’s story. Amara has been taught to desire only 3 things – “It is God’s desire”, “It is Biji’s desire” and “It is His desire” – “His” being the future husband. Biji (mother) made sure that Amara understood that the ultimate thing in life for her was to find a rich boy and marry him. Amara’s uncle who is settled in US, after her birth applies for the green card for the Malhotras.
After waiting for 14 years, Malhotra’s reach America, where her uncle helps them out albeit hesitantly. It is not a smooth ride from there for Amara and neither is it for her parents. Armed with a list of things they must not do in America, to pronouncing the words the American way to changing their looks, they struggle in every way.
I must say that there is no dull moment in this book. You just read on and on without considering putting it down. Amara’s childhood reminded me of mine and even with an army of characters, each character has a distinctive role and a well-defined space. Amara’s struggles in the US and her life are discussed not to cater sympathy for her but to really show-case the Indian community in the US. The author also deals with the subject of divorce carefully and skillfully showcases how it is truly dealt with abroad and in India.
“This is all hogwash, she told herself. All marriages were a consequence of security, tradition, money and beauty. Love was a chance, a lucky coincidence. Its existence was an after-thought, for more serious matters cemented marriage.”
“It was consequently fitting for an immigrant to blend in with America like sugar with water or better still, to avoid a diabetic relationship, to blend in like air with water.”
“Everything fits together in America except the immigrant’s identity.”
There is not one anti-hero but everyone just behaves as per there circumstances and the thinking instilled in them through age-old traditions. This story is a beautiful coming-of-age story. It was not only for Amara, but also for her parents, her sister and so many others. It is a beautiful story and it is lovingly told.
I really insist you read it today J
Highly Recommended.
But I was blown away… really. I really LOVED this book. This is one book I want you to pick up and read… This is one book I will insist you read… and will not let you rest until you read. That blurb needs working, it doesn’t do the book any justice. At a bookstore I would not have picked this one up after reading that blurb. Now I think I am blabbering, but I cannot tell you how much I loved this book.
The mid-wife had another delivery to make across town at Chota Shimla. She didn’t have time to play coquette with chota girls.So she grabbed a hot white coal from the pot of coals lying on Biji’s stomach and brought it close to Amara’s left foot. Amara wailed, declaring herself only under provocation.
The story starts off with a parrot picking a card up which will ascertain Amara’s future as a wife. This is the parrot who tells her mother that she will be a “one and a half wife”. And hence starts Amara’s story. Amara has been taught to desire only 3 things – “It is God’s desire”, “It is Biji’s desire” and “It is His desire” – “His” being the future husband. Biji (mother) made sure that Amara understood that the ultimate thing in life for her was to find a rich boy and marry him. Amara’s uncle who is settled in US, after her birth applies for the green card for the Malhotras.
After waiting for 14 years, Malhotra’s reach America, where her uncle helps them out albeit hesitantly. It is not a smooth ride from there for Amara and neither is it for her parents. Armed with a list of things they must not do in America, to pronouncing the words the American way to changing their looks, they struggle in every way.
I must say that there is no dull moment in this book. You just read on and on without considering putting it down. Amara’s childhood reminded me of mine and even with an army of characters, each character has a distinctive role and a well-defined space. Amara’s struggles in the US and her life are discussed not to cater sympathy for her but to really show-case the Indian community in the US. The author also deals with the subject of divorce carefully and skillfully showcases how it is truly dealt with abroad and in India.
“This is all hogwash, she told herself. All marriages were a consequence of security, tradition, money and beauty. Love was a chance, a lucky coincidence. Its existence was an after-thought, for more serious matters cemented marriage.”
“It was consequently fitting for an immigrant to blend in with America like sugar with water or better still, to avoid a diabetic relationship, to blend in like air with water.”
“Everything fits together in America except the immigrant’s identity.”
There is not one anti-hero but everyone just behaves as per there circumstances and the thinking instilled in them through age-old traditions. This story is a beautiful coming-of-age story. It was not only for Amara, but also for her parents, her sister and so many others. It is a beautiful story and it is lovingly told.
I really insist you read it today J
Highly Recommended.
March 23, 2024
An immigrant can deeply resonate with the narrative of this book. As the story unfolds, we witness the journey of Amara, Biji, and her father as they land in the United States. It was Biji’s lifelong dream to seize the opportunity to venture abroad. Meanwhile, Amara finds herself bound to marry the brilliant Harvard scholar, Prashant Roy, as if it were fate. However, life takes an unexpected turn in Amara’s journey. Unlike many others, her mother’s aspirations fail to materialize as envisioned. Following her divorce, they return to their native Shimla.
The plot resonates deeply with me. The aspirations of immigrating to a new land and the arduous struggles endured to realize those dreams are portrayed with poignant clarity. What particularly intrigues me is the significance behind the title, “One and a Half Wife.” Within the book lies a poignant backstory that explains the meaning behind this title. It serves as a poignant reminder of how we often embrace the narratives that come our way.
If you love reading stories with rich human relationships and emotions that you can deeply relate to the protagonist, then this book is for you. Do give it a try!
The plot resonates deeply with me. The aspirations of immigrating to a new land and the arduous struggles endured to realize those dreams are portrayed with poignant clarity. What particularly intrigues me is the significance behind the title, “One and a Half Wife.” Within the book lies a poignant backstory that explains the meaning behind this title. It serves as a poignant reminder of how we often embrace the narratives that come our way.
If you love reading stories with rich human relationships and emotions that you can deeply relate to the protagonist, then this book is for you. Do give it a try!
January 26, 2013
For a detailed review visit : http://thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in/2...
A story of an Indian girl, who tries to live by the norms of the society. However life and luck do not favor her and she faces hardships like the ones one hears and never imagines would happen to one when taken away from her motherland, in marriage etc. It’s the story of the realization and transformations that she goes through to emerge as survivor.
Story is well told, language is good and flow is beautiful. No un-necessary detailing and one enjoys the journey. Every tide and ebb is depicted in the right proportion. The authors and editors are to be complemented for the same. Characters and plots are set brilliantly, the depiction of a divorced lady in the beginning to define changes in human nature with time is beautiful. The title moreover is very well suited. Lastly, the ending is beautiful, positive and carries a strong message.
A story of an Indian girl, who tries to live by the norms of the society. However life and luck do not favor her and she faces hardships like the ones one hears and never imagines would happen to one when taken away from her motherland, in marriage etc. It’s the story of the realization and transformations that she goes through to emerge as survivor.
Story is well told, language is good and flow is beautiful. No un-necessary detailing and one enjoys the journey. Every tide and ebb is depicted in the right proportion. The authors and editors are to be complemented for the same. Characters and plots are set brilliantly, the depiction of a divorced lady in the beginning to define changes in human nature with time is beautiful. The title moreover is very well suited. Lastly, the ending is beautiful, positive and carries a strong message.
July 28, 2012
One and Half Wife is a fabulous first attempt by Meghna Pant. The story, its characters and the descriptions are so real that one can easily identify with them. The author's ability to weave emotions into the story is commendable. One seems to develop an instant bond with the protagonists and is actually bothered about what happens to them, feeling happy by their joys and saddened by their suffering.Notwithstanding some trivial shortcomings, One and a half Wife remains a compelling read. Among the recent crop of books from Indian Authors in English, it comes as a whiff of fresh air, not superficial but something which can strike a chord with you. Highly Recommended.
May 28, 2012
One of the best books to come out this year. A must-read. Lyrical prose, etched out characters and a plot that will have you hooked, I really enjoyed this debut novel. The reviews have been fantastic and I was amazed at the realism and practicality with which the protagonist is allowed to surf through her problems. A winner!
June 29, 2012
What an amazing read! With this beautifully-written book Pant has proved herself to be a writer of terrific grace and power. At the heart of the novel lies a daring sensibility that catapults the reader into familiar yet unknown territory. The characters are sharp, the pace ferocious and the narrative relevant. If you must read one book this year, let it be"One & A Half Wife"!
August 27, 2012
The best novel to come out by an Indian author this year! I loved it from the first page. I simply could not put it down. I was laughing with Amara, crying for her, feeling her pain and her joy. And Biji is so entertaining, while Baba so strong. And Lalit - what can I say! Hard to believe that this is just the first novel by Miss Pant. Look forward to all her future works. Phenomenal novel guys!
October 11, 2012
It was a wonderful experience seeing changing times of Shimla and New York over a period of 16 years. Life itself takes many turns, as it cascades through overcoming one's inhibition,s accepting cultural changes, treading with caution and finally deciding to manage life on one's terms.
The story is amazing and Meghna's writing style was engaging. Loved it.
The story is amazing and Meghna's writing style was engaging. Loved it.
October 6, 2013
a brilliant book coming from an Indian author. I was very reluctant to pick up this book but still took a chance to order it online. The story is interesting and worth your reading time. Very good work by Meghna pant.
January 18, 2014
Oh God so mind wrenching...
December 15, 2024
One and a Half Wife by Meghna Pant is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of familial expectations, cultural identity, and personal resilience. It follows the journey of Amara Malhotra, a young Indian woman, as she navigates the complexities of love, marriage, and belonging in both Indian and American societies.
Key Themes and Analysis:
1. Cultural Conflict and Identity: The novel explores the immigrant experience, especially the challenges of balancing traditional Indian values with the more liberal outlook of American society. Amara’s struggles highlight the tensions between old-world expectations and modern aspirations.
2. Marriage and Gender Expectations: Amara’s life takes a turn when her “perfect” arranged marriage ends in divorce. Labelled as “half a wife,” she becomes a symbol of societal failure in her conservative Punjabi family, emphasizing the stigma attached to divorced women in traditional communities.
3. Resilience and Self-Discovery: The heart of the story lies in Amara’s journey to reclaim her identity. Her struggle to move past societal judgment and redefine her worth is inspiring and relatable for anyone who has faced rejection or failure.
4. Family and Love: The novel sensitively portrays family dynamics, particularly the influence of parental expectations on a child’s choices. It also examines how love can both constrain and liberate individuals.
Writing Style:
Meghna Pant’s writing is accessible yet lyrical, with an ability to blend humor and pathos seamlessly. The narrative is engaging and filled with vivid descriptions of both Indian and American settings, making the reader feel immersed in Amara’s world.
Critical Reception:
One and a Half Wife received acclaim for its nuanced depiction of immigrant life and the emotional depth of its characters. Critics praised Pant for addressing serious themes with sensitivity while maintaining a light, engaging tone.
Conclusion:
One and a Half Wife is a heartfelt, relatable story of resilience and self-empowerment. It resonates with readers who have experienced cultural conflicts, societal pressures, or the struggle to find their true selves in the face of adversity. This is a must-read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a mix of humor, drama, and cultural insight.
Key Themes and Analysis:
1. Cultural Conflict and Identity: The novel explores the immigrant experience, especially the challenges of balancing traditional Indian values with the more liberal outlook of American society. Amara’s struggles highlight the tensions between old-world expectations and modern aspirations.
2. Marriage and Gender Expectations: Amara’s life takes a turn when her “perfect” arranged marriage ends in divorce. Labelled as “half a wife,” she becomes a symbol of societal failure in her conservative Punjabi family, emphasizing the stigma attached to divorced women in traditional communities.
3. Resilience and Self-Discovery: The heart of the story lies in Amara’s journey to reclaim her identity. Her struggle to move past societal judgment and redefine her worth is inspiring and relatable for anyone who has faced rejection or failure.
4. Family and Love: The novel sensitively portrays family dynamics, particularly the influence of parental expectations on a child’s choices. It also examines how love can both constrain and liberate individuals.
Writing Style:
Meghna Pant’s writing is accessible yet lyrical, with an ability to blend humor and pathos seamlessly. The narrative is engaging and filled with vivid descriptions of both Indian and American settings, making the reader feel immersed in Amara’s world.
Critical Reception:
One and a Half Wife received acclaim for its nuanced depiction of immigrant life and the emotional depth of its characters. Critics praised Pant for addressing serious themes with sensitivity while maintaining a light, engaging tone.
Conclusion:
One and a Half Wife is a heartfelt, relatable story of resilience and self-empowerment. It resonates with readers who have experienced cultural conflicts, societal pressures, or the struggle to find their true selves in the face of adversity. This is a must-read for those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a mix of humor, drama, and cultural insight.
May 14, 2013
“One and a Half Wife” by Meghna Pant is the story of Amara Malhotra, a fourteen year old girl who lives in Shimla with her conservative parents, Biji and Baba. Amara is intelligent, independent and obedient and does not argue with her parents. She is very close to Baba, who is very understanding and supports his wife for Amara’s sake. This book can be divided into three parts: pre America; America and post America.
Biji dreams of going to America and settling down so that Amara could marry a rich Indian boy in Amreeka. She speaks english to show she is educated. She goes to palmists, temples and even card picking parrots. When Amara was a few months old, Biji’s brother, Dua mama said that he had eased the path by applying for Malhotra family’s Green Cards to America. Since then, for fourteen years Biji is waiting for the day to come when they would board a flight to America.
Once in America, her cousins do not treat her well, her mother forbids her to make ‘white friends’. She makes friends with Stacy while doing accountancy and gets a job in Dua mama’s firm as an accountant. Mrs Roy sees her at a party and gets her married to her son, the Harvard-educated millionaire Prashant Roy. She tries to make a success of her marriage but five years later Prashant tells her he married her for his mother’s sake and that he cannot love her and asks her for a divorce. After her separation, her parents also disown her and she finds a renewed friendship with her cousin who had not treated her well initially.
They decide to move back to Shimla and in the car from Delhi to Shimla, Amara realizes that India has also changed in the seventeen years that she was away. There are all buildings, flyovers, billboards, people wearing western outfits and McDonalds. In Shimla, her mother first tries to cover up Amara’s divorce, then is open about it and then asks her to consider proposals from suitable men.
Amara makes a new set of friends, starts her own business, tries to rebuild her life but then the local goons start troubling her. Her parents begin to support her and then Lalit comes along, understands her and she falls in love with him.
It is a very well written book, emotional at times and practical at times. The close relationship of the Malhotra family shows the Indian values. I am waiting to read Meghna’s next book.
Biji dreams of going to America and settling down so that Amara could marry a rich Indian boy in Amreeka. She speaks english to show she is educated. She goes to palmists, temples and even card picking parrots. When Amara was a few months old, Biji’s brother, Dua mama said that he had eased the path by applying for Malhotra family’s Green Cards to America. Since then, for fourteen years Biji is waiting for the day to come when they would board a flight to America.
Once in America, her cousins do not treat her well, her mother forbids her to make ‘white friends’. She makes friends with Stacy while doing accountancy and gets a job in Dua mama’s firm as an accountant. Mrs Roy sees her at a party and gets her married to her son, the Harvard-educated millionaire Prashant Roy. She tries to make a success of her marriage but five years later Prashant tells her he married her for his mother’s sake and that he cannot love her and asks her for a divorce. After her separation, her parents also disown her and she finds a renewed friendship with her cousin who had not treated her well initially.
They decide to move back to Shimla and in the car from Delhi to Shimla, Amara realizes that India has also changed in the seventeen years that she was away. There are all buildings, flyovers, billboards, people wearing western outfits and McDonalds. In Shimla, her mother first tries to cover up Amara’s divorce, then is open about it and then asks her to consider proposals from suitable men.
Amara makes a new set of friends, starts her own business, tries to rebuild her life but then the local goons start troubling her. Her parents begin to support her and then Lalit comes along, understands her and she falls in love with him.
It is a very well written book, emotional at times and practical at times. The close relationship of the Malhotra family shows the Indian values. I am waiting to read Meghna’s next book.
November 17, 2015
Beautifully written and explained about how an average Indian family and it's daughter survive in this over practical and imbalanced cultural society where people want to make themselves modern but do not want to leave the conservative roots which causes a different kind of struggle in every person who belongs to such society.
The situation of a divorcee, specially when it's a woman, is extremely unfair in not just inside the country but also abroad where these so called NRIs have established those shallow conservative roots. The book touches every aspect of life of a common man and I think is successful in relating to people. A struggle of a girl child who is not-so fair, of a father who gives up his beliefs in front of his greedy wife all for the sake of her daughter, struggle of middle class immigrants in foreign land faced by their own people, struggle of a teenage girl from competing with her ultra-modern cousins to improve her falling grades, struggle of a Man who cannot go against her mother and ends up marrying a wrong girl, struggle of a mother who fails to make her son's and her own marriage successful and most of all, struggle of a wife fighting to please everyone happy and in the process forgets to love herself and ultimately loses all those people to whom she loves most.
The appreciable part of the book is the strength with which the main characters fight back the obstacles in their lives and learn to live with a lil more kindness, concern and acceptance.
I recommend this books to every person who is somehow or in someway struggling somewhere.
The situation of a divorcee, specially when it's a woman, is extremely unfair in not just inside the country but also abroad where these so called NRIs have established those shallow conservative roots. The book touches every aspect of life of a common man and I think is successful in relating to people. A struggle of a girl child who is not-so fair, of a father who gives up his beliefs in front of his greedy wife all for the sake of her daughter, struggle of middle class immigrants in foreign land faced by their own people, struggle of a teenage girl from competing with her ultra-modern cousins to improve her falling grades, struggle of a Man who cannot go against her mother and ends up marrying a wrong girl, struggle of a mother who fails to make her son's and her own marriage successful and most of all, struggle of a wife fighting to please everyone happy and in the process forgets to love herself and ultimately loses all those people to whom she loves most.
The appreciable part of the book is the strength with which the main characters fight back the obstacles in their lives and learn to live with a lil more kindness, concern and acceptance.
I recommend this books to every person who is somehow or in someway struggling somewhere.
December 12, 2018
The Big Indian American Dream. Did you ever harbor it, or still do? Do you know someone who does or has achieved it?
During the last decades of the last Millenium, a large number of Indians became immigrants, America being the most coveted country to immigrate to. With immigration, came struggles to adjust to the new country and build a life from scratch. One and a Half Wife by Meghna Pant is a riveting tale of the young Amara, who immigrates to America with her parents during the early 90s. The story follows her life from Indian to America and back, and how she copes with it.
Amara Malhotra was 14 years old when her parents immigrated to the United States of America, or as her mother said, Amreeka. Having grown up listening to her mother’s nonstop ranting about the postponed green card, Amara finds herself amidst a cultural shock in her new country. The language, the dress up, the way of living, everything seems alien. Despite having cousins living a few streets away, and also studying in the same school as hers, Amara gets lonely when they rebuff her and make fun of her Indianness. Knowing only 3 desires in life, “It is Biji’s desire”, “It is God’s desire”, and “It is His desire” with His being Amara’s future husband, she jumps head first into the sea of hard work when all other ways of adjusting fail.
Some years into her new life, Amara emerges a dutiful daughter and student. Her life still revolves around the 3 desires her Biji had taught her, which ultimately leads her to her husband. Marrying a “Beyond” changes her life, she goes from being an invisible immigrant girl to the center of attraction at parties, shops at the most expensive stores and lives in an upscale apartment, in short, her life becomes the image of perfection. But behind the curtain of her alluring life, all is not so well. What seems like a happy home is actually just a mirage. Will Amara be able to get a grip on herself when tragedy strikes? Will she be able to rebuild her life with her own desires and not those which Biji had taught her?
So, how was the book, you may ask now? I say it was okay. Narrated in the third person, the language was lucid and languid. While the beginning kept me engrossed, the latter half got boring. What started off on the peak went downhill when the story took a cliche turn, which left me feeling meh. Had the plot remained unconventional like the protagonist, I would have liked the book loads better. The saving grace though was the characterization. With the pace set slow, there was a lot of scope to build up the characters and it was done well. Limited characters helped too. The most remarkable and bang on the point that the author writes is about the hypocrisy of the people. I must say, it was fun to read about such realistic characters and see them change colors in just a sentence.
When I started reading this book, I hadn’t expected it to give me a lesson in parenting and societal norms. Okay, I wasn’t born in the 80s and I don’t know about the parents and the society then. But I do know when the parenting is right or wrong, more so because am a parent myself now and also, “Kuch toh log kahenge, logo ka kaam hai kehna…” I was into mid-teenage when I started noticing the difference between my parents and other. For instance, my mother never used to after my life to study and my father never used to get upset f I scored low. Their funda was that if I had given my 100% and still didn’t get good marks, it was okay. As long as I was true to what I was doing, they were happy. It made my life simple as compared to a lot of other students who were burdened under their parents' constant scrutiny. Then came the big decision of career choice after school. Naturally, I had the support of my parents even when I decided to drop a year to pursue designing, which was unheard of a decade ago. I and they, we were asked questions all the time by overindulging relatives, which thankfully we knew how to deflect. When I look back today, I know I had been blessed to get such parents. Not all can boast of such a thing. In fact, my closest friend during my school days had overbearing parents and I used to listen to her crib all the time. What happened to her is another long story, which I may get to write about if I ever read a book which requires it.
Coming back to the topic at hand, parenting is not easy. It takes a whole village to raise a child. But what when this whole village starts deciding what the child must do and don’t, what must make it happy and sad, what it must do to live and die...not right, right? As guardians, we have the duty to guide the child and not burden it with our desires. And when it comes to girls, especially, it is a general trend in our country to not let them desire. The primary focus shifts to the girl’s marriage the moment she is born rather than letting her have a happy life. What she has to do (read cook, clean, serve, in short, be a slave) in future must reflect her good upbringing. So much is the hold of the parents and those unworthy relatives that it completely ruins her life. When she marries, whom she marries and how she marries, she has no say in it. More so, she has no say in her in-laws’ house as well, which supposedly is supposed to be hers as well. Strange, huh? Not at all, because most of the girls in our country grow up on a liberal dose of “It will be His desire”. But strange is the reaction of everyone when it all falls apart. Divorce? It must be the girl’s fault. Despite numerous attempts at explaining that it may be a mutual or his decision, it all fails miserably only to backfire on her. The world starts seeing her differently now. Divorcee. Life now limits itself to this word for her. It still doesn’t dawn on the society to see why such a thing happened. Instead, it battles with itself, fighting a lost cause between old beliefs and new ideas. While it seems easy for them to modernize themselves, it is impossible to let the girl soar, keeping her leg bound to first parents, then husband, and later, son. I just wish the mentality of our society changes, from seeing a girl like a piece of a commodity to be traded when she turns 18 years of age, to a human who has equal rights to desire.
More to girl power!
During the last decades of the last Millenium, a large number of Indians became immigrants, America being the most coveted country to immigrate to. With immigration, came struggles to adjust to the new country and build a life from scratch. One and a Half Wife by Meghna Pant is a riveting tale of the young Amara, who immigrates to America with her parents during the early 90s. The story follows her life from Indian to America and back, and how she copes with it.
Amara Malhotra was 14 years old when her parents immigrated to the United States of America, or as her mother said, Amreeka. Having grown up listening to her mother’s nonstop ranting about the postponed green card, Amara finds herself amidst a cultural shock in her new country. The language, the dress up, the way of living, everything seems alien. Despite having cousins living a few streets away, and also studying in the same school as hers, Amara gets lonely when they rebuff her and make fun of her Indianness. Knowing only 3 desires in life, “It is Biji’s desire”, “It is God’s desire”, and “It is His desire” with His being Amara’s future husband, she jumps head first into the sea of hard work when all other ways of adjusting fail.
Some years into her new life, Amara emerges a dutiful daughter and student. Her life still revolves around the 3 desires her Biji had taught her, which ultimately leads her to her husband. Marrying a “Beyond” changes her life, she goes from being an invisible immigrant girl to the center of attraction at parties, shops at the most expensive stores and lives in an upscale apartment, in short, her life becomes the image of perfection. But behind the curtain of her alluring life, all is not so well. What seems like a happy home is actually just a mirage. Will Amara be able to get a grip on herself when tragedy strikes? Will she be able to rebuild her life with her own desires and not those which Biji had taught her?
So, how was the book, you may ask now? I say it was okay. Narrated in the third person, the language was lucid and languid. While the beginning kept me engrossed, the latter half got boring. What started off on the peak went downhill when the story took a cliche turn, which left me feeling meh. Had the plot remained unconventional like the protagonist, I would have liked the book loads better. The saving grace though was the characterization. With the pace set slow, there was a lot of scope to build up the characters and it was done well. Limited characters helped too. The most remarkable and bang on the point that the author writes is about the hypocrisy of the people. I must say, it was fun to read about such realistic characters and see them change colors in just a sentence.
When I started reading this book, I hadn’t expected it to give me a lesson in parenting and societal norms. Okay, I wasn’t born in the 80s and I don’t know about the parents and the society then. But I do know when the parenting is right or wrong, more so because am a parent myself now and also, “Kuch toh log kahenge, logo ka kaam hai kehna…” I was into mid-teenage when I started noticing the difference between my parents and other. For instance, my mother never used to after my life to study and my father never used to get upset f I scored low. Their funda was that if I had given my 100% and still didn’t get good marks, it was okay. As long as I was true to what I was doing, they were happy. It made my life simple as compared to a lot of other students who were burdened under their parents' constant scrutiny. Then came the big decision of career choice after school. Naturally, I had the support of my parents even when I decided to drop a year to pursue designing, which was unheard of a decade ago. I and they, we were asked questions all the time by overindulging relatives, which thankfully we knew how to deflect. When I look back today, I know I had been blessed to get such parents. Not all can boast of such a thing. In fact, my closest friend during my school days had overbearing parents and I used to listen to her crib all the time. What happened to her is another long story, which I may get to write about if I ever read a book which requires it.
Coming back to the topic at hand, parenting is not easy. It takes a whole village to raise a child. But what when this whole village starts deciding what the child must do and don’t, what must make it happy and sad, what it must do to live and die...not right, right? As guardians, we have the duty to guide the child and not burden it with our desires. And when it comes to girls, especially, it is a general trend in our country to not let them desire. The primary focus shifts to the girl’s marriage the moment she is born rather than letting her have a happy life. What she has to do (read cook, clean, serve, in short, be a slave) in future must reflect her good upbringing. So much is the hold of the parents and those unworthy relatives that it completely ruins her life. When she marries, whom she marries and how she marries, she has no say in it. More so, she has no say in her in-laws’ house as well, which supposedly is supposed to be hers as well. Strange, huh? Not at all, because most of the girls in our country grow up on a liberal dose of “It will be His desire”. But strange is the reaction of everyone when it all falls apart. Divorce? It must be the girl’s fault. Despite numerous attempts at explaining that it may be a mutual or his decision, it all fails miserably only to backfire on her. The world starts seeing her differently now. Divorcee. Life now limits itself to this word for her. It still doesn’t dawn on the society to see why such a thing happened. Instead, it battles with itself, fighting a lost cause between old beliefs and new ideas. While it seems easy for them to modernize themselves, it is impossible to let the girl soar, keeping her leg bound to first parents, then husband, and later, son. I just wish the mentality of our society changes, from seeing a girl like a piece of a commodity to be traded when she turns 18 years of age, to a human who has equal rights to desire.
More to girl power!
November 4, 2013
A simple yet a very poignant story very well told by Meghna Pant...this is about a woman - Amara who goes through lots of lows in her life some due to her parents and some due to her lack of confidence on herself but never bogs down and makes a comeback just like a true winner! one of the most decent coming-of-age novels I have read...the story is dark-stark but but never goes overboard and kept me captivated throughout! and then Shimla! just the name of this lovely city brings back so many memories...I felt like living there myself! the characters are highly relatable and the ending is brilliant! I strongly recommend this book...
June 4, 2016
The story of One and a Half Wife deals with an immigrant family in USA and their American dream. The author proved her to be brilliant story teller till the story develops in US. She described the love, aspirations, dreams, family, relationship and intricacies of indian and American indian traditions with nuances in a beautiful writing skill. But alas, she lost her grip on the story in second half or towards the end. The end of the story seemed to be overstetched and so much predictable drama that it became insipid and boring. However, in some chapters where story line is US, author Meghna Pant reminds me of Jhumpa Lahiri.
September 3, 2015
I read this in a single go. It begins as a quintessential girl from a small town story, from a beautiful and rustic shimla in this case, and navigates the life of the protagonist as she moves along with her family to the united states as a 1.5 generation immigrant, only to have their american dream squashed. It is warm and cheerful as well as dark and tragic in equal measure.
This book won't change your life, but it sure will evoke a lot of memories, especially for the early millennials.
This book won't change your life, but it sure will evoke a lot of memories, especially for the early millennials.
September 4, 2016
As much as I told myself that I won't like this book, I am left with a smile on my face upon finishing it.
While One and a Half Wife may seem like speaking about any other story in India, it has been put out in a different way that keeps you entertained.
It took a bit of an effort for me to continue it after a few pages but I'm glad I picked it up from my bookshelf after what seems like ages.
While One and a Half Wife may seem like speaking about any other story in India, it has been put out in a different way that keeps you entertained.
It took a bit of an effort for me to continue it after a few pages but I'm glad I picked it up from my bookshelf after what seems like ages.
February 15, 2013
The book treats the emotional upturns of the protagonist very accurately, while painting other characters with believable warmth and quirkiness. This reader could instantly relate to the characters from the parental generation portrayed in the book. Also worth mentioning.... nice contrast between life in Shimla's tranquil surroundings and New York's busy cityscape.
Overall a satisfying read.
Overall a satisfying read.
April 21, 2013
One and a half wife is a great read for all women who migrated to a foreign land. The book focuses on one woman's journey through various relationships in diverse cultural settings.The myriad of emotions that the author was able to augment by the beautiful juxtaposition of words is poignant. The book has a universal appeal and I would recommend it to all women!!!
April 12, 2013
It is just a not-so-out-of-the-box story narrated excellently. I read the first 300 pages in a go but after that it got little too predictable and boring (not that first 300 pages weren't predictable, but the narration kept me interested).
June 6, 2013
picked it up as it was based in Simla and USA , both places I have lived. It could not recreate the magic of Simla and had many inaccuracies (ie you cannot drive upto baljee's) not could it capture the energy of New York.
October 23, 2013
I read this book after reading Meghna Pant's second book 'Happy birthday' and I loved it. The emotional connect and language are brilliant.
Meghna Pant is one of the few Indian authors who is worth reading.
Meghna Pant is one of the few Indian authors who is worth reading.
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