One Part Woman by Murugan Perumal

One Part Woman is the English translation of Madhorubagan, a Tamil novel by Perumal Murugan. Much debated in the recent past for its content, the novel is based on ancient cultural practice among Tamil Hindus. It depicts the story of a childless couple that has a strong urge to have one, with judicious sensitivity, gentleness, and anguish by turns.

Summary of the Book

Kali and Ponna have a strong desire to have a baby, but all their attempts at it are failing. They are disturbed by the constant insult they face from others. Their remaining hope starts converging on the chariot festival that happens at the temple of the half-female deity, Ardhanareeswara. According to the festival, rules imposed on sexual intercourses on any other day are relaxed for the night, and the consensual union between any man and woman is given consent by treating it as a human act. Will the night put an end to the couple’s longtime suffering and mortification or have an adverse impact on their marriage?

About Perumal Murugan

Perumal Murugan is a famous contemporary Tamil scholar, poet, author, and literary chronicler. He works as a Tamil Professor at the Government Arts College in Namakkal. Two of his novels have been translated into English and have been widely commended. One of them - Seasons of the Palm - was shortlisted for the famous Kiriyama Prize and the second novel is called Current Show. He has been honoured with several awards and accolades from the Tamil Nadu government and Katha Books.