Some books entertain, some educate, and then there are those rare ones that hold up a mirror to society, making you pause and reflect. The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma by Sangeeta Kampani is one such book—a deeply introspective and poignant exploration of womanhood, domesticity, and self-sacrifice. Kampani, who has a knack for storytelling that feels both personal and universal, gives voice to countless women whose stories are often left untold.
At first glance, Mrs Sharma is the quintessential Indian homemaker—devoted to her family, putting everyone else’s needs before her own, and navigating life with quiet endurance. But on her 70th birthday, something shifts. Years of unspoken thoughts, dreams, and suppressed emotions surface, compelling her to reassess her journey. 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 not just a character; she is an amalgamation of countless women we’ve known—mothers, grandmothers, aunts—who have sacrificed their desires at the altar of familial duty. 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 lies in its nuanced exploration of gender roles, family dynamics, and the often-overlooked emotional labor of homemakers.
The book follows a non-linear structure, weaving between past and present as Mrs Sharma recounts her life’s pivotal moments. This structure works beautifully, as it mirrors the way memories resurface—sometimes in fragments, sometimes in waves. The pacing is steady, never rushed, allowing readers to absorb the depth of Mrs Sharma’s experiences.
At its core, The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma is about identity—how it is shaped, suppressed, and, sometimes, rediscovered. The book also delves into themes of love, duty, and the societal expectations that often dictate a woman’s choices. A particularly striking parallel is drawn between Mrs Sharma and Empress Jodhabai from Mughal-E-Azam, emphasizing how women across history, irrespective of status, have been burdened with the role of peacekeepers.
This book is not just a read; it’s an experience. It evokes a spectrum of emotions—sadness, frustration, admiration, and, ultimately, hope. Certain moments hit like a punch to the gut—like when Mrs Sharma reflects on the dreams she abandoned without protest or the quiet satisfaction she finds in the smallest acts of rebellion. The narrative is powerful because it is so deeply relatable.
Kampani’s greatest strength is her ability to capture the unspoken. She doesn’t rely on grand, dramatic events to drive the story; instead, she finds profundity in the everyday. The character development is impeccable, and the book’s themes are universally resonant.
While the book’s reflective nature is one of its strengths, some readers might find it slow-paced. Those who prefer action-driven narratives may struggle with the introspective style. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise beautifully crafted novel.
As someone who has grown up seeing women like Mrs Sharma all around me, this book felt deeply personal. It made me appreciate the silent resilience of the homemakers in my life and question the societal structures that often render them invisible. Kampani has done something extraordinary—she has given voice to the quiet revolutions taking place within countless homes.
The Many Versions of Mrs Sharma is a book that lingers long after you turn the last page. It is a tribute to the unsung heroines of our lives, a call to acknowledge and appreciate their struggles and triumphs. If you’re looking for a story that is both thought-provoking and deeply human, this book is a must-read.
Comments