Anita Nair and Her Ladies Coupe in #AtoZChallenge
“Once you stop worrying what the world will think of you, your life will become that much easier to live.”
― Anita Nair, Ladies Coupe
These lines are from the 2001 novel by Anita Nair titled “Ladies Coupe”. It’s a book that highlights the life of six women- women who lay down what exactly feminism is, the impact of patriarchy and, take steps to understand their own identity. We live in a society which believes that a woman always requires a man to depend on. But is this actually the truth? Does a woman need a man to complete her? Does happiness elude a single woman?
The six women who stood out in the book
The main character Akhila, the middle aged Income Tax clerk, undertakes a train journey, on a quest to understand her own true self. Having taken over the reins of the family income at a young age and being the dutiful daughter, sister and provider, her own life seems to have lost out on a lot. Relationship and marriage are just a mirage to her. Until one day she resolves to break free and find answers to the million questions that bombard her on a daily basis.
Booked on the ladies coupe of the train, she hears out the story of five other women. Whether it is Janaki, the pampered and confused wife; Margaret Shanti, the lady who handles mental abuse in a unique way; Prabhadevi, the perfect wife who takes that first step towards transforming her life on her own; fourteen-year-old Sheela with her ability to perceive what others cannot or; Marikolanthu, a victim of rape and of society’s crude attitude, each have their own story. Their stories inspire Akhila in many a ways, and give her answers to all those questions that bog her mind, until she takes that step towards her freedom.
Message for every women- Have courage and it is ok to question patriarchy
Anita Nair’s Ladies Coupe comprises of not one, but six powerful women characters. These women are intelligent, sensitive and question patriarchy that they experience in their lives. They dislike being mere pawns, and being dominated by the outdated rules of an outdated society. To each their own story, yet it speaks volumes on not accepting what is thrust upon them in the name of rules and tradition.
The book brings in a positive impact through its characters, urging women to take that step, to break the shackles of patriarchy and to heed to one’s inner calling.
This post is a part of the A to Z Blogging Challenge where I write about twenty six women characters from books, who have left an impact on me.
63 Comments
PrettyMummaSays
This book is on my reading list. You got me more interested now. Thanks for sharing. Loved the theme of your challenge.
A for Airplanes
http://prettymummasays.com/airplanes/
-Surbhi
Ryan
The characters of the book that you’ve described really sound intriguing. This one goes to my reading list 🙂
mommytincture
Wow! I am going to add this book to my to read list immediately . Your theme sounds very interesting. Looking forward to read more of you.
Anagha Yatin
Want to lay my hands on this book ASAP. Thanks Ramya for introducing this book.
Akshata Ram
I read this book a few years ago but wasn’t too impressed by the characters except the young girl who had a harrowing past, one that stood out and brought forth her resilience. I do not recall all the characters at present but the book did not leave a lasting impression on me
Shirley Corder
Sounds like an intriguing read. Thanks for sharing. Do our brains deteriorate automatically as we age?
Vidya Sury
This book was an enjoyable read, Ramya. Read it decades ago. Looking forward to tomorrow’s book!
Nibha
Great theme! We so need empowering women characters in our life, be it from reality or fiction!
I haven’t read Anita Nair yet but your review wants me to pick this book up and give it some time!
Ramya Abhinand
Thanks Nibha.. We need inspiration in every form right
Gail
Great theme! I look forward to your posts. Good thing I have Goodreads to keep track of all these new offerings!
Vinay Leo R.
A book I’ve been meaning to read, and hopefully, will get to it this year. 🙂
Soumya Prasad
I absolutely love your theme, Ramya! It is way too good.
This book has been on my TBR for quite some time now, I’m going to place an order for it rightaway. We need more such women and more such books.
Looking forward to know more string women in your coming posts.
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you Sowmya.. I was kinda inspired by y our theme last year 🙂
Jenny
Great theme, and I will put this book on my list, too!
Varsh
I read Anita Nair’s The Mistress and am in complete awe of her style of writing. She catches every emotion so subtly yet powerfully that the reader lives each character with the book.
Ladies Coupe is definitely going in my list. Thanks for sharing this, Ramya. I came to your blog specifically for your awesome theme. Keep writing and introducing us to many such gems.
Ramya Abhinand
Her writing is good in many a ways. Thi is worth a read, do pick it up.
shwetadave
I had loved reading this one and the powerful message the book conveys with equally powerful and engaging writing, though a bit slow. But it was meant to be. So nice to read this here.
A for Acquaintance (Love is not my need)
Ramya Abhinand
I agree it is a bit slow, but savour every word and it would surely leave a lasting impression.
Sapna Dhyani
I read this book many years back and had liked it. Your review has made me want to read it again. Thanks for the reminder!
Ramya Abhinand
Sapna, surely worth a re read
Neha
I read Ladies Coupe many years ago and wasn’t too fond of it, maybe it was a little too pat for me. I did like the concept of “breaking away” though. That said, she is a good writer and some of her other writing is maybe better? I love your A2Z theme by the way Ramya!
Ramya Abhinand
I agree this isnt her best fiction, but I lived the way these women brought out some powerful thoughts.
Natasha
You are on a fabulous start Ramya. Hope to read this book in due course of time.
April Anecdotes, alphabet A: Anachronism
https://natashamusing.com/2018/04/a-is-for-anachronism-misplaced-in-time-atozchallenge/
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you so much Natasha..
Pr@Gun
On my list…thanks for sharing. Looking for self is something we all need to do.
Ramya Abhinand
Do read it . Its worth it.
writershilpa
This does seem like a very inspirational book for women. Finding answers and finding ourselves is forever on top of our minds but somehow, in the chaos of Life, we push it all to the background, hardly giving ‘us’ a thought. We so need to get on that journey, like Akhila. I am sure we will find the answers we seek!
Ramya Abhinand
Maybe we all should get on a journey by ourselves to find answers rather than just accepting our situation in life.
Nilanjana Bose
Thought provoking choice. Fab starting point for your A-Z
Nilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you so much nilanjana.
Vasantha Vivek
Heart warming and encouraging. Thanks for sharing about their stories. Have to read it soon. Happy to join in A To Z Challenge.
Pooja Jagtiaani
I have been putting off reading this book but not anymore after reading your post. I love your them and am looking forward to all the posts.
https://poojajagtiaani.blogspot.in
A is for Australia
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you Pooja, do pick this book up. May seem slow, but surely worth a read
Shalini R
…and I’ve not read her books yet. I think I definitely should! Brilliant start to the challenge. So glad you are participating, Ramya 🙂
rashimital
I have been wanting to read Anita Nair from long, Ramya.. and this book just increased my reading appetite. Moreover, women-related topics trigger that snoozing voice in me. and m so happy to share the platform to write on womanhood with some amazing fellow bloggers like you. All the best. Look forward to enjoying the month with your pen. 🙂
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you so much, there are such lovely books out there which speak volumes on woman hood. I just had to speak about them.
Reema D'souza
I love the theme! And that’s a wonderful message from the book. Courage is indeed important!
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you Reema, it indeed is a quality thats required.
jazzfeathers
Great review. I have heard of this book before and it does sound like a great read. I think the chance meeting on the train is such a fascinating idea. Kind like life. You never know what may happen while living your normal, everyday life.
Ramya Abhinand
Oh yes, definetely just like what it happens in real life. DOnt we all have such moments when a total strangers story leaves an impact on us?
Tarang
You make it sound so good. But, I couldn’t finish it. Very unpopular opinion, I know, but I found it boring. I was reading Janaki’s life and realised that I didn’t want to know. I tried to read it, even like it but I didn’t.
Waiting for next. 🙂
Ramya Abhinand
Tarang.. everyone is free to have their opinion. The book may have failed on many fronts, I agree, but I liekd the characterisation. There was something, a positive thought that trickled down each one of their tales.
Tarang
Of course, everyone is free to have their opinion.
‘You make it sound so good’ — does it sound rude? Maybe wrong choice of words. 🙁 I meant that you make it sound so good that I feel like trying it again. 🙂
Ramya Abhinand
Ofcourse not Tarang.. how could u ever be rude???😁 Did I sound rude😁…
Dr Roshan R (@pythoroshan)
I haven’t read this but I like the concept. And yes, it needs to still be drummed into the heads of so many people even today!
Godyears.net
Ramya Abhinand
True Roshan, many times we fail to question the harsh realities of life.
Sejal Khanna
This is going in my list of books to read this year!
Sejal Khanna
A – A Promise
http://www.raisingrehaan.com/a-promise/
Ramya Abhinand
Do try it out… and hope you enjoy it
Mayuri Nidigallu
I am a big fan of Anita Nair’s writing and have read Ladies Coupe. So agree with your balanced review of it! Great theme, Ramya! A sure fire winner!
Ramya Abhinand
Thanks Mayuri, she does have a sort of subtle sense of writing and this may or may not suit many readers.
Miss Andi
This sure sounds like a brilliant book, thanks for sharing!
My blogs in the A to Z: Self discovery via travel and a separate Interactive story.
Ramya Abhinand
Thanks Andi. It was indeed a brilliant one.
SeemaMisra
I love your theme 🙂 I didn’t like ““Ladies Coupe” all that much, as it felt very contrived to me. Her that I loved the most is Alphabet Soup for Lovers, and I’ll always remember Lena Abraham.
Ramya Abhinand
Oh Seema.. i loved the underlying message each of the characters depicted in ladies coupe…haven’t read Alphabet soup. Will do so soon. 😁
SeemaMisra
Yah … with books sometimes they don’t click. Will be back tomorrow 🙂
Kalpanaa
I’ve always enjoyed Anita Nair and am a great admirer but haven’t read this book …yet. I’ll get it on your recommendation – and also because it sounds fascinating. Good luck for the A to Z Challenge.
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you Kalpana… This particular book of Anita Nair is worth a read… Positive in every way
Shilpa Garg
Empowering, that’s the word that comes to my mind after reading your review. Your post has piqued my interest in this book and have added it in my TBR list. Thanks for the recommendation, Ramya 🙂
Ramya Abhinand
It’s a lovely book and positive in every way, with hour belittling anybody. That’s what stands out here.
lindamaycurry
I’ll be putting that book on my must read list.
Ramya Abhinand
Thank you Linda, its a book that speaks volumes on the absence of gender parity in the world around us.
Shalzmojo
I have been meaning to read Anita Nair and your post has strengthened my wish further Ramya; great theme for the challenge. I look forward to dropping by every day for this.
Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo #atozchallenge
Ramya Abhinand
Read her books Shalini, I am sure you would love it.