Anita Nair is one of India’s most acclaimed authors and she has written over 17 books. She has won numerous awards, including The Sahithya Academy Award, Ficci Flo Women Achievers Award and the Arch of Excellence Award in Literature by the All India Achievers Conference. I’m going to pick some of her bestsellers – my favorites.
Anita Nair Books to Read
Ladies Coupé
“What is it about marriage that makes it possible for a man and a woman to mesh their lives, dreams and even their thoughts in such a complete fashion?”
Ladies Coupe is the story of six women traveling together in a ladies’ coupe of an Indian railway train, each sharing their life stories.
45-years-old Akhilandeshwari aka Akhila, an Income Tax Office Clerk and sole breadwinner for her family, boards a train for a chance of liberation and freedom. She is searching for answers to her life’s purpose. When she meets five other women, all from different walks of life, and hear their stories, her thoughts take her back to the past.
Anita Nair poses some significant questions to the readers ~ Can a woman live alone, without a man? Does a woman need a man to feel complete? What does society have to do with the way a woman chooses to live her life?
All the six stories gel well together and as a woman, I felt empowered. Now, that says something because I was hooked on to the lives of these women and their struggles against patriarchy and rigid society. The author was triumphant in creating an emotional connection with the reader.
One of the important takeaways from this book is that you needn’t be apologetic or guilty for not living a life according to someone else’s expectations. “Once you stop worrying about what the world will think of you, your life will become that much easier to live.”
Mistress
“Baggage, I suppose, none of us are free of it and yet, if we were, we wouldn’t be who we are.”
At a glance, Mistress is a story of adultery. But don’t take it lightly. It is one of the best books written by Anita Nair and I’m surprised Mistress isn’t that popular like Ladies Coupe.
Christopher Stewart is a travel writer and he sets foot in a resort in Kerala, India intending to know more about Koman, a famous Kathakali dancer. Koman is Radha’s uncle and from their first meeting, Radha is excited and thrilled by Chris’s enigmatic personality. However, there is one person who is simply disinterested in Chris – Radha’s husband Shyam who is also the owner of the resort.
Radha finds herself falling for Chris and realizes that her husband is ambitious and lacking in taste and tact. Shyam, on the other hand, is helplessly watching the growing intimacy between his wife and the foreigner. Koman, like a mature adult, keeps his thoughts and emotions to himself and lets the trio figure out the mess by themselves.
Such a simple plot but when combined with the Nine Rasas (Navrasas) or emotions/expressions, it is truly an experience to cherish. The Navrasas being Sringaram (Love, Beauty), Hasyam (Mirth, Laughter), Raudram (Anger, Fury), Karunyam (Compassion), Bhibatsam (Disgust, Aversion), Bhayanakam (Fear, Dread), Viram (Strenght, Heroism), Adbhutam (Wonder, Amazement), Shantam (Peace).
The mood of the story is portrayed through these expressions and the way the author draws parallel is out the world. She also nails the character development as the story progresses and one will be in a position to not be able to take sides where the trio is concerned.
Radha’s troubled relationship with her father results in a forced marriage with Shyam. She thus finds fault with Shyam who appears materialistic and insensitive. The spirited woman that she is, she finds herself drawn to the passion Chris exudes. Only, in the end, does she realize she is burdened and tied down in this relationship, just like her marriage.
A brilliant tale of passion, love, lust, longing, losing and life, it is also about searching your true inner feelings and also self-discovery.
Eating Wasps
“On the day I killed myself, it was clear and bright.”
When a book has an opening line like that, you imagine it to be a thriller. However, it is not necessarily so.
An award-winner author Shrilakshmi commits suicide. She lives on as a ghost on a piece of bone of her index finger, which was picked up from the embers of her pyre, by her lover Markose. The bone is discovered much later, enabling Shrilakshmi’s ghost to observe the lives of many women and opening the pandora’s box.
This isn’t a so-called horror/ghost story. The book revolves around social issues – suppression, violation, abuse and complex emotions – scandal, heartbreak, fear, and loss. The book was a disappointment to many loyal Nair fans because as they say, ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’. It may not be a 5-star read but you can always pick it up for its unique approach.
The Better Man
“Perhaps, what I seek now is a friend like I have never had before. Someone to share a smoke and my thoughts with. Someone who will see life with the same eyes as I do; experience the same lift of spirit when mine soars. Someone whose destiny is woven with mine even though we are bound by neither blood nor any other tie.”
The Better Man is Anita Nair’s first novel that revolves around Mukundan, a fifty-two-year-old retired government employee who returns to his village in Kerala.
He is still haunted by his past – the expectations laid down by his domineering father who has bullied him throughout his childhood and beyond. Mukundan’s aim in life is to prove his mettle to his father, who still holds power over him.
There are lots of interesting characters in this book and unlike women-centric themes, this book as a male protagonist. I wish the women in the book had the space to shine through more. Again, not a 5-star read but it shows the sublime life in a village and the value of relationships.
Other honorable mentions of Anita Nair’s work: Cut Like Wound and Lessons in Forgetting
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Anita Nair’s books are like poetry with vivid descriptions. She brings out the soul of Kerala through her lyrical prose. She makes me miss home- that’s the power of her words.
~ Her Loyal Reader
Have you read Anita Nair? Which of her works is your favorite? Let me know.
Read these for #ReadingWithMuffy March Prompt: A book about a woman by a woman
My theme for the A to Z Challenge this year is ‘Celebrating the Bibliophile in me’, where I will be sharing the books, authors and fictional characters that I love, loathe and tolerate.
Ah, there could be more!
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A as in Anita Nair
I’d loved Eating Wasps and had been thinking of reading her other books. Maybe I’ll do that once the virus threat is over and Amazon starts delivering again 🙂
I hope you do. Pick up Mistress or Ladies Coupe. 🙂
I have read Ladies Coupe and Eating Wasps. I enjoyed the former. But found that something was missing in Eating Wasps. I dont know whether it was the non linear way of storytelling or insufficient background/characterization in some stories or may be too many stories… But it was still an interesting read.
Will check out her other books too… thanks for your recommendation, Shalini!
Yes, I understand. Eating Wasps was a let down when compared to her other books. I like the plot though.
I had not read Anita Nair yet but after reading your post, will surly check her work. sounds really interesting to me, great theme for the challenge and looking forward for next posts.
Thank you very much. I hope you pick up her work soon.
I would love to read Ladies Coupe. Thanks for introducing us to some really interesting books by Anita Nair.
You’re welcome 🙂
I haven’t read Anuta Nair’s books but going by your post, if I have to pick one to start then I would like to pick Ladies Coupe. I liked the story line. It sounded very powerful.
Thanks, I hope you do.
I haven’t yet read her books but looks like an interesting collection.. Maybe I will pick one… Which one do you suggest I start with
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Pick any you like from the synopsis and review I’ve given?
I have read Ladies Coupe and mistress and her children’s puffin book is on my TBR.
thanks for sharing such detailed peep into her work.
How amazing! Thank you 🙂
I haven’t read Anita Nair. Noting her books 🙌 for my future reads.
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I’m sure you’d love it! 🙂
I haven’t read Anita Nair though I’m a book lover. Maybe, I should try. I’m very fastidious about my book choices.My A2Z choice is books too. Welcome.
I understand about being picky. And here I am reading anything I can get my hands on 🙂 Happy A to Z!
Though I’m fond of Nair’s writing from reading her children’s books, I haven’t read these three. I think I’d like to begin with Mistress.
Perfect pick! You’d love it for sure 🙂
these are great recommendations and we could use this time to read up. But no new book delivery!! I will pick some of these when I can.
Definitely! Try Kindle app on phone, if you do not have a Kindle device. Great way to spend some quarantine time 🙂
I started with Eating Wasps… and yes, wasn’t exactly my fav which may have put me off from checking out the others. Should try out.
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I think you’d like the other books. Do give it a try when you can.
I haven’t read any of her books. But she sounds like an interesting writer.
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I so want to read Mistress.. Hope I can get my hands on the book sometime soon.
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I like her writing style. Loved the way you encapsulated her books and the summaries. Will be back again.
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I haven’t read any book by Anita Nair. But after reading your recommendation, I am looking forward to read her soon. 🙂
I’ve never heard of this author, but it sounds like she writers beautiful stories.
Pity for Eating Wasps. I love the concept.
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I am very embarassed to say that I have not read her much except for The Better Man which was gifted by a friend. But I have actively followed her columns / other smaller pieces of writing and there is such a warm flavour to her writing. Will definitely make more attempt to read her soon 🙂 Also, all the best love for the challenge!
Thanks, Richa. I hope you do 🙂
Inspired me to read the book. Very well written.
Thanks, Jyoti 🙂
I have read her children’s books but not the others.. thank you for sharing some of her wonderful books. Will surely read them soon
That’s amazing. Thank you.
I have seen her books in the library but didn’t know which one to start with. Once the library re-opens I will definitely look out for her books. Thanks for the reco
You’re welcome and I hope you read some of her works.
I have a bit of mixed opinion with respect to Anita Nair. I loved her LAdies Coupe and to a large extent even Mistress. However for me eating wasps was quite a let down. As you have mentioned it may not be a 5 star, but to me I found it unrelateable in various aspects. Otherwise Anita Nair is surely an INdian author to consider reading.
I picked up her books because of you <3
I have never read Anita Nair’s books. But after your post, I will surely read. Thank you for writing this post.
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That’s amazing, Mayura! Let me know when you do 🙂
I have never read Anita Nair’s books but they sound interesting. From your reviews, I can see that they have a lot of depth and really draw you into the story. I am glad you enjoyed them so much.
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Thank you. They sure do! 🙂
I never read any of her books. After reading your reviews I feel like reading. Thanks for the beautiful review
You’re welcome, Balaka. I hope you pick up her works some time.
For some reason I loved mistress! I haven’t come across this author or her books as I’ve not been reading much lately. But I will keep this name in mind and read one of these soon. Good beginning to the challenge Shalini 🙂
Thank you, Ranjini. I hope you come out of the reading rut soon. 🙂
I really like the way you have encapsulated the whole piece. Very precise, yet elaborate. The layout is also good. A lot to learn from you.
I actually quite liked Eating Wasps. Ladies Coupe has been on my shelf for a while now. Plan to pick it up soon.
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I have read Ladies Coupe and loved it! Maybe mistress will be my next
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That’s a wonderful list, I haven’t read any from the author but making a note to check out for next TBR list.
Happy A2Z challenge
I haven’t read Anita Nair’s books. Thanks for introducing me to this amazing author. I will search for the kindle editions right now. It would be so nice if you could link to them in your post. Great series.
Great set of books presented beautifully, Shalini. I enjoy Anita Nair’s writing and particularly liked Ladies Coupe and Mistress. Must read Eating Wasps.
Hats off to you if you are going to present authors and their books throughout the month. Sounds intimidating to me! Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog.
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I agree, never knew it was going to be so tedious 😛
But I love a challenge.
Thank you <3
Am yet to read Anita Nair’s books; have heard so much about her books, especially Ladies Coupe.
Very nice list & theme, Shalz.
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Thank you, Anita. I’m so glad you visited my blog again <3
I’ve not read any of her books yet but I like the sound of Eating Wasps.
For some weird reason, it took me forever to find your A2Z posts! Maybe the lockdown is driving me crazy after all. I’m yet to read Anita Nair’s words (yes, I am ashamed to admit it). Hopefully this lockdown can help rectify the situation. Hope you and your family are safe and well.