Indian women writers have always questioned societal norms through their writing. From Ismat Chughtai to Amrita Pritam to Mahasweta Devi, feminist literature has always had a significant impact. The literature has shaped the modern Indian woman of today who challenges patriarchy on a daily basis.
When it comes to feminist works of fiction in India, The Liberation of Sita by Volga is perhaps one of the most popular. But there are numerous lesser-known books that are brilliant and thought-provoking.
Last month, as a part of Gender Talks for the Cause A Chatter campaign, I shared non-fiction book recommendations to better understand feminism in India. This month, I share some lesser-known feminist translated literature. By no means an exhaustive list, but varied nonetheless.
Breast Stories by Mahasweta Devi
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak (Translator)
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When I think of translated Indian feminist literature, the first book that comes to my mind is Breast Stories by Mahasweta Devi.
As the name suggests, it is a collection of three short stories about breasts. But more than a symbol of beauty, eroticism, or motherhood. A tribal revolutionary gang-raped in custody and her counter-offensive. A professional wet nurse, now middle-aged, betrayed by the families that once revered her. A migrant labourer whose breasts entice an ace photographer but trigger off a train of violence.
Originally published in Bengali, the hard-hitting stories on body politics and exploitation expose the dark underbelly of Indian society. The thought-provoking essays introducing each story by the translator Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak help understand the socio-political context. Highly recommended. But be warned, the stories can be extremely graphic.
Hangwoman by K.R. Meera
J. Devika (Translator)
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A fictional story of the first hangwoman of India. Given the context, one would expect a grim, morose, and highly depressing book. But Hangwoman by K.R. Meera is a brilliantly crafted story that rises above it all.
It is a story of a 22 year old girl Chetna who is forced to take on the family legacy of being a ‘hangwoman’. What results in a media frenzy and social outcry. Unfazed, the protagonist begins a journey navigating her own path in a male-dominated society. Chetna is a character that stays with you the longest time.
Originally published in Malayalam, the book is also a conversation about the history of Bengal through the current times. Very few regional literary works attempt to explore outside their geography. Do pick this book if you haven’t already.
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Written In Tears by Arupa Kalita Patangia
Ranjita Biswas (Translator)
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I have visited Assam numerous times as a teen when my father was stationed in north-east India. The lush green fauna, the tea gardens, and the betel nut plantations often hid the dark history of the insurgency and the agitation.
Women are always the real victims of war. But they are not always defeated. Originally written in Assamese, Written in Tears by Arupa Kalita Patangia is a collection of eight short stories from a landscape scarred by conflict. And its impact on women and children.
A newlywed woman and her family dealing with the aftermath of her insurgent brother-in-law’s absence. An intellectual paying the price for speaking up. A woman forced to cut her hair for defying orders. A woman brutally gang-raped by her so-called protectors. With a hint of magic realism, the author weaves an unforgettable collection of stories. Some that tug at your heartstrings. And stories that stay with you forever.
Swarnalata by Tilottoma Misra
Udayan Misra (Translator)
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Swarnalata by Tilottoma Misra is one of those rare gems that deserves more recognition. The book is set in mid-nineteenth-century Assam. A time of Bengal Renaissance. A time of social change and reforms. A time when archaic traditions were questioned. A time when women’s education and widow remarriage held center stage. But also a time of colonial exploitation. A time when Christian missionaries began to have more impact on the culture of Assam.
It traces the story of three women, Swarnalata, Tora and Lakhi. Women from very different social hierarchies whose lives are intertwined. Women who are trying to chart their own course in the changing times.
First published in Assamese, the book blends in historical and biographical elements seamlessly. Rabindranath Tagore exists side by side with the fictional characters. It is a brilliant masterpiece about women in a conservative society.
There are numerous feminist literature by fiery authors waiting to be explored. What is your favorite translated feminist literature?
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February 17, 2021 @ 4:55 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this list! I’m trying to read more translated fiction this year and you’ve given me so many ideas to get started. These all sound like very powerful reads 📚❤️ X x x
March 10, 2021 @ 5:57 pm
Thank you, Florence. I am so glad to read that. They are indeed powerful reads.
February 17, 2021 @ 5:25 pm
I am yet to read any of the above books, adding them to my TBR. The only translated works I have read are Raseedi Ticket ( Amrita Pritam ) and Ismat Chughtai’s “Lihaaf” and “A Life in Words”
February 19, 2021 @ 4:32 pm
I haven’t read any of these but all these books sounds hard hitting stories..eould love to give it a read for sure. Thanks for sharing.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:00 pm
Thank you Swati. Do check them out.
February 21, 2021 @ 3:27 am
I haven’t read them but they sound good and inspiring.will check them out.
March 10, 2021 @ 5:59 pm
Please do Monidipa. I hope you enjoy them.
March 10, 2021 @ 5:58 pm
Thank you Harshita 🙂 Books by Amrita Pritam and Ismat Chughtai are masterpieces. I can never get enough of them.
February 18, 2021 @ 3:20 am
While reading about “Swarnalata”, I recalled the short stories by Rabindranath Tagore that I recently watched on Netflix. The stories have shown that side of the society when women started to have a say I the society. earlier, it was sad to read about women sufferings. Inspire of addressing them as Maa, they had to face many hardships.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
That is so true, Alpana.
February 18, 2021 @ 4:11 pm
Really liked your list. Will pick up atleast two books from this list this month, as I haven’t read any of them till now.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
Thank you Suhasini
February 19, 2021 @ 1:28 pm
I am always amazed by your reading ability and the reviews you churn out. Translated literature are really powerful and great that they are being translated to reach a wider audience. Your list is very impressive, Ritu.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:02 pm
Thank you Harjeet. You are too kind 🙂
February 20, 2021 @ 8:35 am
I haven’t read any of these books. Thanks for such great recommendations. Will get these one by one. Books based on Female empowerment always interest me.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:03 pm
My pleasure, Priyanka. Do check them out.
February 20, 2021 @ 12:48 pm
Every book and the sneak peek at the harsh reality of women’s life is spine chilling. I haven’t read any. Honestly, I do not think I can collect the courage to read any sooner or later. I am going to recommend the list to my elder sis; she loves to read feminist-fiction.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:07 pm
I can completely understand that, Archana. It is okay not to read triggering books.
February 20, 2021 @ 2:37 pm
I haven’t read much but these books sound so intriguing.
February 21, 2021 @ 8:53 pm
This is a list of books that have always been an unexplored genre !! Thankyou so much for the awareness and recommendations made 🙂
March 10, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
Thank you Aishwarya 🙂
March 10, 2021 @ 6:08 pm
Thank you Raunica 🙂
February 20, 2021 @ 4:10 pm
These are some amazing collection of books. Although I would love to get my hands on the swarnalatha book.. The way you described about the book, got me to hook by.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:10 pm
Thank you Sadvika 🙂 I am so glad to know that.
February 20, 2021 @ 11:12 pm
This is an amazing list. Hats off to your reading abilities and covering such a wide array of generes.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:10 pm
Thank you Supriti 🙂
February 20, 2021 @ 11:37 pm
Thank you for shining the light on this wonderful genre and books that are sure to be impactful reads. I love your reviews and suggestions, Ritu and I will be checking these out.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:12 pm
Thank you Mayuri 🙂
February 21, 2021 @ 2:41 am
Thank you for sharing this Ritu. It is amazing how you bring out the best books in different genres that we haven’t heard of.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
Thank you Priyanka 🙂 That has been my mission with the blog. There are so many good books out there that do not get the recognition they deserve.
February 21, 2021 @ 3:16 am
I haven’t read any of these books you have recommended. The one about the hangwoman sounds interesting. Definitely women dont have it easy when they choose unconventional careers. It need not be anything glamours. And this is an example of job dominated by men.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:14 pm
That is exactly what caught my interest too, Vasumathi.
February 21, 2021 @ 1:09 pm
I have not read any of these boos. I will take up ‘ Written in Tears’ It looks interesting.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:15 pm
That is a great pick, Shahira 🙂
February 21, 2021 @ 3:05 pm
An interesting list. I like the series. You keep talking about the Hangwoman. I should pick it up soon.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:17 pm
Am I glad to read that 😀
February 21, 2021 @ 7:22 pm
I haven’t read much of these books will check them out.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:18 pm
Do check them out Manisha
February 21, 2021 @ 8:20 pm
Omg, Ritu! What an exquisite selection of books. I would love to read all of them. Women have always felt the wrath of society and books like these inspire the present generation by telling them the tale of these powerful women. I am glad these books are translated from regional languages to english, making it available for the wider audience. Thanks for sharing these books with us.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:19 pm
Thank you Amritha. We need more translated books. There are such gems that rarely get translated.
February 21, 2021 @ 8:47 pm
Thanks for sharing these wonderful books. I have not read any of them. It’s good to know about these books. I will sure check them out.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:20 pm
Thank you Abha
February 21, 2021 @ 10:58 pm
feminism is a term that is quiet often misunderstood in our society. i would definately go through these books to understand more about feminism
March 10, 2021 @ 6:21 pm
Exactly Aishwarya. It is considered men hating, a far cry from what it actually is.
February 21, 2021 @ 11:08 pm
Thanks for sharing these books .I haven’t read any of these but all these books seems to be good read. Would love to give it a read for sure.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:21 pm
Thank you Jyoti
February 21, 2021 @ 11:45 pm
Thank you Ritu, for yet again coming up with an interesting list of books. I’ve been waiting for this ever since you had mentioned the topic on CauseAChatter..I’m definitely exploring this niche which I haven’t until now thanks to you.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:23 pm
Thank you Sindhu for your kind words. I hope I am able to do justice to it.
February 22, 2021 @ 12:31 am
I always try to pick short stories books as I love to read them. I will pick one book out of all. You are fabulous as I never heard of such books but you have a list of wonderful books.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:23 pm
Thank you Bhawna. You are too kind 🙂
February 22, 2021 @ 11:21 am
I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. Great that you curated this. Just another thought Ritu. What suggestions do you have for memoirs/self-help but fiction.
March 10, 2021 @ 6:29 pm
I am glad to know that Sonia 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. I need to get back to you on that but I have been hearing a lot about “An Educated Woman In Prostitution” lately.
March 18, 2021 @ 3:30 pm
These are some amazing suggestions. I will definitely check them out. I liked the variety in these regional stories. Glad to see that they are translated for more people to know and understand.