I could not, and did not want to finish this. I guess that's why my feedback is coming so late - I've had years to try and read it, but failed miserably. If I remember correctly, I think I DNF'd it on Goodreads after reading The Windfall by Diksha Basu, which started (and finished) much stronger than this one.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

The story, told in first-person is of a middle-class Indian woman, Renuka Sharma. She lives with her son and in-laws, and her husband is in Dubai, where she insists he works so that the financial situation of her family can be improved. She wants her son, like very other Indian mother, to do an MBA and work in a posh office. She herself is a receptionist in a doctor’s office. One day, she meets a man, Vineet, while travelling to work on the Delhi metro. One thing leads to another, and soon she is having an extra-marital affair. The rest of the book deals with her affair, her relationship with her son and husband. And honestly, this description hardly does credit to this book, because it is so much more!

It is an examination of modern day India, stuck with one foot in the past and one in the future. It navigates the tug of war between traditional values and the need to keep up with a changing society.

I admire how Ratika Kapur has written Renuka. I for one, disliked her from the very start, because she comes across the sort of ‘aunty’ we all know–the one who is quick to judge others but blind to her own faults. Mrs Sharma is deeply flawed, but even as I disliked her, Kapur’s masterful writing ensured that I (albeit grudgingly) empathized with her.

I also applaud the author for her exploration of female sexuality. It is a topic that is often pushed under the carpet, or is attributed to “bold” women. But here is a woman, like so many others, who admits that she touches herself!

And the ending…oh, that ending…I never saw it coming! Ratika Kapur pulls out the ground from under your feet in the last few pages, leaving the reader absolutely gobsmacked!

A fantastic debut novel, The Private Life of Mrs Sharma is a must-read!

FTC disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
https://thereadingdesk.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/mini-reviews-and-every-morning-the-way-home-gets-longer-and-longer-the-private-life-of-mrs-sharma/

I thought this book was incredibly interesting. I have been trying to read more diverse books and this was exactly what I was looking for. I didn't know that much about Indian culture going into the book, but that didn't put me at a disadvantage in any way. I loved Renuke Sharma. She was plucky and fun, but she also didn't take slack from anyone around her. She dreams big, dreaming about a better living situation, a more lavish lifestyle, her son's MBA and her own role as a mother and wife. It was even easier to like Mrs. Sharma because of Kapur's writing style. It was sharp and to the point, but it didn't feel like she was pushing the reader away. The writing style fits with the character of Mrs. Sharma and the general tone of the book. I think that this book is a good read to pick up for anyone wanting a wholesome read. With flawed but beautiful characters, a hopeful and poignant tone and simple writing, I would recommend The Private life of Mrs. Sharma, giving it a three stars out of five.

This is an interesting character study which could really have been set anywhere but has the bonus of being set in India. Renu has a lot of growing up to do; she doesn't make the best choices. Her internal, and external, dialogue will echo for many who read this. I wasn't happy with the ending but I understand. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC- I'd like to see more from Kapur.