Debut Novel by Rupangi Sharma. Trending #16 already on Amazon best reads

Reviews:

"A poignant, gripping read that brings to light the sad reality that gender-biased sex selection is still prevalent in many parts of our society. A story also of hope that with support, education and courage, as Shweta and her unborn child found, often through dialogues with each other, real change is possible and true equality will hopefully prevail, where the gender scale is not tipped in either direction, neither favouring boys nor girls, but balanced. After all, every child is unique and special.

- Tara Sharma Saluja, Actress, Entrepreneur, Creator Co-Producer, and Host of The Tara Sharma Show, and a Devoted Mu

"Through a conversation between the divine and the unborn, Rupangi Sharma’s debut novel touches your heart, while raising important questions about gender violence that begins right at the womb. A compelling read.

- Kiran Manral, Award-winning, Bestselling Autho

"To think that a book like this needs to be written, on the subject of gender inequality, in these so-called modern times, is a sad reflection on our society. The author has done so with such tenderness and truth, that it will resonate with every reader, male or female. An enthralling read.

- Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal, Veteran Actress, Director, and Produce

"A young girl's desire to protect her unborn girl against a boys-only-culture makes this novel difficult and delightful. ‘What if it’s not a boy…’ simple words that like a dragon breathe fierce fire in this novel about families like ours.

- Deepa Narayan, TED Speaker and author of the revolutionary book, Chup

Blurb:

Shweta is pregnant after years of issues with infertility. Her husband, Rahul, and his parents force her to consult a doctor who will illegally reveal the gender of the child. When Rahul finds out their child’s gender, Shweta faces a harsh choice–should she save her marriage or her child? Meanwhile, the unborn child hears a voice resonate within

She asks–who are you?

Child, I am God, comes the reply, and a conversation begins

With elements of magical realism, this poignant novel is an unflinching portrayal of a woman’s innermost struggles in her journey to break free.

About the author

Rupangi is an author, editor, and an edupreneur who lives and works in Mumbai. Her debut novel, ‘A Life of My Own’, is about gender-biased sex selection.

She has edited ‘India Alive’, with Malvika Singh and Harsh Sethi, a compelling volume featuring discussions among South Asia’s most influential thinkers like Ramachandra Guha and Shyam Benegal. Her non-fiction contribution has been published in the best-selling ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ series. Her collection of poems, ‘A Loving Embrace’, was released by then Delhi Chief Minister, the late Sheila Dikshit.

While she holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in media studies, she followed her calling as a creative educationist and writer. She pursued her master’s in education technology and innovation at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has worked with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab among other leading educational institutions in India and abroad. She is the Founder & CEO of EFG Learning | Education for Growth, a Mumbai-based education consultancy.

Rupangi has spoken at lit fests like Tata Literature Live (The Mumbai LitFest), SheThePeople Women Writers’ Fest, Think Literature Fest, and Think Woman is Power Fest. Visit her website at www.rupangisharma.com.

She has upcoming releases with HarperCollins and Penguin. 

The practice of gender-biased sex selection and abortion of female foetuses continue to plague our nation. We put young girls and women on a quasi-pedestal by glorifying and equating them to goddesses while continuing to make them feel unsafe through criminal practices such as gender-biased sex selection, female infanticide, rape, and child sexual abuse. India continues to be a largely patriarchal and unsafe society for women. Unfortunately, these practices are not restricted to our villages and small towns, and thrive in educated urban households as well.

Through her novel, Rupangi, wishes to remind her readers that the fight is far from over. Raising pertinent questions that depict an alarming reality, she wants to spark a conversation. There is no better way for her to do this than with the help of journalists, like yourself, who can give your reviews and perspective on the issue and the novel.

I represent Rupangi Sharma, and would love to give you an exclusive opportunity to review the advance copy of the novel which has been published by Vishwakarma Publications.

I have also attached details about Rupangi Sharma’s earlier work and her profile for your reference as well as a fact sheet about gender-biased sex selection in India.

I would love to hear from you and give you a chance to speak with Rupangi Sharma about what inspired her to write about gender-biased sex selection and son preference.