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Table for One
An Indian woman living alone in India is rare.
An Indian woman living alone in India by choice is rarer.
An Indian woman living alone in India by choice when her parents live in the same city is rarest.
Sumaa belongs to that rarest of breeds to join a tiny clutch of emerging single-person households in the country, ticking all those boxes—woman, single, and ‘past her prime’.
This book is a reflective and an honest take on the culture and politics of an Indian woman living alone through her thirties. With her youth fading and her biological clock running out of battery, the only proposals crossing her desk are the building committee welfare bids for choice of apartment elevation, paint colour, and flowerpots next to the car park. Even there, the judgemental eyes of curious neighbours ask: ‘What? There’s no man in the house to make decisions?’
Rich with anecdotes, this book peels the complex layers of patriarchy, hypocrisy, and the changing social tides that leave both women and men a little more clueless by the passing day. It advocates living alone as a wholesome experience of self-discovery and for women to normalise it like marriage or living with family or roommates. While doing so, in no way does the book claim that living alone trumps co-living (okay, it actually does)!
An Indian woman living alone in India by choice is rarer.
An Indian woman living alone in India by choice when her parents live in the same city is rarest.
Sumaa belongs to that rarest of breeds to join a tiny clutch of emerging single-person households in the country, ticking all those boxes—woman, single, and ‘past her prime’.
This book is a reflective and an honest take on the culture and politics of an Indian woman living alone through her thirties. With her youth fading and her biological clock running out of battery, the only proposals crossing her desk are the building committee welfare bids for choice of apartment elevation, paint colour, and flowerpots next to the car park. Even there, the judgemental eyes of curious neighbours ask: ‘What? There’s no man in the house to make decisions?’
Rich with anecdotes, this book peels the complex layers of patriarchy, hypocrisy, and the changing social tides that leave both women and men a little more clueless by the passing day. It advocates living alone as a wholesome experience of self-discovery and for women to normalise it like marriage or living with family or roommates. While doing so, in no way does the book claim that living alone trumps co-living (okay, it actually does)!
- GenresNonfictionIndia
236 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 25, 2023
This was such a chance find for me - I happened to come across this book only because the author and I were connected on LinkedIn. But I was hooked by the promise this book offered, and I wasn't disappointed.
Although a bit meandering, 'Table for One' felt like it was written for me, keeping me in mind. Ah, to live alone in Indian society, as a woman. Who has written about that? The format of the book was a bit unwieldy, but it's also a delightful exposition into how women can lead meaningful lives of purpose, single and living alone.
The funny thing is I can't think of anyone I could recommend this book to - because there's no one I know who's joyfully living alone. And single.
Although a bit meandering, 'Table for One' felt like it was written for me, keeping me in mind. Ah, to live alone in Indian society, as a woman. Who has written about that? The format of the book was a bit unwieldy, but it's also a delightful exposition into how women can lead meaningful lives of purpose, single and living alone.
The funny thing is I can't think of anyone I could recommend this book to - because there's no one I know who's joyfully living alone. And single.
April 26, 2023
I don’t even remember how I came across this book. But I will gift it to my closest friends. Spells out so many things that women think about, single or not. A wonderful reflection on self identity and the relationship with oneself.
May 16, 2023
"Table for One" is a remarkable book that delves into the often unexplored realm of solo living in a typical Indian society. Authored by Summa Tekur, this book challenges societal norms and sheds light on the experiences of singlehood, freedom, and breaking stereotypes.
The book is a celebration of embracing life on one's own terms, redefining success, and taking control of one's destiny. She beautifully captures the essence of solo living, emphasizing the liberty to be impulsive and becoming the boss of one's own life. Through a series of insightful stories and personal anecdotes, the author highlights the elements of sacrifice that often accompany the pursuit of personal well-being.
One of the most striking aspects of "Table for One" is the author's ability to juxtapose the collectivist culture of India with the individualistic nature of life in America. She provides a thoughtful comparison, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and benefits of solo living in different cultural contexts. The book serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to navigate the complexities of solo living and societal expectations.
Author's writing style is impressive, weaving together narratives that captivate the reader's attention from start to finish. The book's structure, consisting of a collection of instances from her own life, allows for diverse perspectives and a range of experiences. Each story stands on its own, yet collectively they form a cohesive exploration of solo living.
The author's description of the best way to meet oneself through solo living is both profound and empowering. Author highlights the importance of self-discovery, enjoying life to the fullest, and embracing new experiences. She encourages readers to take themselves on dates, immerse themselves in their passions, and find joy in solitude.
"Table for One" also addresses the judgments and prejudices faced by individuals living alone, particularly women. Author fearlessly exposes the intrusive behavior, discrimination, and societal expectations that often accompany solo living. She skillfully explores the delicate balance between sharing one's life on social media and maintaining a healthy private life, making it an art form in itself.
All-in-all, "Table for One" is a thought-provoking and empowering book that challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of solo living. With its insightful stories, impressive writing style, and emphasis on personal growth and self-discovery, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own journey of independence and fulfillment. Summa Tekur has created a literary masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.
The book is a celebration of embracing life on one's own terms, redefining success, and taking control of one's destiny. She beautifully captures the essence of solo living, emphasizing the liberty to be impulsive and becoming the boss of one's own life. Through a series of insightful stories and personal anecdotes, the author highlights the elements of sacrifice that often accompany the pursuit of personal well-being.
One of the most striking aspects of "Table for One" is the author's ability to juxtapose the collectivist culture of India with the individualistic nature of life in America. She provides a thoughtful comparison, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and benefits of solo living in different cultural contexts. The book serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to navigate the complexities of solo living and societal expectations.
Author's writing style is impressive, weaving together narratives that captivate the reader's attention from start to finish. The book's structure, consisting of a collection of instances from her own life, allows for diverse perspectives and a range of experiences. Each story stands on its own, yet collectively they form a cohesive exploration of solo living.
The author's description of the best way to meet oneself through solo living is both profound and empowering. Author highlights the importance of self-discovery, enjoying life to the fullest, and embracing new experiences. She encourages readers to take themselves on dates, immerse themselves in their passions, and find joy in solitude.
"Table for One" also addresses the judgments and prejudices faced by individuals living alone, particularly women. Author fearlessly exposes the intrusive behavior, discrimination, and societal expectations that often accompany solo living. She skillfully explores the delicate balance between sharing one's life on social media and maintaining a healthy private life, making it an art form in itself.
All-in-all, "Table for One" is a thought-provoking and empowering book that challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of solo living. With its insightful stories, impressive writing style, and emphasis on personal growth and self-discovery, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their own journey of independence and fulfillment. Summa Tekur has created a literary masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.
October 5, 2023
TL;DR: No new insights, but the author does not know this.
The book, perhaps best classified as self-help, takes the personal essay genre and describes what it is for a woman to live by herself. Except, the author doesn't realise, perhaps, that her experience is not readily generalisable. She claims that something is true for women across "geography, difference, age" when in fact it isn't. She gives you 3S's then 3 more S's and then 3C's, and this amid bulleted lists of conquering fear and making space and time. The lists don't go anywhere; they are broad platitudes.
None of it is new, or particularly insightful. It may be drawn from the experience of a woman living alone in a city but it feels like something you can easily imagine if you have lived in a city yourself. At least if you have lived singly.
She discusses Montaigne. She quotes Nietzsche. More like namedrops them, cherrypicking for a point she had already made. Nothing much of their original philosophy, but the author makes it a point of telling you it's a 107-chapter tome that Montaigne has written. Lest you should pick him up and read for yourself.
It's sad. We need insightful autobiographies of urban living. Table for One is not among them.
The book, perhaps best classified as self-help, takes the personal essay genre and describes what it is for a woman to live by herself. Except, the author doesn't realise, perhaps, that her experience is not readily generalisable. She claims that something is true for women across "geography, difference, age" when in fact it isn't. She gives you 3S's then 3 more S's and then 3C's, and this amid bulleted lists of conquering fear and making space and time. The lists don't go anywhere; they are broad platitudes.
None of it is new, or particularly insightful. It may be drawn from the experience of a woman living alone in a city but it feels like something you can easily imagine if you have lived in a city yourself. At least if you have lived singly.
She discusses Montaigne. She quotes Nietzsche. More like namedrops them, cherrypicking for a point she had already made. Nothing much of their original philosophy, but the author makes it a point of telling you it's a 107-chapter tome that Montaigne has written. Lest you should pick him up and read for yourself.
It's sad. We need insightful autobiographies of urban living. Table for One is not among them.
July 11, 2023
Solo living is not an easy ride but Author Sumaa Tekur advocate it as an essential life experience to meet yourself. Solo living was not imposed on her due to circumstances but she willingly made this choice for her. This solo living journey has transformed her life and became a big part of her self-discovery journey. Author has tried to cover every aspect of solo living, firstly the importance of embracing the sweet stillness of solitude , then facing the fears confidently and learning from the lessons that comes with this kind of living arrangement. Author also talks about importance of wisely selecting our social exchanges, the importance of meaningful friendships and letting go the ones which are not serving the purpose of meaningful friendship anymore , and finally the importance of building sisterhood. I found her journey to be really inspiring and bold.
If you’re choosing to live alone as a celebration of your independence, this is the book for you.
If you’re choosing to live alone as a celebration of your independence, this is the book for you.
June 9, 2023
'Table for One' is an autobiographical book recounting the author's experience of solo living in India, a country entrenched in a patriarchal family system. The author shares a poignant childhood memory of receiving a marriage proposal at six, which evoked tears instead of joy as she feared the loss of her own life. Sumaa Tekur challenges societal norms that condition young girls to believe marriage is the sole path to happiness and purpose. The book explores common barriers faced by those who live alone, delves into self-reflection and introspection, emphasizes the value of purposeful social groups, and profoundly portrays identity as a fluid entity that must not be clung to in order to foster personal growth.
August 2, 2023
A chance find this one, but I liked it. After the pandemic, I struggled with being alone and feeling at ease in my own company. I'd grown out of the habit. This year has been very different. I've spent a good part of it alone, whether it be in my own house or traveling to other cities and countries. I rediscovered the joy of being alone and yet in good company, and I found myself agreeing with several things the author wrote. In my opinion, this book benefits not just women who live alone, but also those who place a high value on independence.
June 14, 2024
This book brought up a lot of questions and concerns that go into building a solo life for oneself. As the book was ending, the section on Death and making peace with it was really powerful. I have a bunch of areas I want to think about now that I've read this. It was a great experience!
September 10, 2024
I was gifted this book by a secret Santa and loved the premise as a single woman living joyfully by herself. So many anecdotes in the book made me say "yes, me too!" and at the end of the book I felt like I had a very long and meaningful conversation with a friend in a cafe :)
November 20, 2024
Review to be written later.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews