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The Mother I Never Knew: Two Novellas
What secrets lurk in a family’s past—and how important are they in the here and now?
Sudha Murty’s new book comprises two novellas that explore two quests by two different men—both for mothers they never knew they had.
Venkatesh, a bank manager, stumbles upon his lookalike one fine day. When he probes further, he discovers his father’s hidden past, which includes an abandoned wife and child. Ventakesh is determined to make amends to his impoverished stepmother—but how can he repay his father’s debt?
Mukesh, a young man, is shocked to realize after his father’s death that he was actually adopted. He sets out to find his biological mother, but the deeper he delves, the more confused he is about where his loyalties should lie: with the mother who gave birth to him, or with the mother who brought him up.
The Mother I Never Knew is a poignant, dramatic book that reaches deep into the human heart to reveal what we really feel about those closest to us.
Sudha Murty’s new book comprises two novellas that explore two quests by two different men—both for mothers they never knew they had.
Venkatesh, a bank manager, stumbles upon his lookalike one fine day. When he probes further, he discovers his father’s hidden past, which includes an abandoned wife and child. Ventakesh is determined to make amends to his impoverished stepmother—but how can he repay his father’s debt?
Mukesh, a young man, is shocked to realize after his father’s death that he was actually adopted. He sets out to find his biological mother, but the deeper he delves, the more confused he is about where his loyalties should lie: with the mother who gave birth to him, or with the mother who brought him up.
The Mother I Never Knew is a poignant, dramatic book that reaches deep into the human heart to reveal what we really feel about those closest to us.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
246 people are currently reading
2847 people want to read
About the author
Sudha Murty
179 books2,985 followersSudha Murty was born in 1950 in Shiggaon in north Karnataka. She did her MTech in computer science, and is now the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. A prolific writer in English and Kannada, she has written nine novels, four technical books, three travelogues, one collection of short stories, three collections of non-fiction pieces and two books for children.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Her books have been translated into all the major Indian languages and have sold over three lakh copies around the country. She was the recipient of the R.K. Narayan's Award for Literature and the Padma Shri in 2006.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
January 13, 2022
Liked reading this short book with two novellas in it.
The first novella Venkatesh tells the story of a modern nuclear family in which the woman/mother is a strong, independent women who is obsessed with status and business. The son takes after her while the daughter takes after the father who has conflicting values and attitude towards life and relationships to that of the woman and the son.
The story tries to show the differences that comes up in a family with members having different outlook towards life, family, career and status.
The second novella Mukesh is a bit dramatic but nevertheless I enjoyed it much more than the first.
It deals with identity, family issues and inheritance as well as adoption which is regarded as something uncommon and unwelcomed in their community.
*The writing style is not for me even though I used to like her other books. But yes, her writing is beginner friendly and very easy to get into.
*The stereotypes about a woman/girl of being slim, girly, fair, long hair in every story is like a big no for me now
*I want more in-depth to the characters which I find missing in all of her books
*I need a more elaborate plot or storyline with a better discussion on the themes brought up in these stories with a better ending and not the abrupt endings each time.
Unless there's a full-fledged book, I don't think I am picking up other books by the author soon.
The first novella Venkatesh tells the story of a modern nuclear family in which the woman/mother is a strong, independent women who is obsessed with status and business. The son takes after her while the daughter takes after the father who has conflicting values and attitude towards life and relationships to that of the woman and the son.
The story tries to show the differences that comes up in a family with members having different outlook towards life, family, career and status.
The second novella Mukesh is a bit dramatic but nevertheless I enjoyed it much more than the first.
It deals with identity, family issues and inheritance as well as adoption which is regarded as something uncommon and unwelcomed in their community.
*The writing style is not for me even though I used to like her other books. But yes, her writing is beginner friendly and very easy to get into.
*The stereotypes about a woman/girl of being slim, girly, fair, long hair in every story is like a big no for me now
*I want more in-depth to the characters which I find missing in all of her books
*I need a more elaborate plot or storyline with a better discussion on the themes brought up in these stories with a better ending and not the abrupt endings each time.
Unless there's a full-fledged book, I don't think I am picking up other books by the author soon.
September 1, 2014
The problem I have with Sudha Murthy's writing is her tendency to want to complicate situations because her writing compensates for it by being simple and easy for anyone to read. In the attempt to convolute situations, she adds the Bollywood/tollywood element and oodles of unnecessary drama. A bad example for Indian bred indian-english literature because I'd rather read film scripts! I could tolerate this book only because of how it speaks unabashedly about Indian culture and traditions and traverses the interiors of Karnataka like no other author's work ever has before.
September 29, 2015
Two men on a quest to find the mother they never really knew! Sudha Murthy’s prose is devoid of pretentions. The settings are contemporary. Her stories soul-stirring. Her writing reminded me of my grandmother and I could feel as if the author was sitting right next to me, narrating me the stories of Venkatesh and Mukesh. Venkatesh’s story starts in Bangalore where he lives with his family that comprises a super-rich wife and two children. It is not until he is transferred to Hubli that he meets a look alike and comes to know the sad truth about his father’s first marriage. As he is made aware of the grave injustices that might have been done to his step-mother, he realises that he must atone for the wrongs, but how is that to happen? Will his family support him, be forthcoming to help him in his plans? The second story in the book is about Mukesh whose life is convoluted by the presence of not one but several mother figures. As he journeys from London to Bangalore to the by lanes of Amritsar and onwards to Delhi, he comes to know the truth about his birth, of how he was adopted as a child. How will he square with the fact that he was abandoned by his birthmother? What of the mother who raised him equal to one of her own and never once let him feel that he was an outsider? I loved this book. My mom loved this book. I am now going to read all of the books that Sudha Murthy has written. Need I say more.
March 31, 2016
Wow!! Sudha Murty's work really impressed me. I had earlier read her children's stories which I hd thoroughly enjoyed. But dis one, I didn't expect tat i wud finish it in one go. Both the stories were heart touching. Set in d backdrop of Bangalore, the sons in both the stories search fr their past/birth respectively. Apart from Venkatesh n Mukesh, there are other characters like gauri or sumathi tat yu wud really like. The author hd made it really simple nd at the same time touching. Definitely a goodread!!
July 28, 2014
Wonder whether Penguin would have picked it up if not for the surname :P
December 26, 2015
It is magical that everytime when there is a scene on private conversation the rest just leave the house. Hilarious & magical read
January 14, 2020
It's not an unusual kind of novel, much straight forward. Individual emotions and internal struggles could have been portrayed better though. Characters lack depth.
April 16, 2017
After substantial amount of serious reading this book seemed a breeze to me. The first novella “Venkatesh” kept me reading as the narration moved on to events in a quick pace. However she could have surely omitted a couple of dialogues among the key characters, which seemed a bit irrelevant to me. The second novella “Mukesh” was quite a letdown. The plot dragged on and moved towards being very predictable. I liked the fact that in both the novellas the melo-drama was kept minimal.
The Mother I Never Knew may surely not be Sudha Murty’s best of fictions. If you would love to get a flavor of North Karnataka and its ways, this book could give you that experience. Otherwise I would call it an average read, which could be completed in a single sitting.
The Mother I Never Knew may surely not be Sudha Murty’s best of fictions. If you would love to get a flavor of North Karnataka and its ways, this book could give you that experience. Otherwise I would call it an average read, which could be completed in a single sitting.
March 5, 2015
3.5 stars
Read more reviews at Reviewing Shelf.
Once again skeptical of trying a new Indian author but always the one for taking risks, I dived in.
At the beginning, the simple writing did not impress me as such. It is one of the things that puts me off, in fact, because I find it an obstacle as it distracts me from the concept and the story. However, I soon realized that this was not the case with this book. Despite its simple writing, I could focus on the story and the writing aided in adding to the simplicity of the story.
Well, the story isn’t unique but not a mindless repeat as well. It has new facets and is told in a very subjective way. The author has made the story her own.
Although the story could have been just that, a story, instead of a novella. It could have been said in much less words and even less drama but I believe then I wouldn’t have been made privy to all the minor details that bring out the characters and their importance to the story line.
Both the stories have a Hindi movie feel to it but I preferred the first one over the second. The second one is too dramatic for my taste, dramatic to the extent of being unbelievable. The unnecessary stretch and added drama put me off towards the end and I was just looking forward to it to end. The first story in comparison talks about families and cultures in contrast, describes the different characters in the family and their mindsets. It takes a lot of time to get to the point but that time doesn’t seem like idling away, it adds value to the story. However, the same time seems wasted to me in the second story, with incidents of no value taking place and unnecessary emotional brouhaha that I would rather stay away from.
Having read through other reviews of the book, I realize this is not Ms Murty’s most stellar attempts at writing and I would love to read Wise and Otherwise which has been more widely appreciated. However, having said that, I did not feel like this was an underwhelming performance. Since this is the first of her works I read, I had no set criteria to compare her to and no expectations. I guess that worked in her favor.
Recommended for a one-time light read if you’re okay with some drama.
Read more reviews at Reviewing Shelf.
Once again skeptical of trying a new Indian author but always the one for taking risks, I dived in.
At the beginning, the simple writing did not impress me as such. It is one of the things that puts me off, in fact, because I find it an obstacle as it distracts me from the concept and the story. However, I soon realized that this was not the case with this book. Despite its simple writing, I could focus on the story and the writing aided in adding to the simplicity of the story.
Well, the story isn’t unique but not a mindless repeat as well. It has new facets and is told in a very subjective way. The author has made the story her own.
Although the story could have been just that, a story, instead of a novella. It could have been said in much less words and even less drama but I believe then I wouldn’t have been made privy to all the minor details that bring out the characters and their importance to the story line.
Both the stories have a Hindi movie feel to it but I preferred the first one over the second. The second one is too dramatic for my taste, dramatic to the extent of being unbelievable. The unnecessary stretch and added drama put me off towards the end and I was just looking forward to it to end. The first story in comparison talks about families and cultures in contrast, describes the different characters in the family and their mindsets. It takes a lot of time to get to the point but that time doesn’t seem like idling away, it adds value to the story. However, the same time seems wasted to me in the second story, with incidents of no value taking place and unnecessary emotional brouhaha that I would rather stay away from.
Having read through other reviews of the book, I realize this is not Ms Murty’s most stellar attempts at writing and I would love to read Wise and Otherwise which has been more widely appreciated. However, having said that, I did not feel like this was an underwhelming performance. Since this is the first of her works I read, I had no set criteria to compare her to and no expectations. I guess that worked in her favor.
Recommended for a one-time light read if you’re okay with some drama.
October 14, 2019
Sudha Murthy never disappoints...She is realistic in her writing , keeping it simple ,her books are always inspiring , and conveys a message 🙂
April 23, 2021
Two short stories about family histories, lost heritage and the search for our roots. And at the core of any history, heritage or family is the mother. The mother I never knew is an ode to the mothers who give birth and to the Ones who bring you up. The topic is close to my heart and that made me pick the book.
Sudha Murty, is known as the wife of the big IT tycoon and her books for children. Now I know her as a person in her own right. She has stories to tell and she does it in the way we Indians have been taught in our English literature classes. In neat and clean sentences full of details of what characters think and want, leaving nothing for readers to guess. It’s simple and clear, appealing to the ones who prefer it that way.
Sudha Murty, is known as the wife of the big IT tycoon and her books for children. Now I know her as a person in her own right. She has stories to tell and she does it in the way we Indians have been taught in our English literature classes. In neat and clean sentences full of details of what characters think and want, leaving nothing for readers to guess. It’s simple and clear, appealing to the ones who prefer it that way.
December 10, 2020
Mother! This little word invokes so many emotions in each of us. She's a much-revered figure in Indian mythology also. She's the protector and she's the nurturer; she's held next to God. So let me ask you a question, who do you think is Lord Krishna's real mother, is it Devaki, or is it Yashodha? You'll have some difficulty in answering this, because apparently Devaki gave birth to Krishna, but Yashodha mothered him. Then, who can you consider his real mother? This book is in no way related to Krishna, but it's definitely related to motherhood and mothers.
The Mother I Never Knew is a collection of two novellas, both based around mothers and motherhood. The first novella is about Venkatesh. He works in State Bank of India, lives in Bangalore, has a wife earning more than him, two grown-up kids and a lot of wealth, a bungalow and servants working for him. Sounds like a great wealthy family, right? They are wealthy of-course, but there's an emptiness within Venkatesh, because there's no bonding between the family members. To an outsider, their family may look great but he's not happy inside. His son and wife cares about accumulating wealth, while he and his daughter cares about relationships. One fine day, he gets transferred to Hubli, a place whose culture he's totally unaware of. He reluctantly agrees to go there for only six months and return after that. But there, he stumbles upon his look-alike and comes face-to-face with the ugly past of his late father, which includes an abandoned wife and son. Now it's upto him to repay his father's debt. But how will he repay the debt of an unsettling past like this? That's the plot of the first novella.
The second novella is about Mukesh. He works in BBC, London, has a wife whom he loves and a happy family. But one fine day, he receives a call from his sister, telling him that their father is in the ICU. He immediately reaches India, but by the time he reached, his father had already departed. He returns home for the final rites and meets the lawyer for his father's will and while searching for his father's legal papers, he discovers a photograph which brings out an ugly past. He came to know that he's an adopted child and after listening to the past's story, he sets out in search of his biological mother. But things take an unexpected turn and the past becomes even more complicated than it was before. What happens to Mukesh? Did he finally finds his biological mother? And where does his responsibilities lie, to the mother who brought him up, or to the mother who gave birth to him? That's the plot of the second novella.
The writing as always is brilliant and the storyline moves ahead in an unflinching way. With these plotlines, Sudha Murthy delves deeper into the human heart and the emotions we feel for our close ones. She, once again, brilliantly talked about the prejudices that the patriarchal society inflicts upon widows, single mothers, teenage pregnancies and women in general. She portrays how the women of these two novellas are controlled by the men in their life. In this book of just two hundred pages, Sudha Murthy presents two novellas, each portraying mothers and motherhood in a resolute manner.
Recommended to Sudha Murthy fans, readers looking for novellas and those who are looking for books which talks about mothers!
The Mother I Never Knew is a collection of two novellas, both based around mothers and motherhood. The first novella is about Venkatesh. He works in State Bank of India, lives in Bangalore, has a wife earning more than him, two grown-up kids and a lot of wealth, a bungalow and servants working for him. Sounds like a great wealthy family, right? They are wealthy of-course, but there's an emptiness within Venkatesh, because there's no bonding between the family members. To an outsider, their family may look great but he's not happy inside. His son and wife cares about accumulating wealth, while he and his daughter cares about relationships. One fine day, he gets transferred to Hubli, a place whose culture he's totally unaware of. He reluctantly agrees to go there for only six months and return after that. But there, he stumbles upon his look-alike and comes face-to-face with the ugly past of his late father, which includes an abandoned wife and son. Now it's upto him to repay his father's debt. But how will he repay the debt of an unsettling past like this? That's the plot of the first novella.
The second novella is about Mukesh. He works in BBC, London, has a wife whom he loves and a happy family. But one fine day, he receives a call from his sister, telling him that their father is in the ICU. He immediately reaches India, but by the time he reached, his father had already departed. He returns home for the final rites and meets the lawyer for his father's will and while searching for his father's legal papers, he discovers a photograph which brings out an ugly past. He came to know that he's an adopted child and after listening to the past's story, he sets out in search of his biological mother. But things take an unexpected turn and the past becomes even more complicated than it was before. What happens to Mukesh? Did he finally finds his biological mother? And where does his responsibilities lie, to the mother who brought him up, or to the mother who gave birth to him? That's the plot of the second novella.
The writing as always is brilliant and the storyline moves ahead in an unflinching way. With these plotlines, Sudha Murthy delves deeper into the human heart and the emotions we feel for our close ones. She, once again, brilliantly talked about the prejudices that the patriarchal society inflicts upon widows, single mothers, teenage pregnancies and women in general. She portrays how the women of these two novellas are controlled by the men in their life. In this book of just two hundred pages, Sudha Murthy presents two novellas, each portraying mothers and motherhood in a resolute manner.
Recommended to Sudha Murthy fans, readers looking for novellas and those who are looking for books which talks about mothers!
Read
April 28, 2020Bought this book few days ago from Kolkata bookfair and planned to read it later. But the cover and the title of this book are so intriguing that I couldn't stop myself, and finished it in just one day.
🍁
This book contains two novellas. The first one is focused upon Venkatesh who is a State Bank Manager, husband of a beautiful wife and father of one boy and one girl. His family is pretty much wealthy still they are making more and more money even though they have enough to just retire in life and have fun. In this instance, Venkatesh got transferred to Hubli where his life took a complete 360° turn. There he stumbles upon his lookalike one fine day. When he probes further, he discovers his father's hidden past, which includes an abandoned wife and child. The situations of ancient days were full with superstition and that cost so many lives like them, nobody even have an inkling of. At last, Venkatesh repays his father's debt to his stepmother and his brother from another mother.
🍁
The second novella deals with Mukesh, a young man, who received a shock after his father's death, that he was adopted. He is not the biological child of this couple. Instead he discovers from his mother that he is a child of a Punjabi family and he is a Sarder. But when he reached to his biological Punjabi mother he found that she is also not his true biological mother. But she shared information about his true biological mother and that she is the wife of one of our minister's. Finally, Mukesh managed to meet her but not for once called her "amma(mummy)". He understood thoroughly, that giving a birth is not the ultimate thing in this world, they should travel a whole mountain to make their children into a human being and who does that they have the rights to be called as actual parents what actually his avva and amma did for so many year and never told him anything about it.
🍂
My thought- Whenever it comes to Sudha Murty mam, i lover her works very much. Her writing has such a simple and intriguing pace that it becomes hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
🍂
My Rating- 4/5.
🍁
This book contains two novellas. The first one is focused upon Venkatesh who is a State Bank Manager, husband of a beautiful wife and father of one boy and one girl. His family is pretty much wealthy still they are making more and more money even though they have enough to just retire in life and have fun. In this instance, Venkatesh got transferred to Hubli where his life took a complete 360° turn. There he stumbles upon his lookalike one fine day. When he probes further, he discovers his father's hidden past, which includes an abandoned wife and child. The situations of ancient days were full with superstition and that cost so many lives like them, nobody even have an inkling of. At last, Venkatesh repays his father's debt to his stepmother and his brother from another mother.
🍁
The second novella deals with Mukesh, a young man, who received a shock after his father's death, that he was adopted. He is not the biological child of this couple. Instead he discovers from his mother that he is a child of a Punjabi family and he is a Sarder. But when he reached to his biological Punjabi mother he found that she is also not his true biological mother. But she shared information about his true biological mother and that she is the wife of one of our minister's. Finally, Mukesh managed to meet her but not for once called her "amma(mummy)". He understood thoroughly, that giving a birth is not the ultimate thing in this world, they should travel a whole mountain to make their children into a human being and who does that they have the rights to be called as actual parents what actually his avva and amma did for so many year and never told him anything about it.
🍂
My thought- Whenever it comes to Sudha Murty mam, i lover her works very much. Her writing has such a simple and intriguing pace that it becomes hard to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
🍂
My Rating- 4/5.
March 18, 2017
It's a quick read. Two good stories. but not the best.
October 15, 2014
There were basically 2 stories in this book. The first one is something you can relate to completely. Understand the family set up and how things have been just a few years back and how dominating your in-laws can be etc., etc., the second story I felt like a drag after a certain point, though it too had same kind of emotions. One thing common in both and keeps you glued are the emotions described in the book. The characters in the book you feel like you see them every day in India.
Venkatesh - the son who wants to repay his father's debt.
Daughter Gauri - just like Venkatesh
Shanta - person who is more into money than anything else. This is more like character you see in movies.
Ravi - their son exact copy of his mom and many more all portrayed very well.
It is narrated in very simple English which makes it an easy read.
Venkatesh - the son who wants to repay his father's debt.
Daughter Gauri - just like Venkatesh
Shanta - person who is more into money than anything else. This is more like character you see in movies.
Ravi - their son exact copy of his mom and many more all portrayed very well.
It is narrated in very simple English which makes it an easy read.
November 28, 2019
Her books we are able to complete in one go.
Both the stories are heart-touching.
And it shows current side of humanity as well as the other side of humanity which is very rare in today's world.
One thing was common in whole book the unending Mother's love. Anywhere you go, how old you grow, mothers love will always be same, be it your birth mother or the one who took care of you even when you weren't her blood.
.
.
In first story the guy realises that that his brother lived a life in utter poverty whereas he lived the most luxurious life. Will he and his family decide to help him or just leave him on his fate... .
.
.
Second story is about how the person will react when we realises that he is adopted. Will he go in search for his birth mother and forget the one who took care of him his whole life?
Both the stories are heart-touching.
And it shows current side of humanity as well as the other side of humanity which is very rare in today's world.
One thing was common in whole book the unending Mother's love. Anywhere you go, how old you grow, mothers love will always be same, be it your birth mother or the one who took care of you even when you weren't her blood.
.
.
In first story the guy realises that that his brother lived a life in utter poverty whereas he lived the most luxurious life. Will he and his family decide to help him or just leave him on his fate... .
.
.
Second story is about how the person will react when we realises that he is adopted. Will he go in search for his birth mother and forget the one who took care of him his whole life?
June 2, 2016
One more classic Sudha Murthy book. Just loved the way she framed her stories this time. Two very contrasting novellas about two men who never knew who their birth mother was and the eagerness to find them. The author did move out of her comfort zone and mentioned new cities apart from North Karnataka and Mumbai. The twists very well placed. If you have loved Sudha Murthy's earlier books, you'll love this as well.
August 24, 2014
Very heart touching stories. Both are beautifully written and overflowing with emotions. Sudha Murty has shown the confusion and emotions of adopted child's very nicely. and has shown empathy of the human nature
August 9, 2014
Easy and quick read. What makes this collection interesting is that the way human nature is portrayed, the characters one can see in the day-today life.
Read
August 6, 2015Mudha murty,wow a awesome author she wrote this book with high fleeing. it touched my heart . A life of a young girl and love for her mother woah.
August 18, 2021
Good one!
July 17, 2023
I didn’t like the writing style, neither did i like the plots.
Read
June 16, 2022This is not one book, but consists of two different novellas with the same theme – of men discovering mothers they didn't know about.
In classic Sudha Murthy style (which I don’t like), she categorises people as good or bad, but doesn’t express this blatantly. She brushes over their qualities as if ‘allowing’ for it as a human, while also making it clear that she doesn’t endorse them – people being money-minded, arrogant, etc are all trademark Sudha Murthy 'evil' characters. Even if they're self-made, they should serve the poor, not lead an extravagant lifestyle, be religiously devotional, etc to be considered as one of the 'good' ones. Her two dimensional characters only commit actions that fit the category assigned to them.
In this book, I liked the first novella better than the second one, which felt like some tv serial. Both the stories are somewhat outdated, and one story even references Karna and Kunti (which is what you'll be reminded of when you read the second novella). Don't mean this to be a personal attack on her but the first novella felt like she was describing her own family (with certain changes of course). Sudha marrying off her son to the heir of the TVS group is not much different from Shanta (who is described as being obsessed with earning money and showing off wealth) deciding to marry off her son (engineer who wants to source the 'capital' for setting up his own start-up, from prospective in-laws) to Pinki. The men in her novels are almost always engineers, barring the second novella in this maybe - where being occupied in the history and arts wing of BBC not only helped the plot but also linked the guy to his roots.
What's up with all the female characters being described as 'tall, slim, fair, with long black hair' or something like 'dusky beauty'?!
I have more to say but I'd rather end this review here and save my time, and you from my negativity.
My rating - 2 stars
In classic Sudha Murthy style (which I don’t like), she categorises people as good or bad, but doesn’t express this blatantly. She brushes over their qualities as if ‘allowing’ for it as a human, while also making it clear that she doesn’t endorse them – people being money-minded, arrogant, etc are all trademark Sudha Murthy 'evil' characters. Even if they're self-made, they should serve the poor, not lead an extravagant lifestyle, be religiously devotional, etc to be considered as one of the 'good' ones. Her two dimensional characters only commit actions that fit the category assigned to them.
In this book, I liked the first novella better than the second one, which felt like some tv serial. Both the stories are somewhat outdated, and one story even references Karna and Kunti (which is what you'll be reminded of when you read the second novella). Don't mean this to be a personal attack on her but the first novella felt like she was describing her own family (with certain changes of course). Sudha marrying off her son to the heir of the TVS group is not much different from Shanta (who is described as being obsessed with earning money and showing off wealth) deciding to marry off her son (engineer who wants to source the 'capital' for setting up his own start-up, from prospective in-laws) to Pinki. The men in her novels are almost always engineers, barring the second novella in this maybe - where being occupied in the history and arts wing of BBC not only helped the plot but also linked the guy to his roots.
What's up with all the female characters being described as 'tall, slim, fair, with long black hair' or something like 'dusky beauty'?!
I have more to say but I'd rather end this review here and save my time, and you from my negativity.
My rating - 2 stars
August 14, 2019
Watch my video review of The Mother I Never Knew by Sudha Murty: https://youtu.be/U2w4CLNuE-8
This book was average. It was nice and it was sweet as saccharine, but it was pretty boring and predictable. When I picked up this book, I really liked the concept of the story. It is interesting to see how people would react when given news that would shake their whole foundation. Also, I wanted to see how the author portrays the characters and how they progress. However, the stories felt rushed and incomplete. I felt that the author started off well, but decided to abruptly end both the stories and move on to the next project.
This book was average. It was nice and it was sweet as saccharine, but it was pretty boring and predictable. When I picked up this book, I really liked the concept of the story. It is interesting to see how people would react when given news that would shake their whole foundation. Also, I wanted to see how the author portrays the characters and how they progress. However, the stories felt rushed and incomplete. I felt that the author started off well, but decided to abruptly end both the stories and move on to the next project.
October 23, 2021
A light soothing read! This book contains two novellas! Both the novellas are stories set in India and talks about the relationship between a mother and a child. The stories are complicated but with a simple narration.
Reading this book is a surely a calming experience and you will end up with a smile!!
Few take aways from the book-
1) Always follow your conscience. It should not change with rank or money and should not fade like fame or beauty.
2) Whatever happens, happens for the best.
3) Present is really a gift and that is why it is called present. Pondering over the past will not take you anywhere instead will steal away the gift of present you have!!
Reading this book is a surely a calming experience and you will end up with a smile!!
Few take aways from the book-
1) Always follow your conscience. It should not change with rank or money and should not fade like fame or beauty.
2) Whatever happens, happens for the best.
3) Present is really a gift and that is why it is called present. Pondering over the past will not take you anywhere instead will steal away the gift of present you have!!
October 31, 2017
This book has two stories of two different people. Both get to know a shocking news that they have another mother. First Venkatesh gets to know that his father had an affair and he another mother and brother who looks alike him. Though his wife and son are reluctant to give a high amount to them as they are suffering from poverty, he stands against them and his daughter helps him by giving her savings. Second Mukesh gets to know he has been adopted and go to search his real mother. This journey leads him to meet two more women and he pays them as they had been a support for him to be successful but returns back to his mother. The emotional turmoil faced by the sons is shown in a beautiful way.
Characterisation-5/5
Plot-5/5
Narration-5/5
Title & Cover-5/5
Overall ratings-5/5
Characterisation-5/5
Plot-5/5
Narration-5/5
Title & Cover-5/5
Overall ratings-5/5
March 21, 2020
It took me a while to finish this book because of what has been going on around in the world but trust me with all the news updates and social distancing, this book kept me calm. Books always do that, don’t they?
This is a story revolving around motherhood and the sacrifices she makes for her child’s safe future. It’s a collection of stories (2) from each mother in different situations but gripping on one emotion - love for their child. It’s beautiful the way Sudha Murty describes this beautiful relationship between a mother and child which we always take for granted, don’t we? :)
This is a story revolving around motherhood and the sacrifices she makes for her child’s safe future. It’s a collection of stories (2) from each mother in different situations but gripping on one emotion - love for their child. It’s beautiful the way Sudha Murty describes this beautiful relationship between a mother and child which we always take for granted, don’t we? :)
January 20, 2020
Sudha Murthy is known for her easy-to-read books. Her story telling is like your grandmother telling you a tale at bedtime. It sets a background and walks you into a mystery and then a climax. She manages to keep the reader engaged with twists and surprises along the way. In the end the stories leave the reader wondering about family and values.
December 16, 2020
Another phenomenal read by sudha murty....Two Different stories with intense emotional appeal...The story of two different men's quest for mothers they never knew they had..
The Mother I Never Knew: Two Novellas
The Mother I Never Knew: Two Novellas
November 29, 2021
3.7/5
This was my first Sudha Murthy's book, The mother I never knew is a book with two novellas, set in different backgrounds but somehow touches the same topic of motherhood and human relations.
Overall, both the stories contain the same message, the relationship between a mother and their child is the purest, this book delicately touches on the topic of motherhood. Both the stories were completely engrossing and touching.
This was my first Sudha Murthy's book, The mother I never knew is a book with two novellas, set in different backgrounds but somehow touches the same topic of motherhood and human relations.
Overall, both the stories contain the same message, the relationship between a mother and their child is the purest, this book delicately touches on the topic of motherhood. Both the stories were completely engrossing and touching.
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