Half the Field is Mine

by Swati Sengupta

Nothing can come between Oli and Champas friendship. Not even the fact that the latter is the daughter of Olis domestic help. Confidants, study mates and most importantly, star footballers on a mixed football team the girls are inseparable. Until now.

On the threshold of adolescence, the boys decide the girls can't play on the team any more. The girls, however, are feisty and passionate about the game and are determined to play. Oli finds a coach. And Champa? For the first time, Champa has a secret that she doesn't share with her bestie. A secret that will lead her on a journey fraught with dangers and no certainty of success. A secret that has Oli wondering: Where is Champa? Who was the sinister man following her? Has she been killed or kidnapped?

A beautiful story of friendship that will shake notions of what's suitable for girls and what's appropriate for boys; what's beautiful and what's ugly; and why differences in class cannot come between soul-mates.

164 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Swati Sengupta studied English at Jadavpur University and then worked as a journalist for various newspapers in Kolkata. She quit her full-time job in September 2012 and currently freelances for newspapers along with her writing.

Reviews

[sayd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book ninth grade me needed

[Debjani Banerji · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is so contemporary, that it will shake you up. This is what the world Should be. This is what we should work for in society.
There are no bars on gender. A daughter can do, all that a son was supposed to do till now. This book is also a first in waiving away the "class difference" between the servant class and the general upper middle class. Swati Sengupta has handled both issues sensitively, and when you read the book, you want this modern framework of family, the strength a woman or a girl child possesses. This is the India we are looking forward to.
It is a lovely read, without being preachy and you marvel at the strength of Champa,the servant class girl, who dreams and thinks big. It also teaches how to be aware of yourselves and take care of yourselves. A girl is an easy prey to the outside world, but you need to be smart and tough.
I loved this book,and a I wish more Indian authors touched on these sensitive issues. Swati is a force to reckon with in the coming years. Looking forward to more from her!

[Varsha Hasini.S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It focuses on class difference, gender, and how these words are insignificant. I really liked the way the book alternates between Champa and Oli's perspectives. This book is an orphic tale about mystery, crime, friendship, and fighting for women's rights. I completely change your view about women.

[Lithika Shranuu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Very Famous... Not very well known... Not sold a Million copies... But still it will surely steal away your heart...

[Nethra Tamilini · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book ever

[tithi · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5) this was my honest introduction to reading. it felt like a warm hug sort of, beautiful book <3. although there were some plot holes but a sweet book nonetheless 🫶🏻

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half the Field is Mine is an amazing book which is not at all what it seems from the book cover. Initially I thought the book would be about sports and school. But once a few pages into the book, I realized that this book is an orphic tale about mystery, crime, friendship and fighting for women's rights.

My favorite part of the book is the inseperable friendship between Oli and Champa. During the book somehow I happened to have formed a quote "Ask not what a woman can do for you but what you can do for a woman" because they deserve respect.

I feel that is really what Champa stood by. I really liked the way the book alternates between Champa and Oli's perspective. It really helped to gain a better understanding of the book.

[Sharanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful little book takes on class and gender distinctions in a surprisingly sensitive manner. While the writing is clunky in places and the narrative could have been edited better, the message is so overwhelmingly positive that it cancels out all the minor faults. The author’s ideal may be utopian, but we need these dreamers to remind us that a better world is possible. A book aimed at children that adults should also read.

[Supreya Mahabir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book!

[Arya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot idea...
Well written, but at some points the world was shown as it should be, and some points showed the world as being much better that it really is.

[Radhika Dunia]

Very nice book in order to mixed footballs