The Second Wife & Other Stories

by Nandini C Sen

Nandini C. Sen teaches English in Delhi University. An erstwhile Fellow at the prestigious Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, she has received the Charles Wallace Fellowship for Academic Research in London, the Ambassador for Peace Prize for her pioneering work in educating slum dwellers and the Write India award for her creative writing. Sen writes on Diaspora Studies, African Studies and Comparative Literature. Some of her academic publications include The Black Woman A Study of Flora Nwapa and Buchi Emecheta (2019), Through the Diasporic Lens Volumes 1&2 (2017 & 2018), Mahasweta Critical Perspectives (2012). Sen is a keen observer of society and a social commentator. Her short stories have been featured in literary journals like The Elusive Genre and The Muse. She has also been featured in the Asian Collective of Short Stories and the Australia-India collaboration titled The Glass Walls.

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 19, 2022

Reviews

[Ritaban Biswas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two primary themes of this collection of eleven short stories are feminism and womanhood. We meet women of all ages in The Second Wife & Other Stories, from different eras and backgrounds. While some stories are centred on the ongoing and expanding struggle against patriarchy and societal injustice, others are rich in Indian mythological history and recent Indian history.

Even though Nandini Sen's language is so straightforward, it quickly pierces the heart after reading it. I will undoubtedly remember her thoughtful story—whether it is about Queen Kaikeyi (a sort of retelling), the Santhali Miad "Bulki," or the mother who "comes out of her closet"—for a longer time. The Second Wife & Other Stories is a page-turner that can be read in one sitting, that will delight, provoke thought, and broaden one's perspective. A rainy-season must-read, if I may say so.

[Mansi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the writing and stories were very plain; but the last few stories were extremely interesting, strong and with a message. I love how all of these stories emphasised small town women and their turmoils with also the will to fight back.

[Nishant Garg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of short stories that are about the challenges faced by women. The hardships they have to face and the sacrifices they have to make. I especially liked the last two stories. It is a book written by a woman for the women. A quick read but nothing as such special.

[Vikas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezy read. Some stories are good. Strong feminist voice. Most are predictable stories but end well that retain the surprise element that makes a short story good.

[Kavya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of "her stories" where women step out of their homes and break the stereotypes. Be it a young girl who has been raped or a homemaker or an old woman who runs an NGO, they all have powerful stories to tell. It shows how women with their willpower can do what they want. A powerful and inspiring read.