Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows, that’s a book you don’t want your mom to catch you reading. Or at least I don’t want my mom to catch me reading. The thing is, I grew up in a conservative Punjabi family and erotica, sex, and desires are not things we really talk about with each other. They should be, they should be things that mothers & daughters, sisters, and sister in laws, and most importantly husbands & wives can discuss with each other, but there is still a layer of taboo and ‘sharam’ (embarrassment) around these topics in a lot of Punjabi homes.
If you can get over the awkwardness of picking up the book (I used the self-checkout machine at my local library), it’s actually a great read. It’s funny, emotionally gripping, and enlightening. Yes, there are erotic stories, but they are the simplest and sweetest erotic stories you will ever read. It’s almost a little sad to know that the pleasures these women are dreaming of are really just the most basic rights in an intimate relationship.
The main character Nikki is fun to follow, and the widows are a shocking bunch, but my favourite character was Kulwinder, the woman caught between culture, motherhood, and hidden desires. I think my mom-side really got her character.
EROTIC STORIES FOR PUNJABI WIDOWS: VIDEO REVIEW
I truly enjoyed reading Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows and really like Balli Kaur Jaswal’s writing style. After reading this one, I’ve learned that she has written two other books – Inheritance and Sugarbread, and she’s currently working on a fourth novel. I will definitely be adding some of her other books to my reading list.
PIN FOR LATER
This one sounds pretty interesting one for sure!
I love your writing for it’s authentic and humorous side, and would love to meet you one day, you almost feel like a friend I haven’t met each time I read your blog posts, be it your book reviews, your fashionista posts, the mommy posts or just about anything you write, it flows naturally like your thoughts, no editing to please the audience kinda a thing, that kind of freshness to a writing is so rare & so beautiful. I almost laughed out loud, when I read , “If you can get over the awkwardness of picking up the book (I used the self-checkout machine at my local library) ” I was certain I knew you from a previous life somewhere 😀 and yet with all the humor, you write a basic honest truth, with the tenderest of hearts,”Yes, there are erotic stories, but they are the simplest and sweetest erotic stories you will ever read. It’s almost a little sad to know that the pleasures these women are dreaming of are really just the most basic rights in an intimate relationship.” I grew up in a conservative family too, so I know what you mean when you write, “They should be, they should be things that mothers & daughters, sisters, and sister in laws, and most importantly husbands & wives can discuss with each other, but there is still a layer of taboo and ‘sharam’ (embarrassment) around these topics ” Kudos, to you, for being the writer who is not afraid to share her thoughts . Like the saying goes, “Strong women, may we know them, may we be them”. Have not read this book yet, perhaps I will one day, but what you wrote touched a deeper core in me, having watched the injustice done by women to women who have been less fortunate in life. Thank you, for being YOU, I enjoy your writing, keep the ink flowing, it’s delightful to read your posts !
Author
Thank you so very much for your kind, kind words Maya. This comment absolutely made my day, and I hope that I get the chance to meet you one day! There is no greater compliment for a writer than someone encouraging them to keep writing, much gr attitude for that.
I just finished this book after I’d read your recommendation. Actually, I heard the audiobook read by the amazing Meera Syal. I have my two cents – one, this is NOT a book you want to hear as an audiobook for obvious reasons hahaha. But Meera Syal does it outstanding justice reading the book and voicing the various characters. Two – this book isn’t for everyone. I found it hard to connect as a daughter and a daughter-in-law of south asian parents. Although the struggles of an immigrant family are very aptly portrayed, the core of the book didn’t vibe well with me. Im glad I finished the book though. I am interested to read what else you explore through the year! Love all your book reviews. And hey, congratulations on putting this book out there before Ms.Witherspoon haha!
Author
Hi Aaurshi! Thank you for sharing your thoughts – and sorry it took me so long to respond. I love that books evoke such different feelings in different people. I can’t imagine this one as an audiobook, that must have been interesting to listen to!