LADIES COUPE

Rating:
Summary: "A woman with an opinion was treated like a bad smell."
Review: Before early 1998 special counters for women, senior citizens and the handicapped were in Indian train stations in addition to ladies coupes in most overnight trains with second-class reservation compartments. The premise of Anita Nair's LADIES COUPE is based on this historical practice of granting women a separate space away from the eyes of strange men in the hustle and bustle of train travel throughout India, enabling women to talk about their marraiges away from the ears of their husbands.

When we first meet Akhila she is embarking on an extended train journey for reasons unknown. Her status in Indian society is precarious; she is a 45-year-old unmarried working. Akhila's traveling companions in her ladies coupe are immediately curious of her situation, but as time progresses and she reveals her life story the other women are not necessarily of the opinion that her life would be complete with a husband.

As their train rambles through the Indian countryside each woman tells her own story of childhood and marriage including grime circumstances highlighting lost liberties and unfilled love. There is not an overall happy story in the bunch. It is apparent that the status of contemporary Indian women is the focus of this book and of general concern to Anita Nair. What is most interesting is that men are not simply the enemy; rather, the portrayal of Akhila's younger sister as being selfish and vindictive illustrates how women can also deter the fulfillment of other women.

LADIES COUPE provides an intriguing glimpse into a small group of contemporary Indian women of different generations. This book is a good addition to the already growing selection of Indian literature. Also recommended is Rupa Bajwa's The Sari Shop and Samina Ali's Madras on Rainy Days.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful prose ! Do not miss it!
Review: I have read many books from indian authors. This one really touch me. It helps you understand what women in different cultures have to go thru in order to be independent and how different women see things differently! It makes you question your self why you want to live your life the way you do...
Do not miss it. Is is a beautiful written book.

Rating:
Summary: Really good!
Review: I really enjoyed reading "Ladies Coupe". It is an excellent summer read. Anita Nair is a talented author with a gift of clutching the readers heart with words.