No Apologies (A Women’s Web Collection): Book Review

How often as women we feel apologetic more so to please people around us?! We will have to patch up for a ten-minute late dinner which got late because of our period woes. We will have to hurry up home after an outing with friends because we have a bunch of people angrily waiting for us. And every single time, there’s a guilt that tugs at us and more often than not, we feel apologetic - we are made to feel apologetic - because as women, we are responsible for a whole lot of what happens around us, and to us!

In No Apologies, we get to read realistic stories that put forth to readers how women in our Indian society are expected to feel apologetic for situations they might not actually be accountable, and also we get to see with warmth why and how they need not do so. I say with warmth because the writers carry a sense of maturity in their words that’s devoid of arrogance, ego or pride. 

The stories are not about feminism, men vs. women or patriarchy as one would guess in this context. Rather, they are more about the underlying emotions of womanhood which are subjected to the ‘ideal standards of living’ imposed upon women for centuries, and even more about those moments in each character’s life when they come to confront the 'norms' face-to-face.

No apologies is a collection of 18 short stories written by writers of Women’s Web, an online magazine for women. What’s interesting about the plots is that all the 18 stories have at least two women characters conversing with each other – well, on matters other than men and boys!

I read the book over a period of one week with intermittent gaps between the stories. Each of the eighteen brings us to contemplate on something important. Some have interesting narrations, some have heart-touching messages, and many have content that is beyond average perceptions. Let me begin with saying all of it were gems in their own ways.

As my way of obligation to each of the writers for their worthy contribution(s), I am going to mention the impact their stories had on me, in the order as they appear on the book, trying my best, not to spill the beans, though certainly a few lines about each cannot do justice for what they can mean to the women community.

“Lioness Out On The Streets” by Aashisha Chakraborty

Have you ever taken a lone late-night cab ride in a city like Delhi? Though it may sound like a usual topic of discussion, the elegant transition of the main character’s personality from a brave journalist to just another girl on the street brings out the outright reality of the subject. And let me not miss, the twist at the end tugged at my heartstrings!

“Chinmayee’s Question” by Ujwala Shenoy Karmarkar

This one stands out of all! Happening in the 1800’s, the tale brings out what women who faced social injustice then would have dreamt about future womanhood in India. On one side, I felt glad what the girls had dreamt then has come true today while on the other hand, I felt aghast that past two centuries, it hasn’t ceased to exist. The story is a fine example to note the progress that womanhood has seen over the centuries. You’ll be both glad and disappointed as I did.

“Sixteen Going On Forty” by Rashmi Raj

A peppy conversation between two friends, this story brings out what it means to be a happily unmarried woman in India. You’ll find yourself nodding your head throughout because the woman in you shall come to terms to what a woman can be, but what she’s tagged for, by the society.

“Only If I’ve Actually Had A Life” by Devika Rajeev

When we talk about injustice to women, it’s patriarchy that fills much of the discussion. The author has brought an out-of-the-box situation where how another woman, as close as a daughter, can carry forward the limitations that society burdens upon a woman. There’s a lesson for all grown-up sons and daughters in this story. Must say, the characterizations stand apart!

“When The Winds Of Change Blow” by Anshu Bhojnagarwala

This is yet another tale which highlights how women of our society have ruined the lives of other women. People who hold ideologies like that of the ‘Maaji’ character need an enormous re-thinking.

“With The Ugly Memories of My City” by Seema Taneja

Well narrated, this one will hook you till the end. I will have to quote this line from the story “But I am fearless. Because I have been afraid.” There’s a new kind of strength the author has created in these lines. All of you who have you been afraid before and haven’t come out of the fear yet , sink into this line; you’ll emerge out fearless!

“The Unexpected Gift of Privacy” by Manishi

This one is unique! A teenager raised under conservative values gets a new break. She comes to see how else a woman can be. She also gets to experience an intimate moment with her body. You cannot help falling in love with the character of Manaasa. An essential read for adults raising teenagers!

“The League Of Ordinary Women” by Vijayalakshmi Harish

It’s about hope and inspiration. Did you ever ask your mom about her aspiration? The story reminds us to, before it’s too late. And it can inspire one to form a real-life league of ordinary women!

“Coming Back For The Miracle Of Life” by Arva Bhavnagarwala

The author has narrated the life in a NICU so realistically that you’ll definitely feel grateful for the nurses who work round the clock in a NICU. Coming to terms to see the beauty in what you are doing even if it is not what you had planned earlier is important. And, you’ll see how.

“The Fear And The Fury…” by Ell P

This is a mini thriller. The narration is gripping and you cannot put down until you finish with the last word. It talks about a mom’s power and courage that can miraculously spring up in a situation that demands the protection of her child.

“The Homecoming” by Meha Sharma

This is a heart-warming tale of a daughter trying to bring her widowed mother to come to stay with her against all societal odds. It has some important take-aways all of us have to ponder about.

“Revelation” by Rashmi Raj

A daughter’s anger on her mom who hadn’t been with her as much as she had expected to. A mother’s stance for what she loves to do. As I was reading, I couldn’t fathom who was more right. Appreciations to the author to have touched a global dilemma of women’s lives with great depth and in simple words. This story stands truest to the book’s title, No Apologies!

“What The Goddesses Dreamt Up, Let No Women Cast Asunder!” by Vijayalakshmi Harish

This one was both entertaining and reflective. The author’s quirky imagination of the forces that might be working on us behind the scenes deserves applause. And the touch of Kali at the end is a delight.

“Because I Wanted To Find Out What I Could Do With My Dreams…” by Sangeetha Jaganathan

An admirable writing style! At some places, though I had to go back and forth to understand the flow, it was a worthy read. If you’ve ever had a friend in school or college who shadowed your existence, you ca definitely relate to the plot.

“Once You Let Them Take Away Your Dream…” by Ujwala Shenoy Karmarkar

This is an inspiring conversation between sisters about chasing our dreams in spite of the barriers that take us away from them. The initial narration of the hospital scene is worth a mention. 

“Mothers Can Have Dreams Too” by Shraddha Niphadkar

Another inspiring tale that insists on how women can bring their aspirations alive irrespective of their age. And elucidates how the push and encouragement from the immediate family can shape a woman’s pursuits.

“A Breathe Of Fresh Air” by Sharanya Misra

A progressive perspective presented in an interesting and unique form. You cannot pass by this one without feeling a ‘wow.’

“The Sky Belongs To Them Too!” by Namrata Singh

Beautiful! The character of Naina could be you and me, and everywhere. And no one is going to tell us what this story tells us. A must-read for all of us in order to step up a rung in evolving.  Read for yourself what’s so beautiful is in.

Who is it for?

No Apologies is not specifically for women. It is general to adult readers of all ages and genders. It can help women who are confined within their roles in everyday life; women who are confused if what they feel from within is right or wrong and women who want an inspiration to move ahead in the direction of their dreams. And of course, irrespective of gender, people who are open to re-define or fine tune their perceptions of a myriad of life things can find the book valuable.

What could have been different in No Apologies?

I am curious why an author bio for the authors haven’t been included? As a reader, I was intrigued to know more about the authors but I couldn’t find. Though not significant, an image for each story could have added to readers' imagination from the narrations.

Title: No Apologies (Women's Web Collection)
Author: Women's Web
Publisher: Women's Web 
Pages: 106

Format: Kindle Edition

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