Aisi Waisi Aurat by Ankita Jain is a powerful collection of short stories that portrays the struggles, pain, and resilience of women at various stages of life. Through these stories, Jain explores the societal injustices and emotional battles that women often endure, whether as young girls, adults, or elderly women. The book is not a light read for those seeking entertainment; rather, it is a deep and emotional reflection of the female experience, making it a popular choice among readers who are interested in understanding the complex emotions and challenges women face.
The book Aisi Waisi Aurat has taught that no women are aisi waisi; she is simply a woman. Being a woman is synonymous with creation, as she nurtures life for nine months in her womb and gives birth to a child. Even after that, she continues to struggle to ensure that the child does not become “aisi waisi.” To help humanity survive and create a fair society for women, we need to stop calling them hurtful names like “Aisi Waisi Aurat.”
The cover of the book states that it is written about “Aisi Waisi Auratein” and should be read by men. I want to emphasize that everyone should definitely read this book.
Outline of the Stories in Aisi Waisi Aurat
The book Aisi Waisi Aurat contains eleven stories, each narrating a unique and insightful perspective on the lives of women. These stories shed light on issues such as societal expectations, domestic abuse, loss of identity, and the constant fight for self-respect. The narratives make readers question deeply ingrained beliefs and confront the realities of gender inequality.
Each story features a different protagonist, yet they are bound by a common thread: the unjust treatment that society often metes out to women. For example, in the story “Room Number Fifty,” Ankita Jain discusses the journey of a lesbian woman, presenting a narrative that questions societal taboos around homosexuality. Another story, “Bhanwar,” addresses sexual abuse and a woman’s journey to regain her self-respect and confidence.
Themes and Writing Style of Aisi Waisi Aurat
Ankita Jain’s writing is raw, rustic, and deeply emotional. The language she uses is a beautiful blend of poetic metaphors and vivid descriptions that paint a harsh yet realistic picture of the challenges women face. This style makes the book both a literary piece and a social commentary. The stories are not just tales, they reflect the realities that many women live through, often in silence.
The thematic focus of the book revolves around the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of a woman’s life. From the abuse of power within families to the discrimination faced by women in public spaces, the stories highlight the everyday struggles that go unnoticed. Each story is better than the last, and it is not possible to describe every story here. However, there are a few stories I would like to say a few words about.
Room No. Fifty: A story of a lesbian girl that explores deeply into homosexuality, breaking the boundaries of narrow-mindedness. It emphasizes that being homosexual is as normal as being straight. Ankita Jain’s explanation of these concepts is commendable.
Dhool Maati Si Zindagi: This story portrays the death of relationships. In this world, the depths of depravity are beyond imagination. This thought came to my mind after reading this story. In this story, I witnessed the death of a relationship. Some stories make you despise society. In this story, the father-in-law tormented his daughter-in-law every day until she finally died. Her death might have brought her peace. It is a must-read story.
Ek Raat Ki Baat: I really enjoyed this story. It completes an incomplete person. It is a tale of creation and is definitely worth reading.
Bhanwar: A story about overcoming sexual abuse and finding new direction in life. It is about regaining self-respect and confidence, a must-read for every girl.
What Makes This Book Readable
Aisi Waisi Aurat is not just a book for women; it is a narrative that aims to evoke compassion and understanding among men as well. By exposing the “dark pages” of women’s lives, the collection invites readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about femininity, morality, and societal roles.
What makes this book stand out is its unapologetic tone. Ankita Jain does not shy away from addressing controversial or sensitive topics. Instead, she boldly puts forward the untold stories of women, highlighting their courage and ability to survive despite adversity. This makes the book a significant contribution to feminist literature in Hindi.
Why You Should Read or Buy Aisi Waisi Aurat
Aisi Waisi Aurat is a book that exceeds mere storytelling; it is a mirror reflecting the harsh realities of the world that women cross daily. Whether you are seeking to gain deeper insights into gender issues, or simply appreciate powerful and emotional narratives, this book delivers both in abundance. This book is a must-read, not only for those who love gripping stories but also for anyone who seeks to understand the deep-rooted issues faced by women, especially men. Here is why you should consider reading or purchasing it:
Empathy and Awareness: The stories in the book open the door to understanding the struggles women face, making it an essential read for anyone who wants to cultivate empathy and awareness regarding gender inequality.
Bold Narratives: Ankita Jain’s unapologetic approach to addressing controversial topics like sexual abuse, domestic violence, and societal taboos is both eye-opening and thought-provoking.
Relatable Characters: Each story presents characters who feel real and relatable, offering readers a chance to see reflections of themselves or people they know, which adds emotional depth to the reading experience.
Inspiring Resilience: Despite the heavy themes, the book highlights the resilience and strength of women, leaving readers inspired by the courage and determination shown by the protagonists.
A Fresh Voice in Hindi Literature: Ankita Jain’s fresh and contemporary voice brings a new perspective to feminist literature in Hindi, making it a must-read for those interested in expanding their literary horizons.
By reading “Aisi Waisi Aurat,” you not only support a talented emerging author but also gain a deeper understanding of the complexities faced by women in modern society. This is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page, challenging your perceptions and leaving you more thoughtful about the world around you.
About the Author: Ankita Jain
Ankita Jain’s journey into writing is as fascinating as the stories she tells. After earning an M.Tech in Computer Science Engineering from Banasthali Vidyapith and conducting research in Artificial Intelligence at CDAC, Pune, Ankita found herself drawn to the world of literature. Despite having a promising career in academia, teaching at Bhopal’s Bansal College, her passion for writing led her to switch paths.
Jain’s entry into the literary world was marked by her work as an editor and publisher for the magazine “Rubaru Duniya,” which ran for three years. Her breakthrough came with the song lyrics for “Mumbai 143,” which was recognized in the Limca Book of National Records as the biggest flash mob in India. This recognition encouraged her to delve deeper into storytelling, resulting in her stories being featured on popular radio shows like “Yaadon Ka Idiot Box” and “UP Ki Kahaniyaan” on Big FM.
Her first Hindi book, Aisi Waisi Aurat, was published in 2017 and quickly became a Jagran-Nielsen Bestseller. It is published by Hind Yugm in 2017. The book is written in Hindi and is available in paperback format and it consists of 136 pages.
Jain’s second book, Maa Se Maa Tak, published in 2018, also garnered immense appreciation from readers. Ankita’s contributions as a columnist for prominent platforms like Prabhat Khabar and Lallantop News have solidified her status as a notable voice in Hindi literature
Reader’s Reception on Aisi Waisi Aurat
The book Aisi Waisi Aurat has been praised for its honest and touching portrayal of women’s lives. Readers have described Jain’s writing as soulful, emotionally stirring, and deeply insightful. Many have expressed how the stories forced them to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s treatment of women. Non-Hindi readers, too, have found the language accessible, making it a universal narrative that transcends linguistic barriers.
Ankita Jain’s ability to weave together stories of pain, hope, and survival has made bond with readers. Her poetic and descriptive style makes every story a journey of its own, taking readers through a myriad of emotions. The characters are relatable, and the situations, although harsh, feel all too real, which is perhaps why the book leaves such a lasting impact.
Final Thought
Aisi Waisi Aurat is a deeply moving collection of stories that shines a light on the suppressed voices of women in Indian society. Ankita Jain’s writing is both a celebration of women’s strength and a critique of the injustices they face. Her ability to balance emotion and realism in her storytelling is what makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the struggles of women beyond the surface level.
By reading Aisi Waisi Aurat, men can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and challenges women face, and hopefully, begin to view them with greater respect and understanding. This is more than just a book; it is a tool for societal change and awareness.
