Review:

“She saw her life passing by…
All adding up to that moment was most magical.
The burden of expectations… somewhat eased.”

Life is rarely easy—especially for women. Dreams often find themselves confined within the four walls of a home, quietly set aside while she plays her many roles: daughter, wife, mother, caregiver, and provider. She keeps going, often forgetting herself in the process, until one day—someone gently asks her to pause… and remember her own dreams.

Also Read: An Empowering Read – She is Shabnam by Sangeeta Kampani – Book Review

Sangeeta Kampani’s The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma captures this journey with remarkable grace. This is the second book I’ve read by her, and as expected, her storytelling is once again magical. Her writing style is powerful yet soothing, like a calm voice guiding you through a deeply emotional terrain. It lingers, not just in your mind but in your heart—long after you’ve put the book down.

This book is a poetic tapestry of Mrs. Sharma’s life. We see her evolve—from a hopeful bride to a devoted mother, from a supportive partner to a silent pillar holding everything together. Through lyrical verses, Sangeeta paints a deeply intimate portrait of womanhood, navigating through love, loss, duty, and longing. She gently lifts the curtain on Indian family life and lets us witness the often invisible emotional labor that women carry, where responsibilities often pile up silently and selfhood is slowly tucked away.

‘That real life was the acceptance of ordinariness was something she slowly learnt to live with.’

What I love most about Sangeeta’s writing is its honesty. It’s raw, evocative, and deeply relatable. Each poem gives us a glimpse into a new role Mrs. Sharma inhabits, from raising her children and cherishing small moments with them to witnessing the growth of her husband’s business and learning the unspoken language of money he speaks; every emotion is carefully woven into the narrative. The narrative is not just a story—it’s an experience. The poems act as windows, offering fleeting glimpses into her soul. As you turn each page, you feel as though you’re stepping into Mrs. Sharma’s shoes—feeling her quiet strength, her struggles, her love, and her longing. The book is more than just a collection of poems; it’s a soulful reflection of a woman’s life, her sacrifices, and the silent courage it takes to keep going. Sangeeta sets the emotional tone right from the start.

Her words don’t just tell a story—they make you feel it. The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma is not just about one woman’s journey but about every woman who has ever put her dreams on hold for the sake of others, of generations of women—mothers, grandmothers, daughters—whose stories have remained in the background. Sangeeta brings them forward, allowing them to be seen and heard in their full, flawed, radiant truth. The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma is a celebration of the everyday heroine—one who may not wield swords or save kingdoms but who rescues hearts, builds homes, and sacrifices her world to hold others together. Sangeeta Kampani doesn’t just write poetry; she builds empathy. She reminds us that there is profound power in softness and strength in stillness. It’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and perhaps, reclaim a part of ourselves.

This book is not only a literary gem—it’s a mirror. A mirror for every woman who has quietly poured herself into others and a call for her to remember herself again. It’s an ode to resilience, a tribute to emotional labor, and a reminder that dreams, though delayed, are never truly forgotten. If you’re looking for a book that moves you, heals you, and gently nudges you to reflect on the women around you—and within you—The Many Versions of Mrs. Sharma is a must-read.

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