Socio-Cultural Differences in Sudha Murty's Novel The Mother I Never Knew

Abstract

Sudha Murty is a writer who contributes to Indian English literature, a field that has been enriched by many renowned Indian English novelists such as Kamala Markandaya, Ruth Prawer Jahabvala, Anita Desai, Manju Kapur and Shobhaa De. Through her work, Sudha Murty presents thought-provoking stories that shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by people from all walks of life. She portrays human behavior in a realistic manner and her exceptional storytelling skills allow her to address social challenges that prompt the world to take notice. Sudha Murty's stories revolve around ordinary people and she is renowned for her views on altruism and self-realization. Her latest novel delves into the complexities of being a woman, a mother, and a writer. The novel is a sociological and suspenseful exploration of the theme of maternal abandonment, touching on humanistic values, interpersonal relationships, and the emptiness that comes with being a mother. The book is composed of two novellas that follow the journeys of two men who are in search of their birth mothers. Throughout the novel, Sudha Murty highlights the theme of deception and injustice towards women, making it a central aspect of the book.