Losing my virginity and other dumb ideas by Madhuri Banerjee

"Losing my virginity and other dumb ideas" by Madhuri Banerjee. This book is published in 2011 by Penguin metro reads and has 234 pages.

Kaveri is a single woman. She works as interpreter (translator). She is 30 and still a virgin. She and her friend Aditi make multiple attempts to de-virginize her, but all of them fail for one reason or other. On a business trip to Goa, Kaveri meets Arjun, falls heads over heals for him and loses her virginity. Then she comes to know that Arjun is married but continues the relationship nevertheless in hope that one day he will become only hers.

Does Arjun divorce his wife? Does he come to Kaveri forever? Does she really love him beyond physical relationship? Can she forget her? What adventures await her? Can anyone else entice her?

Madhuri has handled this bold topic deftly. Kaveri's frustration on being virgin at 30, her failed attempts to loose virginity, her eventual success, her love and hope form the first section of the book. Then there is a lateral shift in storyline. Suddenly readers are thrown in heady mix of glamour world. When the readers adjust to this new storyline there are more twists.

Madhuri has portrayed desperate yet conservative, one who has seen the world yet is not outgoing, free thinking yet intellectual Kaveri, trapped in her own notions and her sensuality very well. Kaveri is today's woman. Gone are the days of women depending on their man emotionally and physically irrespective of treatment. This is the portrayal of free thinking, independent, pleasure and love seeking, but not unrestrained, modern woman. Some things are difficult to digest but are today's reality.

I felt that the book would have become more effective if last three chapters were not there. Introduction of fortune teller and prophecy was not the requirement of the story.

Read this book if you are ready to approach this bold topic. I read it in two days while I was traveling.