Andaleeb Wajid

The Sum of All my Parts

Women fiction Amaryllis 2018

The Sum of All my Parts is a gripping and poignant story that centers on women and relationships. It has everything, be it tragedy, heartbreak, courage, conviction, catharsis, humour or romance. The protagonist, Mariam, is living the retired life of an old woman in a quiet Vellore suburb. She teaches four woman how to crochet and all of them recount their lives while crocheting. their time together is refuge for them all.

Of these four woman, one is merely 15, already married and pregnant, but doesn’t want the child. The second has been married for 3 years but hasn’t conceived yet. The third is in love with someone who is not her husband and is scared to break free from the shackles of marriage. And the fourth is sick of managing her home, son and mother-in-law all by herself, while her husband lives and works in Dubai.

All the stories blend seamlessly. The conceptualization is brilliant and the narrative us beautiful. this engrossing tale of the lives of four ordinary women will surely invoke myriad feelings in the reader.

Reviews & praise

What readers are saying

★★★★★
“It is indeed Andaleeb Wajid's best work. It is a poignant tale of one woman, one great love and a reminiscence of one life lived, with all the love, choices, regrets and finally a painful joy of contentment. Contentment for the moments of love and peace which were welcomed with open arms, without thinking of how it might turn into a regret later. It is worth it, it always is.”

— Vasanthi Namala · Amazon review

★★★★★
“Andaleeb is one of my favourite contemporary Indian writers. I have read all her books and wait for her new releases eagerly. When I started reading The Sum of all my Parts, I enjoyed the book though, but wasn't able to relate with any characters. Before disappointment could creep in, the 2nd part started and entered young Mariam and Aasim, my interest in the book rose. And the book kept me hooked till the very end.”

— Falak Randerian · Amazon review