Das, S. K.

"My Story" is an autobiographical work by the Indian author and poet Kamala Das, also known by her Muslim name Kamala Surayya or her pen name Madhavikutty. Originally published in Malayalam as "Ente Katha," the book generated significant admiration and criticism upon its release, becoming the best-selling autobiography by an Indian woman to date. Written in a linear, realist style, the narrative follows a novelistic format and chronicles the challenges of Das's marriage, her personal awakening as a woman, and her development as a writer. While presented as an autobiography, Das later acknowledged the inclusion of fictional elements.

The book's 50 chapters trace the life of the protagonist, Aami (representing Kamala), from childhood through adolescence and adulthood. It covers her experiences with racism in colonial schools, her complex marital relationship, her sexual awakening, her literary endeavors, extramarital affairs, motherhood, and her eventual reconciliation with her husband, writing, and sexuality. The narrative primarily focuses on her personal journey rather than the broader political and social events of India's independence era.

The Malayalam version, "Ente Katha," first appeared serially in the literary magazine "Malayalanadu weekly" in 1972, published by S. K. Nair. Its publication caused a literary stir and faced opposition from Das's relatives who sought to halt its release. Despite this pressure, the work proved immensely popular, significantly boosting the magazine's circulation. Das had initially written the memoir in English, and S. K. Nair encouraged her to translate it for his publication. The book was first released in book form by Current Books in February 1973. An English version, with modifications to the original 1970 manuscript, was published in 1976. "My Story" continues to be regarded as a highly popular yet controversial Indian autobiography, praised for its candid portrayal of a woman's inner life, her search for love, and her desire for transcendence, while also being noted for its frankness and departure from conventional morality.

The book adopts a chronological and linear structure, employing a realist literary style that lends itself to a novelistic presentation. Das's narrative delves into deeply personal territory, recounting the difficulties within her marriage and her profound journey of self-discovery as both a woman and an artist. The autobiographical account is marked by its introspective nature, focusing on the protagonist's emotional and psychological landscape. Despite its autobiographical claims, the author herself indicated that the work contained fictional embellishments, blurring the lines between personal history and imaginative storytelling. This blend of fact and fiction contributes to the book's enduring intrigue and its reputation for honesty and boldness.

“I cannot think of any other Indian autobiography that so honestly captures a woman's inner life in all its sad solitude, its desperate longing for real love and its desire for transcendence, its tumult of colours and its turbulent poetry.”

“It is a straightforward story.. It has sincerity that strikes an immediate rapport with the reader.”

“There are entire section that are marvelously written.”

“Among the best things I have read, it is the turbulent, self-indulgent but at all times, frank story of Kamala Das.”

“Kamala Das does not hide her secrets and does not follows the rules of old morality.”