by Perumal Murugan (Author)

All of Kali and Ponna's efforts to conceive a child have been in vain, subjecting them to taunts and insinuations by others in their community. Their only hope lies in the one night during the chariot festival in the temple of Ardhanareeswara, the half-female god, when rules are relaxed and consensual union between any man and woman is sanctioned. While this night could end the couple's suffering and humiliation, it will also put their marriage to the ultimate test.