In this episode, I sit down with author and editor Uttama Kirit Patel to talk about her powerful debut novel, Shape of an Apostrophe. We explore the story of Leena Solanki, a woman who never wanted children, now pregnant and grappling with grief, family expectations, and difficult choices. I loved unpacking the themes of motherhood, silence, cultural taboos, and the weight of obedience in South Asian families.

Uttama shares how her own journey, across three continents and twelve cities, influenced her writing, why she founded South Asian Parent, and how she confronts uncomfortable truths through her storytelling. From the symbolic title to the emotional heartbeat of the book, this conversation is honest, sharp, and unforgettable.

For more detailed insights, read the full article on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aboutherbysangeeta.com/uttama-kirit-patel/

Chapters:

(0:00 ) - Introduction
A warm welcome to a conversation with writer and editor Uttama Kirit Patel, centred around her debut novel, Shape of an Apostrophe.

(3:00 ) - What Sparked the Idea of the Book
Uttama shares the seed moment that gave birth to her story .

(5:49 ) - Exploring Motherhood & Breaking Taboos
Why she chose to tackle motherhood, autonomy, and cultural obedience and how the book subverts typical narratives.

(8:42 ) - Setting the Stage in an Opulent Dubai
The choice of Dubai as a backdrop, and how the place becomes a character in the story of power and control.

(10:49 ) - The Title: Shape of an Apostrophe
The meaning behind the book’s intriguing title, and what an apostrophe symbolises in Lina’s life.

(12:13 ) - Her Journey as a Writer
From consulting and journalism to writing fiction, Uttama opens up about making writing her home.

(15:00 ) - Founding South Asian Parent
Creating a platform for voices kept in the dark, and how it became a place to unpack identity and silence.

(20:24 ) - How Geography & Displacement Shape Voice
Twelve cities. Three continents. One writer. How moving shaped her lens on belonging and creativity.

(23:13 ) - Between Tradition and Autonomy
Navigating the push and pull of culture, especially for women raised to obey but yearning to break free.

(28:32 ) - Why It’s Hard to Talk About Women Who Don’t Want Children
A powerful take on maternal expectations, and why choice still feels like rebellion for many women.

(33:03 ) - Suppressing the Self to Keep the Peace
How Uttama grappled with self-silencing, and what breaking that silence has looked like in her life.

(38:19 ) - Truths Unearthed Through Writing
What the writing process revealed about identity, family, and the quiet rebellion of storytelling.

(43:16 ) - The One Sentence She Wants You to Carry
The line from Shape of an Apostrophe that holds its emotional core, the one she hopes you underline.

(45:30 ) - Rapid Fire Round
A fun, fast-paced wrap-up featuring apostrophe peeves, literary dinner guests, guilty pleasures, and truths untold.

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