Nine Paths

More about the book

This lyrical, immersive non-fiction work chronicles the lives of nine Muslim women on the margins of modern India, as explored by anthropologist Dr. Lexi Stadlen. Set in a remote village on an eastern Indian island, the narrative unfolds in a landscape of mangroves and rivers, where the women navigate a world of contradictions and change. Over the course of a year, from one monsoon season to the next, the book follows these women's lives, capturing their experiences of weddings, deaths, difficult marriages, and personal tragedies. Through the lens of their everyday struggles and aspirations for a better future, the stories reveal the complexities of their existence. Stadlen dedicated sixteen months to immersing herself in this community, engaging deeply with the women who opened up about their fascinating and complicated lives. Their urgent and forcefully articulated narratives provide a powerful opportunity to listen to voices often overlooked. This extraordinary work invites readers into the intimate worlds of these ordinary women, highlighting their resilience and the richness of their experiences.