On July 28, 2024, Noida’s literary community gathered at Punjabi Dhaba 61 restaurant in a posh society in Sector 107 for a compelling book reading and interactive Q&A session with Ruchira Garg, author of the recently released novel The Single Innings: An Unplugged Journey of Indian Middle-Aged, Middle-Class Singles. The event drew a diverse crowd of corporate professionals, authors, doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, and homemakers, eager to engage with the author and her work.
Released by Evincepub Publishing in June 2024, The Single Innings presents a thought-provoking narrative centred on the transformative journey of Mahira and her three close friends. The novel explores their efforts to create a lifestyle that resonates with other single individuals, challenging conventional societal norms and redefining traditional ideas of family and belonging. Through its intricate plot, the book delves into modern relationships and societal expectations, offering a nuanced portrayal of the struggles and triumphs experienced by its characters.
Ruchira Garg, a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of experience in multinational corporations in the software industry, brings a wealth of expertise to her writing. Beyond her corporate career and being a freelance coach, Garg is a well-known blogger, storyteller, author, and podcaster. Her work is celebrated for its exploration of leadership and diversity, characterized by a blend of humour and deep insight. The Single Innings is Garg’s second novel, following the success of her debut work.
During the engaging session, Garg discussed the inspiration behind her latest book being driven by a strong urge from her readers for authentic and relatable portrayals of modern independent characters and their situations. Initially hesitant about the subject, Garg reconsidered as she reflected on the growing number of singles in India and their often-overlooked status in social settings. This realization, combined with her personal experiences and stories from other single individuals, played a crucial role in shaping The Single Innings. Garg’s aim is to challenge and dismantle prevalent stereotypes about single people, offering a more nuanced and accepting perspective on singlehood as a valid lifestyle choice. She also underscored the need for authors to be good listeners.
The discussion, facilitated by Eima Azim—an ex-business leader at Marsh McLennan and Co-Founder of The Khushtaar Initiative (TKI)—proved to be both dynamic and engaging. Attendees shared their insights and confirmed that the novel addresses a significant and often overlooked topic in societal discourse. Several readers read aloud passages from the book that particularly resonated with them, emphasizing the novel’s impact and relevance. The narrative style of The Single Innings was praised for its ability to captivate readers and reflect the real-life challenges and growth of independent singles in contemporary India.
Readers familiar with Garg’s previous novel, Soda, Water Lemon In My Mocktail, praised her for continuing to deliver a captivating writing style that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable, with many expressing excitement for Garg’s forthcoming literary endeavours. The engaging discussions continued over high tea, adding to the memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved
Overall, The Single Innings stands out as a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters provide a fresh perspective on themes of defiance, friendship, and community. The novel’s progression, marked by the evolving dynamics within the group and their collective journey, offers both subtle and profound character development.
The book is available in hardcover and paperback formats on Amazon worldwide and Flipkart, as well as an eBook on Kindle.