Abstract

Women have internalized their subjugation, often perceiving suffering at the hands of men as their inevitable fate. Their existence is often reduced to fulfilling prescribed roles—as mothers, wives, daughters, or sisters—defined solely by duties and responsibilities imposed by societal norms. Within this framework, women experience a profound loss of individual identity, their personhood overshadowed by the roles they are expected to play. The roots of patriarchy run so deep that dismantling it is a monumental task, one that will require years of collective effort. However, literature provides a vital space for voicing these suppressed realities and bringing such issues into broader discourse. Anuradha Roy’s An Atlas of Impossible Longing captures the nuances of women’s struggles within this patriarchal system with remarkable sensitivity and realism. Through her vivid storytelling and lifelike characters, Roy provides an intimate portrayal of the challenges faced by women, making their pain, resilience, and emotional turmoil palpable and relatable. Her work serves as a mirror reflecting the harsh truths of women’s lived experiences. This paper explores the portrayal of women in Roy’s novel, examining their struggles, the erosion of individuality, and their enduring resilience. It highlights how Roy’s keen observations and empathetic narrative shed light on the silent suffering of women in a patriarchal society, creating space for their voices to be heard and understood