Nirmal Mangar
Writer Kumari Sharma has marked an important milestone in her literary journey with the release of her debut book, The Village That Changed Me, a heartfelt narrative rooted in lived experiences, community life and the quiet transformation that unfolds in the villages of Sikkim.
Speaking about what inspired her to write the book, Sharma said her work draws deeply from personal experiences and close observation. “The book was inspired by my own experiences and by observing how people view Sikkim and its villages,” she said. “I wanted to share the transformative power of community and nature.”
The title itself carries emotional depth. The “village” in the book refers to a small community in Sikkim where the central character, Mala, spends time. According to Sharma, the village becomes a defining space in the protagonist’s journey. “It shaped her by teaching the value of human connections, simplicity, and living in harmony with nature,” she explained.
While The Village That Changed Me is grounded in real-life experiences, the author has taken creative liberties to enhance the narrative. “The book is based on real-life experiences, with some creative freedom taken to strengthen the storytelling,” Sharma said.
Among the most transformative moments that found their way into the book are the everyday interactions that define village life. “Joining the eco-club and book club, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the villagers, were some of the most meaningful moments,” she recalled.
Sharma wanted readers to feel the emotional and cultural depth of rural life. “I wanted readers to experience the simplicity, the strong sense of community, and the deep connection with nature that village life offers,” she said.
Writing the book proved to be a deeply personal process. “It made me more empathetic and appreciative of community-driven life,” Sharma reflected. “As a writer, it helped me explore themes of belonging and self-discovery more deeply.”
She also acknowledged the challenges she faced during the writing process. “Balancing authenticity with storytelling was difficult, and revisiting emotionally intense memories was not easy,” she admitted.
Of the many themes explored in the book, belonging resonates most strongly with the author. “Belonging reflects the journey of finding a sense of community in the village,” Sharma said, calling it the emotional core of the story.
The response from readers has been encouraging, particularly from those with rural roots. “Many readers from similar backgrounds have shared how deeply they connected with the themes of simplicity and community,” she said.
On whether village-centric stories are receiving their due in contemporary literature, Sharma believes progress is being made but more representation is needed. “There’s growing recognition, but there is still space for more stories that highlight the beauty and depth of village life,” she noted.
She hopes the book resonates most with readers who value community, nature and self-discovery. One moment especially close to her heart, she shared, is “when Mala finally realizes that the village has become a part of her.”
For aspiring writers, Sharma offers simple but powerful advice: “Write authentically, draw from your own experiences, and don’t shy away from themes that truly matter to you.”
Looking ahead, the author revealed that she is already working on another book. “Yes, I’m working on a new project, and it is expected to be released later this year,” she said.
With The Village That Changed Me, Kumari Sharma adds a thoughtful, place-based voice to contemporary literature—one that celebrates community, identity and the quiet strength of rural life.
