The Housewife- A Book Review

Chador Wangmo was born in 1981 and comes from Tashigang, the eastern part of the country. She is one of the most prominent Bhutanese novelist and children's book author who transitioned from a career as a school teacher to a full-time writer. Her entry into adult fiction was deeply personal. She turned to writing novels with her debut "La Ama... a mother's call" a book dedicated to her late mother.

Chador Wangmo was awarded the prestigious SAARC Literary Award by the


Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) for her contributions to regional literature, in 2023. She is a frequent speaker at international and regional literary events notably Bhutan Echoes as well as in other countries. She is one of the most respected writers in the country writing both for the children and adults alike. 

Her latest book "The Housewife" was published in 2026 by her book store, Miza Books. The book has 206 pages divided into chapters to have concise connection and breakdown. 

In The Housewife, Chador Wangmo moves beyond her earlier works like La Ama to deliver a visceral exploration of systemic abuse and the silent suffering of women. The novel is a stark departure from traditional narratives, choosing instead to "expose the secrets hidden behind the closed doors" of Bhutanese society.

The story follows a protagonist who, having been married at a young age, falls into a cycle of victimization by those she trusts. Her life reaches a breaking point under the hand of a "brutal husband," leading her to an escape attempt that ends in a near-fatal accident.

The story reveal the traditional understanding of "Housewife" and their roles in a relationship. The protagonist who accepts her fate, surrenders and fails to fight against it. She believes, as many of us do, that the fate of the housewife is in the hands of the husband. 

The book boldly portrays the challenges and abuses faced by the housewives accepting their orthodoxic roles. 

The book pinches the society hard to ponder on the perceptions the Bhutanese society have on housewives. It penetrates deep into the dark realities some of our women, sisters and mothers are facing as housewives. 

The story sows the seed in women, the housewives not to accept life as Fate but to make it as one wishes to. Women must be empowered enough, to be independent. On the other hand, the story also strikes the satirical perceptions some men have against their wives. 

The author ends the story with the line "or is it?" prompting the readers to decide on what we think. 

Chador Wangmo’s prose is noted for its "mastery over the English language" and its ability to evoke "strong waves of emotion". The Housewife is not just a story of suffering, but a necessary social critique. It is a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the psychological complexities of the family unit and the courage required to break a cycle of domestic tragedy.



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