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Rewriting My Happily Ever After : A Memoir of Divorce and Discovery Kindle Edition

4.6 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

Rewriting My Happily Ever After is a brave, intimate look at reclaiming life after divorce. Ranjani Rao dives deep into her struggles, vulnerabilities, strengths, and triumphs as a newly single mother, offering a powerful manual for women who are transitioning into a new life. A must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the aftermath of separation and divorce.

~ Veena Rao, Author of Purple Lotus

Once I leave my husband’s house, am I still a wife?

What happens when the fairy tale marriage falls apart?

Ranjani flies out of Mumbai as a young, starry-eyed bride anticipating an American-style Bollywood-version of her very own happily-ever-after. By thirty, she has a Ph.D., a green card and a daughter. The marriage is rocky but Ranjani is secure in being somebody’s daughter, sister, wife, mother.

When the family returns to India, her family situation deteriorates further. When she finally walks out after sixteen years of marriage, Ranjani has to answer the dreaded questions:

  • What will people say?
  • What about my child?
  • How will I live alone?

Despite her education, work history and experience of living abroad, Ranjani has no idea what lies on the road ahead for her, for her daughter and for their place in society.

While renting a house, paying the bills and figuring out her new life, Ranjani has to overcome private fears, public scrutiny and unexpected loss as she embraces her identity as a single parent.

If you are..

★ Considering

★ Going through or

★ Are finding your way after a divorce in a culture that is not supportive…

This book is for you.

It is possible to walk the path you have been assigned with gratitude and forgiveness, courage and grace, humility and confidence, without falling apart.

Rewriting My Happily Ever After is an evocative, honest account of the aftermath of divorce in an unsupportive culture. This uplifting memoir of grace and courage shows how to build resilience and find happiness by being true to yourself.

Read this book and rewrite YOUR happily ever after.

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From the Publisher

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Once I leave my husband's house, am I still a wife?

Ranjani flies out of Mumbai as a young, starry-eyed bride anticipating an American-style Bollywood-version of her very own happily-ever-after. By thirty, she has a Ph.D., a green card and a daughter. Despite a rocky married life, Ranjani is secure in being somebody's daughter, sister, wife, mother.

After the family's return to India, when her home situation deteriorates, Ranjani walks out. While struggling with doubts, detours and unexpected loss, Ranjani learns to rebuild her new life and embrace her identity as a single parent.

Rewriting My Happily Ever After is an evocative, honest account of the aftermath of divorce in an unsupportive culture. This uplifting memoir of grace and courage shows how to build resilience and find happiness by being true to yourself.

Veena blurb

Quote 1

Quote 2

Zehra blurb

Editorial Reviews

Review

Rewriting My Happily Ever After is a brave, intimate look at reclaiming life after divorce. Ranjani Rao dives deep into her struggles, vulnerabilities, strengths, and triumphs as a newly single mother, offering a powerful manual for women who are transitioning into a new life. A must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the aftermath of separation and divorce.

Veena Rao, Author of Purple Lotus


Divorce can be ugly. It can also be sad, painful, and debilitating. But in "Rewriting Your Happily Ever After," Ranjani Rao shows how to not only survive divorce without rancor and bitterness but how to thrive in a new and independent life.

Melissa Gouty, Author of The Magic of Ordinary




About the Author

Ranjani Rao is a trained scientist, a self-taught writer, yoga practitioner, and lifelong learner committed to an apprenticeship in observation. Originally from Mumbai, she spent her early adult life in the USA where she first began writing. Her fiction and non-fiction writing are inspired by her life in three countries and travels to thirty.Her work has appeared in several print and digital publications in the USA, India and Singapore. Her essay titled, "The Girl With The Red Dot", originally published on Alternet.org was chosen for inclusion in the Thomson Reader, a college-level English textbook.She is the author of three books, a regular columnist for India Currents, an Indian-American magazine and The Straits Times, Singapore.Ranjani lives with her family in Singapore. When not working or tackling the unread pile of books by her bedside, she goes for long walks in the nature reserve behind her home. She returns with either new ideas or pictures of wildlife that she shares on social media, much to the embarrassment of her children.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09DSCNNFS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Story Artisan Press (October 15, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 173406319X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

About the author

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Dr. Ranjani Rao
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Ranjani Rao is a trained scientist, a self-taught writer, yoga practitioner, and lifelong learner committed to an apprenticeship in observation. Originally from Mumbai, she spent her early adult life in the USA where she first began writing. Her fiction and non-fiction writing are inspired by her life in three countries and travels to thirty.

Her work has appeared in several print and digital publications in the USA, India and Singapore. Her essay titled, “The Girl With The Red Dot”, originally published on Alternet.org was chosen for inclusion in the Thomson Reader, a college-level English textbook.

She is the author of three books, and has contributed to several anthologies. Her award-winning essays and op-eds appear in India Currents, an Indian-American magazine and The Straits Times, Singapore.

When not working or tackling the unread pile of books by her bedside, she goes for long walks in the nature reserve behind her home. She returns with either new ideas or pictures of wildlife that she shares on social media, much to the embarrassment of her children.

She lives with her family in Singapore who provide inspiration and fodder for her writing.

www.ranjanirao.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
53 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this memoir beautifully narrated and authentic, with one review noting how each word is imbued with sincerity. The book is considered a good read, and customers appreciate its emotional content, with one review describing it as a journey to find emotional stability. They also value its faith-based themes, with one customer highlighting its message of belief in oneself in the face of desperation.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

9 customers mention "Narrative quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers praise the memoir's beautiful narration and authentic storytelling, appreciating the author's boldness in sharing her life experiences. One customer notes how each word is imbued with sincerity, while another describes it as a story of grit in the face of vulnerability.

"...Each word is imbued with sincerity, drawing listeners into Ranjani's personal journey of finding strength and clarity amidst life's challenges...." Read more

"I immediately connected with the book and Ranjini as her storytelling is very authentic and honest...." Read more

"...I am truly proud of you Ranjani. I carried so many learnings from your narration, it will help everyone who reads it to introspect on whether we..." Read more

"...This book is a memoir of her life written in a manner that is relatable to anyone who is seeking seeking strength and courage to break the norms of..." Read more

6 customers mention "Readability"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it's a must-read for all women.

"...at all.. regardless of which category you fall under.. this is a good read for you! Why you ask?..." Read more

"...Overall, a fantastic read." Read more

"Had the good fortune of reading this book and amazed at the narration...." Read more

"...Gets one to start thinking as well. Enjoyed the book." Read more

4 customers mention "Emotional content"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional content of the memoir, with one customer describing it as a heartfelt journey to find emotional stability, while another notes how life is happier on the other side.

"...The audiobook version adds an additional layer of intimacy, making it feel like a heartfelt conversation with a close friend...." Read more

"...It's the story of a woman choosing her happiness and peace of mind over accepting status quo...." Read more

"...that it is okay to walk away from the pain and that life is happier on the other side...." Read more

"A journey to find emotional stability no matter what the issue is..." Read more

4 customers mention "Faith"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's faith-based content, with one customer highlighting its message of self-belief in desperate situations, while another notes its refreshing hope for women in similar circumstances.

"...Highly recommended for anyone seeking hope and courage during uncertain times." Read more

"...it out, then the book will give you a little bit of courage and self belief to know that it's not quite the end!..." Read more

"...What this book offers is a refreshing hope for many such women that it is okay to walk away from the pain and that life is happier on the other side...." Read more

"...courage in the face of confusion and above all belief in oneself in the face of desperation. I am truly proud of you Ranjani...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    A beautifully narrated memoir that delves into the intricacies of divorce, identity, and self-discovery. The audiobook version adds an additional layer of intimacy, making it feel like a heartfelt conversation with a close friend. Each word is imbued with sincerity, drawing listeners into Ranjani's personal journey of finding strength and clarity amidst life's challenges. Her reflections on love, loss, and resilience resonate universally, regardless of one’s personal experiences. Highly recommended for anyone seeking hope and courage during uncertain times.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
    Maybe you just got divorced, maybe you are thinking about it, maybe you are unhappily married, maybe you are happily married.. or maybe you aren't married at all.. regardless of which category you fall under.. this is a good read for you!

    Why you ask?

    Because while the author writes about her journey after deciding to divorce her husband, in essence it's a story of a woman making a hard decision and then navigating through it. It's the story of a woman choosing her happiness and peace of mind over accepting status quo. It's a story of a woman who rejects society's constant indoctrination that choosing oneself is selfish.

    And haven't we all had to make tough decisions, or live through difficult choices? Haven't we all paused it felt guilty when doing something that serves our happiness?

    The author keeps it simple- you won't be needing to Google or have a thesaurus as you read this book. She saves the complexity for the thoughts she provokes in your head!

    I found the book to be empowering and like a warm hug all at once. While many going through divorce may often feel like they are walking off the beaten path- the author by no means provides " A how to guide" nor does she try to. She simply narrates her journey, the ups, the downs and the in-betweens and at the end while you may still not feel like you have a handle on the entire situation, you will feel like you aren't alone and it will all work out in the end. And if you are in the messy midst of working it out, then the book will give you a little bit of courage and self belief to know that it's not quite the end!

    Grab a cozy corner, beverage of your choice and be ready to laugh, cry, giggle and cheer for the author and every person who has ever been brave enough to do hard things!

    Buy the book, read it and thank me later!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2022
    I immediately connected with the book and Ranjini as her storytelling is very authentic and honest. There are many women who suffer in relations and yet never dare to walk out. We have known too many of these stories. What this book offers is a refreshing hope for many such women that it is okay to walk away from the pain and that life is happier on the other side. In cultures that only acknowledges a "Sir" always being present in a woman's life, I was so happy to read how Ranjini rose like a phoenix from ashes and figures out her life, work and a happier self. I also bought a copy for a friend who is going through divorce to help her figure out her happily ever after. Overall, a fantastic read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2021
    Had the good fortune of reading this book and amazed at the narration. It’s a story of grit in the face of vulnerability, courage in the face of confusion and above all belief in oneself in the face of desperation. I am truly proud of you Ranjani. I carried so many learnings from your narration, it will help everyone who reads it to introspect on whether we have truly pushed ourselves beyond our limits to explore what is beyond the obvious . I salute your spirit Ranjani Rao. May you keep rediscovering yourself and continue to surprise everyone again and again
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022
    I highly recommend this book by Dr. Ranjani Rao for all those women who are seeking emotional freedom and trying to break open. This book is a memoir of her life written in a manner that is relatable to anyone who is seeking seeking strength and courage to break the norms of the society in an effort to find her individuality. The book gives a hope that the “other side” where you think you belong which may not be necessarily the side that is acceptable by the society but will always be the peaceful side. That “other side” is your path and not chosen or paved by anyone.
    I also liked the book for the authentic writing by Ranjani. It takes courage and boldness to write about her life and not be afraid to be judged by a society like India.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2021
    One woman’s story of making the most out of the cards she was dealt with in life. The journey is narrated well with spurts of raw vulnerability, resilience and overcoming difficult situations. I liked the author’s style of asking questions. Gets one to start thinking as well. Enjoyed the book.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Khushboo Shah
    5.0 out of 5 stars memoir without pretense, beautiful, full of life lessons, universal appeal
    Reviewed in India on August 31, 2024
    this book made me review my life as I went through its pages. And it made me do it with a sense of purpose, relief, calm- and no drama.

    This is the memoir of how a recently separated single mom builds her life, block by block, tear by tear and smile by smile, by peeling away layer after layer from her thinking, beliefs, personality and perception. And this she does without pointing fingers, with quiet elegance. By the end of the book, her small victories begin to seem personal.

    A must read for everyone, irrespective of their marital status. Because the desire to be happy is universal.
  • 郭 宏昌
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very excellent and inspiring book!
    Reviewed in Japan on June 7, 2022
    This is truly a very well-written and inspiring book. It does not repeat its points. The story moves at a gentle pace like a slow flowing stream but yet it captivates the reader from start till end. A very refreshing light reading suitable for everyone. I think it captures the inner struggles and thoughts of the author very well.
  • Customer Review
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vulnerability and Strength shine through !
    Reviewed in India on December 24, 2021
    Writing this book takes courage . Walking this journey with dignity takes even greater courage . And to have courage one must be open to vulnerability and be fully authentic to oneself . Dr Ranjani Rao demonstrates all of it in this wonderful book . There is no drama , no blame game . Words are precise but you can feel her raw emotion as she narrates incidents and experiences of her life from those turbulent years . As I was reading , I felt I was there in the moment with her by her side . The writing is so honest and real .
    Its a journey of exploration - finding meaning , finding purpose and above all finding oneself . This book is a lovely combination of a memoir as also serving as helpful guidance on practices to keep one centered in difficult times . Gratitude Journaling , Yoga , Joy of Helping and Giving . And none of it is preachy in the least .
    I want to make a special mention of the inspiring quotes that she begins every chapter with .
    A must read book for all those who like authentic heartfelt storytelling !
  • sredhanea
    4.0 out of 5 stars A memoir that inspires hope
    Reviewed in India on February 3, 2022
    The non-chronological narrative in 'Rewriting my happily ever after' is a welcome relief, contrary to the general notion of its dexterity. As we travel down the author’s memory lane, we delve into deeper thoughts and realizations with her witty analogies. Who knew repairing a printing machine could lead to understanding the nuances of meditation?

    If books represented life, I’m sure this form of introspective memoirs would be the heart of them all. As the author is a woman of science her touches of logic connect to our intellect but this bond is no match to the one that forms with our emotions.

    The little mantras(quotes) at the start of chapter that are later elaborated in the words of the author, which seem no less than the philosophers/authors she quotes. Gems like “When Logic fails, karma fills the gap” leaves us yearning for more such clever credo.

    As we navigate through her life and the several roles she played personally and professionally, we are left with large ethical and psychological voids that the book ensures to fill as it progresses.

    Though subtle stabs at the society and years of mental conditioning establishes the humanity of the author, the beauty of her words and personality is reflected in her strife to not antagonize or belittle any character. Her positive outlook to life and empathy seems to have served her in it.

    The three days, I held ‘Rewriting my happily ever after’, made me smile, cry, think and most of all, understand myself a little better and that, I think is the prowess of the author. Awaiting the second book in the series, I am left with not just anticipation but hope to writing my own happily ever after.
  • Deb
    5.0 out of 5 stars A hopefull look at a situation
    Reviewed in India on July 18, 2023
    What strikes one all through while reading the book is the searing honesty of the author, who bares her heart to the readers while avoiding any sob story. While sharing her uncertainties, sadness, challenges faced, she always sounds hopeful that things would fall in place eventually, and they do! She also makes it a point to depict how important life decisions like a divorce are not 'snap' happenings but a long drawn out affair. Drawn by the good aspects of a relationship, relatively speaking, an individual tries to somehow salvage it. But the author is also realistic enough to admit when things are done with, and takes practical steps to carry on.

    Another thing that shines out in the book is that a good turn always comes back. There are so many people, including parents and friends, who go out of their way to help her out at various stages, standing by her like rock.

    The book succeeds in sharing what some may call a hopeless situation, but handled hopefully always and with confidence, eventually trumping the odds and coming out a winner.

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