By Anirban Dasgupta
Hard As Nails by Vipul Kulshreshtha is an ambitious tale of resilience, empowerment, and breaking societal shackles. Through the journey of its protagonist, Anushka, we witness the transformation of a small-town girl — silenced by patriarchy and lack of opportunity — into a formidable entrepreneur leading a major cosmetics brand.
At the heart of the novel lies the relationship between Anushka and her Nanima, arguably the most compelling character in the book. Nanima, a woman forged in the fires of personal and historical struggle, nurtures Anushka’s mind and spirit, imparting wisdom such as, “Always stay in touch with nature. It has a way of soothing you, calming you, and preventing you from losing yourself.” Her unwavering guidance acts as both anchor and wind for Anushka’s sails.
The narrative explores important themes through memorable lines — the importance of inner strength (“World bows, you should know how to make it bow”) and a nuanced view of femininity and self-worth (“A woman’s body is her treasure… if she uses it sparingly, only for the worthy, it becomes a formidable strength”). These moments shine with conviction and reflect the author’s intent to uplift and inspire women facing societal prejudice.
Supporting characters like Sangita, Anushka’s loyal best friend, are endearing but underdeveloped. Sangita remains a steady presence rather than a dynamic influence. Similarly, Anushka’s parents serve as contrasts — her father, a male chauvinist and alcoholic; her mother, submissive and devoid of personal ambition — but they never evolve as individuals, functioning more as symbolic representations of the forces Anushka must resist.
The plot structure follows a familiar trajectory: oppression, escape, hard work, challenges, triumph. From rural roots to corporate success, Anushka’s rise is inspiring yet predictable. While the author’s descriptive style offers clarity, it often leaves little to the reader’s imagination. Every emotion, motivation, and event is spelled out, making the reading experience straightforward but lacking in layers or interpretative depth.
Nevertheless, what Hard As Nails offers in place of narrative complexity is sincerity. The story’s core is unapologetically about women’s empowerment, fighting for dreams despite adversity, and honouring those who nurture strength in others. The ending, where Anushka finally brings her mother to live with her by the beach, serves as a symbolic reconciliation — not just with family, but with the wounds of her past.
In conclusion, Hard as Nails may not surprise seasoned readers with its storyline, but it delivers its message with heartfelt honesty. It’s worth picking up for its moral clarity, inspiring protagonist, and its celebration of women who refuse to bow except on their own terms. A solid one-time read for anyone looking for an uplifting reminder of perseverance and power.
Publisher: White Falcon Publishing Cover Price: 350 INR
