Sanu Sharma

Sanu Sharma (Nepali: सानु शर्मा) is a Nepali novelist, short story writer, poet, and lyricist. Her body of work includes novels, short stories, and poetry, with many pieces also released as audiobooks. Some of her works have been translated into languages such as English, Hindi, Portuguese, and Spanish appearing in publications across multiple countries.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

Sanu Sharma
सानु शर्मा
Novelist Sanu Sharma
Born	Kathmandu, Nepal
Nationality	Nepali, Australian
Occupation(s)	writer, novelist, poet, nurse
Notable work	Arko Deshma Utsarga Ekadeshma Biplavi Artha

In 2018, Sharma’s short story collection Ekadeshmaa was shortlisted for the prestigious Madan Puraskar award among seven other works. In 2024, her ninth book, Arko Deshma — her second short story collection — was shortlisted for both the Padmashree Award and the Kavidanda Literary Award.^{[1][8][9][10]}

Early life

Sanu Sharma was born in Prasuti Ghriha, a governmental maternity hospital in Kathmandu. She was brought up in both Kathmandu, the capital, and the hill and Terai regions of Nepal.^[11][12]

Career

Sharma published her first novel Ardhaviram in 2003 and Jeetko Paribhasha, the second one in 2010. She published her third novel Artha in 2011.^[13]

In 2017 Sharma published her fourth novel Biplavi; and she published her fifth book and first book of short story collection Ekadeshmaa in 2018. Ekadeshmaa drew attention of larger audience and acclaimed by more of her readers and critics. Subsequently, it was nominated for the Madan Puraskar, an award that is considered as the biggest literary award in Nepali literature.^{[3][8][14][15][16]}

After the success of Ekadeshmaa, Sharma published her fifth novel Utsarga and sixth one Pharak in 2021 and 2022 respectively. In September 2023, she published her eighth book and seventh novel, Tee Saat Din, from Ratna Pustak Bhandar. In April 2024, she published her second collection of short stories, Arko Deshma, from FinePrint, marking it as her ninth book.^{[17][18][19][20][21][22][23]}

Sanu Sharma is also recognized for her work as a poet, lyricist, and Ghazal writer. Some of her Ghazals are featured in the collaborative anthology Kaifiyat II. Her lyrics have been performed by a diverse group of singers, accompanied by compositions from various Nepali musicians. Her original Nepali poems, along with translations into languages such as English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hindi, have been published across various platforms in multiple countries.^{[24][5][25][7][26]}

Writing

Sanu Sharma’s work is noted for its psychological depth, portrayal of female protagonists, and engagement with social issues. Her writing style is often described as clear and understated, with narratives that are both personal and broadly relatable.^[3][19][5]

Alongside her published books, Sharma’s short stories, poetry, and serialized novels have appeared in various literary magazines and journals. Many of her lyrics have also been set to music and released by a range of artists. Her prose—encompassing both novels and short stories—frequently explores themes such as gender, identity, emotional resilience, and societal structures in contemporary Nepal. In contrast, her poetry and lyrics often focus on universal emotions such as love, longing, and loss, offering a more introspective and reflective tone.^[3][19][5]

Novels

Her debut novel, Ardhabiram, explores the inner life of a woman trapped in a mismatched marriage. The narrative delves into emotional deprivation, psychological struggle, and the long-term effects of an unstable household on a child’s development. Despite the heavy subject matter, the novel ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing healing and resilience.^[20]

In Artha, Sharma presents the story of Jiya, a young woman who assumes the responsibility of caring for her family after her father's death. Renaming herself Jiyakant, she challenges traditional gender roles and finds strength and renewal through relationships and self-determination.^[13]

Biplavi offers a multifaceted critique of gender roles and patriarchal norms. The novel follows Sasha, a woman from a privileged background, as she confronts societal expectations within a restrictive marriage. It explores issues such as class disparity, marital abuse, and personal agency, portraying revolution not as a political movement but as a personal struggle for identity. A critical interpretation of the novel through the lens of gender theory has noted its portrayal of women's resistance to social injustice, highlighting characters such as Sasha, Sandhya, and Jyoti, who embody diverse aspects of the search for autonomy and self-worth.^[3][15]

In Utsarga, Sharma explores the emotional development of Arya, a young girl left behind in Nepal by parents pursuing careers abroad. The novel, written in the first person, captures Arya’s loneliness, internal conflict, and struggle to meet societal expectations. It addresses themes of abandonment, identity, and psychological resilience and has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of emotional turmoil.^[18][19]

Pharak centers on the unlikely bond between Pratyush, a wealthy man facing personal crisis, and Bini, a sex worker portrayed with complexity and dignity. The novel challenges traditional moral frameworks, emphasizing that integrity lies in thought and behavior rather than social status.^[20]

Tee Saat Din addresses the topic of rape in a direct yet sensitive manner. Avoiding sensationalism, the novel focuses on the emotional aftermath and broader social implications. Written in a contemporary, colloquial style, it resonates with younger readers and explores themes such as friendship, family, trauma, and emotional intelligence in a digital age.^[22]

Short stories

In addition to her novels, Sharma has written several short stories and has published them in literary journals as well as in short story collections. Her first, Ekadeshma (2018), has been noted for its thematic richness and emotional intensity. Stories like Bhaauju and Chot have received particular attention for their literary language and structural clarity. The collection often explores women's experiences and agency within a patriarchal society, though some critics have noted a degree of idealization in the depiction of protagonists.^[27]

Her second collection, Arko Deshma, features a range of stories such as Sauta, Lockdown, Pari, Nayaa Mod, and Bakainako Bot marks a shift toward a more observational and open-ended narrative style. Sharma departs from her usual approach, choosing not to guide the reader’s interpretation but instead placing trust in their intelligence, empathy, and insight. The collection explores the complexities of human relationships and the nuances of social realities with subtlety, avoiding overt moral conclusions, slogans, or didacticism. Like a skilled storyteller, she crafts vivid scenes that invite reflection, offering layered portrayals delivered with grace, finesse, and a deep respect for the reader’s perspective.^[28]

Poetry

While Sanu Sharma's prose often addresses social issues, interpersonal dynamics, and the complexities of contemporary life, her poetry turns inward, focusing on themes of love, longing, loss, and emotional resilience. Her poems frequently adopt a contemplative tone, exploring the subtleties of the human heart and personal introspection. Works such as The Heart, A Heart It Is and Fear of Serenity convey emotional depth through restrained, evocative language. Poems like May I Meet You Someday Like This and Desire emphasize the nuances of memory and connection, while others, including Me and My Life and The Descendants, engage with themes of change, detachment, and personal growth. Sharma’s poetry complements her prose by offering a more introspective and lyrical perspective on the human experience.^[5][4][7]

Works

Novels

• Ardhaviram 2003^[1]
• Jeetko Paribhasha 2010
• Artha 2011^[1]
• Biplavi 2017^[20]
• Utsarga 2021^[20]
• Pharak 2022^[2]
• Tee Saat Din 2023^[22]

Short story collections

• Ekadeshmaa 2018^[1][2][8]
• Arko Deshma 2024^[23]

Collaborative collection of Ghazals

• Kaifiyat II