Weekend Mom: A Crisp Memoir of Sacrifice and Resilience

A poignant portrayal of a working mother’s challenges, but with limited corporate revelations.

Runa Rajeev Kumar’s debut book, “Weekend Mom”, offers a heartfelt glimpse into the sacrifices of a working mother balancing family and career at Tata Steel.

Runa Rajeev Kumar, the former Head of Corporate Communications at Tata Steel, has stepped into the literary arena with “Weekend Mom”, a personal narrative of her life’s sacrifices during her corporate career.

The book, succinctly written and easy to finish in one sitting, captures the reader’s curiosity with its authenticity and emotional depth.

The strength of this memoir lies in its focused storytelling. Kumar brings to light the often-overlooked travails of a working mom, weaving her personal anecdotes into a tapestry that resonates with readers familiar with the corporate grind or the culture of Jamshedpur.

She depicts the push-and-pull of professional ambition and familial responsibilities with a clarity that makes it relatable.

For those anticipating a tell-all about the underbelly of corporate life, the book remains disappointingly tame. Kumar refrains from delving into controversies or the inner machinations of Tata Steel during her tenure.

While this restraint could be seen as a missed opportunity, it’s also a testament to her intent to keep the narrative authentic and true to her personal experiences.

Her story predominantly centers on the sacrifices made by her and her family, reflecting the challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Kumar’s decision to limit the scope of the book to personal anecdotes works well in maintaining a cohesive narrative but leaves readers yearning for more.

The book concludes with a promising hint of sequels, as it ends just when Kumar gains permission to work at Noamundi while living in Jamshedpur. This narrative choice suggests that the author might be saving the juicier corporate stories for future installments, especially about her time as the Head of Corporate Communications.

Despite its merits, the book is not without flaws. Readers may notice a repetitive tone, with some experiences narrated multiple times. This slight redundancy detracts from an otherwise polished presentation. However, Kumar’s crisp writing and well-edited prose ensure an engaging read.

At its core, “Weekend Mom” is an extended thank-you note—a heartfelt acknowledgment of the people and places that supported Kumar during her career. From her family to colleagues, bosses, and the residents of Noamundi, she leaves no stone unturned in expressing her gratitude. While this could have been cloying, her sincere and engaging tone elevates the narrative.

For those connected to Tata Steel, Jamshedpur, or Noamundi, “Weekend Mom” serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For others, it offers a glimpse into the life of a determined woman navigating the complexities of corporate and personal life.

With its strong potential for sequels, one can only hope that Kumar’s future works will delve deeper into the corporate dynamics and offer insights into her pivotal role at Tata Steel. Until then, “Weekend Mom” stands as a commendable debut that celebrates resilience, family, and the triumphs of a working mother.