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Book Review
MALAYALAM
Inside the circus tents
K.KUNHIKRISHNAN
Koodaram: Sreedharan Champad; Mathrubhumi Books, Matrubhumi Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd. Cherooty Road, Kozhikode – 673001. Rs.125.
INDIAN CIRCUS is more than 130 years old and Melur, near Thalasseri, in Kannur district of Kerala, produced many legendary circus artists. Circus artists did not have a life of their own. Death loomed large; even the slightest mistake would cause instant death or a totally crippled life. Even among those within the troupe, there were rivalries, jealousies and physical fights. The novel portrays their agonies, inhuman living conditions, sacrifices and torments, and sorrows. In the olden days great masters treated the troupe as their own family; but later commercial interests gripped the owners.
Woven around the life of Renu, an orphan in a troupe, where her stepfather ill-treated her in the cruellest manner, the author presents a profile of life in circus. It is one of the best novels on circus artists. The novel profiles the history of Indian circus from the legendary Keeleri Kunhikannan, who introduced several radical innovations, and made stars out of village boys and girls. The details of training, performances and, the rise and fall of owners and artists, and the dangers of the feats are narrated from first-hand knowledge. The characterisation is commendable: though there are many, each one stands out as a result of the brilliant narration. The enigma of Renu’s father remains a mystery. In the end Renu’s romance and sacrifice are set aside, because the show must go on, a dictum for all entertainments.
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