First Impressions
WHAT is it about the Raj that inspires reams and reams from writers? Ploughing through 632 pages of descriptions, more descriptions on deceit, convoluted love stories intertwined with vague flashes of nostalgia often makes for heavy reading. So much so, it takes more than mere commitment to finish the book. Rebecca Ryman's sequel to her earlier book Olivia and Jai, which reminded one of a slightly more sophisticated Mills and Boon novel, takes off with the hero's strange disappearance. As the sequel unfolds we are introduced to a headstrong daughter, Maya, who cares two hoots for the insipid women she has to move around with. Naturally they resent their unknown father and he is a subject that is best not broached. While Maya pursues her love with a directness that surprises even her mother, her brother clearly disapproves. Of course there is also the proverbial villain. Despite the richness of native settings and the heavily embroidered tapestry of words, Ryman's sequel fails to redeem itself.
The Veil of Illusion, Rebecca Ryman, Penguin, Rs. 495.
HAVE we as human beings developed a lust for war and violence? And can any one of us or many of us collectively influence events that seem to spiral out of control? Even as these and similar issues are being debated, the answer seems to lie in hope and faith, two vital elements of human existence. At a writers' retreat held recently, academics, intellectuals, artists, journalists , film makers, bureaucrats and others sat around in sylvan surroundings groping with their own thoughts on these issues. The result of the discussions of this rather motley crowd has been reproduced in a book.
These are difficult times, most concede, and yet hope is eternal. Particularly poignant is Tanuja Chandra's piece where she asks: "Do books, movies, philosophies change the world? Do they alter human behaviour, which hasn't seemed to improve despite centuries of great literature and art?" or Manju Kak's story about the reporter from Bombay. Zoya Hasan's paper compels one to look at the more pragmatic aspects of a temperament of mutual distrust and what it does specially in relation to women in the subcontinent. This well produced collection of essays is thought-provoking and immensely readable.
Present Tense: Living on the Edge, Namita Gokhale, Roli Books, Rs. 195.
LIFE Lasts: That is the adage of old tortoises. If you follow the sun, your instinct and flow the way the river flows, keeping to your natural course, life is a celebration. This is not a story of wise words, nor is it the story of how to undertake the journey of life. Nor is it in essence the story of a small tortoise, Totu who embarks on his first long journey alone. It is in fact the story of time, of how it unfolds in its many hues around us, constantly changing, challenging, unpeeling layer by layer everything that eventually is fundamental to all existence.
Totu moves out of the shelter of his home to make the journey alone to his grandmother — the original storyteller. He questions her on the veracity of the stories that his mother has been telling him. Totu loves stories but he has a lot of questions. On his long journey to his grandmother, he meets a variety of characters — some charming and pretty like the flower or the little fish or the rock. Totu's reactions speak volumes as he discovers himself in relation to other beings. And yet this is not his story. But yes, it is a story of faith, of wonderment at all things in the universe and of the law of nature. This beautifully produced book with tremendous attention to detail and individually handcrafted , is also a beautiful and simple story that touches the heart. A book that straddles the universe.
The Third Race, Ashok Ahuja, Seagull Books, Rs. 400.
ASHOK BANKER, with his sequel, once again demonstrates his ability to turn situations around and deftly switch them into the realm of science fantasy. As Banker takes on the epic journey of the Ramayana rewritten for modern times, the reader finds glimpses of familiar figures as they play their role in this epic drama. The invasion of Ayodhya has begun but Rama cannot go home and defend his family. He has to journey to Mithila and discover the powerful artefact of the gods otherwise his chances of victory are slight. In this huge expanse of characters, written about three thousand years ago, Banker has added a third dimension that makes it a modern day epic.
Siege of Mithila, Ashok K. Banker, Orbit, £3.75.
SUCHITRA BEHAL
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