A Life's Music - Andrei Makine

Scene one: You ( the narrator) are waiting in a railway station at a distant Siberian town, waiting for the train to Moscow. It is snowing heavily , in the vast expanse of Siberia including the station. There is an announcement that the train is delayed by 6 hrs. There is nothing to do, but watch the fellow citizens in the station , a cross section of Russian society, whom we call homo sovieticus , citing an exiled Sociologist Aleksandr Zinovyev.

Slowly, in the coldness and the wetness, while every thing else is at a standstill you hear a soft music through the air. There is something in this music, some melancholy , reminiscence something lost, which attracts you. You don't realise that your legs are already taking you towards the origin. You cross the platform stepping over those travellers sleeping crisscross on the platform, climb the wooden staircase, open the door silently as not to disturb the person and peep in. The place is dimly lit, all you can see is the silhouette of an old person against an old wooden piano. The light reflected off the snow is flashing on the old face. You move closure to the person producing this beautiful music. His fingers are thick and does not resemble to that of a musician. His movements are clumsy. He is so immersed in music and two streams of tears are rolling down his cheek. You don't want to disturb him ,and retract back to the door. But in the dark, you stumble upon something and the noise interrupts the flow. You are so embarrassed and apologetic, so is the old man. He too is waiting for the train.

Scene two : Young Alexei Berg is walking down the road of the mill, proudly looking at the poster of a young man in his twenties. The poster is announcing his piano concert in the same premises in a week. The poster is transparent, as it is wet by last nights rain, and he can see through, the previous poster. He remember the days when his parents at the same place with their theatre troupe.

Alexei and his parents have just come out of one of those terrible period of their life, which lasted 3 year. They had to endure the wrath of the authorities, for no apparent reasons, and was living an isolated life, fallen out of favour with all. The life is just coming back to normal and the untouchability is removed slowly and they have been accepted as regular citizens. However, it did not last long. On the eve of his maiden performance, as he returned from his rehearsal, one of his neighbour crossed his path and murmured to him, that 'they are already there' and don't go home.

Alexei flees to Ukraine to his uncle and lived hiding for some time before Russia was invaded and attacked by Germans. Leaving the hiding post, Alexei walk around the battlefield, and join the army using a false identity of a fallen soldier. Post the war, working as the driver of a wartime General, he was the attraction of the general's daughter, who wanted to teach him to play piano. On the engagement party, having introduced as a student learning from the would be bridegroom, he was asked to present what he had learnt from her. His better sense fail and the result was being caught and sent to Siberia.

His multiple attempts to sneak back to Moscow was a failure and was forced to live the majority of his life in a place "where 12 months are winter and the rest spring".

As the train reaches the city of Moscow, the story of an unusual endurance and un-fulfilled life's journey has been revealed to the narrator and to the reader. The novel ends with a music concert, with the readers 'camera' focused on Alexei, sitting in the last corner seat lost in music and in himself.

This is one of the best novels I have read this year. Spanning a mere 100 odd pages, it has magic of writing in every pages. Very poetic, very intense style of writing. Very rich in imagery and emotion. The writing and description is very picturesque as if we are watching a movie.

Gem of a novel. Highly recommended.
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A Life's Music
Andrei Makine ( Translated by Geoffrey Strachan)
Spectre Paperback
106 Pages
(bought in a sale)
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Further Read : The Guardian , The telegraph , Sydney Morning Herald , Andrei Makine

Victoria - Knut Hamsun

At the first read, this is another tragic love story, set in the predictable surroundings. A poor miller's son with his childhood infatuation on the rich girl from the Manor. Love, separation, play act of flirtation and indifference, tragedy in life and the eventual death of one of them, writing a farewell letter. It all seem too familiar love story with a tragic end.

However, this short novel is considered a master piece and one of the best love stories told. Knut Hamsun , arguably the best writer from Norway ( after Ibsen), has written a rather simple love story ( in 1898 ) immediately after his marriage. He has named his daughter , born in 1902 , Victoria.

Johannes, son of a mill owner, and Victoria , daughter of the rich land owner lead a life of unfulfilled love. Hewas destined to love Victoria from a distance. The class system does not allow them to be together. Johannes leave his village to study in the town, but the love for his beloved follows him. Smitten, he starts writing poetry and novels. Soon become a famous writer with international repute. Victoria, on her part continue to torment him with hot and cold response. She even manages to invite him to the castle to a party, despite his class difference and honour him with praise in public. The manor and its people are now with dwindling fortune and to protect themselves from ruins her father decides on her engagement with the son of a rich lord. But the luck was against them , the young man die hit by a bullet during a hunting expedition. The tragedy completes with her father immolate himself and Victoria succumbs to cancer at a young age.

While it is another tragic love story what makes the book different from the usual love stories is in the expertise of Knut Hamsun in handling his characters and the portrayal , its lyrical prose and its unassuming simplicity. There is a subtle melancholy through out. None, Vicotia , Johannes and others are happy. They are continuously hurting themselves and each other.
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Victoria

Knut Hamsun ( Translated by Oliver Sallybras)

Rupa Publications

170 Pages

Rs 195

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Further read : Damien Kelleher

African Psycho - Alain Mabanckou

"I have decided to kill Germaine on December 29", declares Gregoire Nakobomayo as the narrator in this "American Psycho" inspired novel from the young Congo-Brazzaville born author. Gregorie, small time car mechanic , a petty criminal and a wanna be killer is trying to emulate what his idol Angoualima a legendary serial killer, to clean the street from the bad elements.

His routine visits to the grave of his idol, and his small attempts of criminal activity does not get him to the league of Angoualima. He has only ideas and plans, but none , barring few petty cases, gets him where he wanted to be , to the displeasure of his idol. Hence the decision to do something big. To kill his girlfriend, who satyed with him during the last couple of months, and he believes, she is one of those girls of the street.

The story also takes us through his troubled childhood, where he had been an adoptive child to various family, each time he runs away. The author also takes us through the criminal records and the end of Angoualima, his idol. He make a fool of himself in every attempt to be a villain, be it an attempted murder, rape , rob or whatever he does. The D Day has arrived and the preparation is at its peak. But the girl does not return home at night, spoiling his party. The next morning report on TV carry the news of the murder of the girl, and who could have done this ?

My first impression of this book was very negative. I do not see any compelling story in it. Every thing is loosely held. The characterisation is not strong and is not convincing. More apt for a short story, dragged to 164 pages with some flash back of Angoualima and the his child hood memories.

The attempted humour and the satirical take on the press etc are interesting, but not seems to be making any impact. The use of the names like , He-Who-Drinks-Water-Is-An-Idiot and sort also making it rather puneasy to read. I am sure he was attempting to write a satire, if not the book is extremely disturbing with the crime scene, the corruption and the other social destruction of values.

I think I have taken this book quite seriously. If I remove the literary pretensions , and look at it again, then it is a simple witty narrative, with a social satire. If you are able to laugh at the protagonist along with the author, this is not a bad work of fiction. Having said that, I am sure he has got potential and as this profile in FranceToday tells us, he has written more acknowledged books.
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African Psycho
Alain Mabanckou ( translated by Christine Schwartz Hartley )
Picador
164 Pages
Rs 395
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Further read : Book Slut, Wordswithoutborders , NY timeout

Book on Prof Vazhakunnam

The history of organised magic in Kerala is very short. Though we have enough legends and folklore about various forms of magic, this as a developed art form has taken ages before the current genre of performers. Professor Vazhakunnam as he was popularly known was the father figure of the Magic in Kerala. With his on the spot improvisation, with his quick, short & simple delivery, his natural ( for a Namboodiri) humour and the unassuming style all had contributed to his legendary success in the major part of the 20th century.

Njayath Balan is famous for his biographies of some of the most popular Kathakali masters such as Sri Ramankutty Nair and Kalamandalam Gopi, has attempted another on the life of Professor Vazhakunnam. Sadly, all he has managed to gather and compile was the already known and in circulation legends about Professor Vazhakunnam. Barring the initial pages, where he has attempted to get some information of his initial learning days and his interest in the science of elephants ( he was supposed to be an expert in Matangaleela , a knowledge he used notoriously in causing trouble and disturbances and later controlling by himself. He had to stop practising it by his father on a pledge). Most of the stories and incidents narrated here are part of the already popular legends and there was no authenticity ( I am not questioning the purpose of the stories or the effectiveness of the myths & legends).

If one is claiming this to be a biography, a bit more effort should have gone in the preparation and presentation. This book falls short of the promise, or the subject it is capable of delivering what Njayath Balan is capable of.
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Vazhakunnathinte manthrikalokamNjayath Balan
D C Books
68 Pages
Rs 40
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The Road - Carmac McCarthy

Post apocalyptic time , in USA , a father and his young son, walks through the ruins across America, towards the south coast. As they cross the mountains, the plains, the deserted cities, fighting their own personal tragedies, the few left over scavengers in a world where all the living creatures have disappeared. There are no foods, there are no cloths, just a pistol to defend ; the nature is hard , it snows and rains relentlessly, ashes sprays across the landscape in wind. '

Where are they heading ? To the coast, to south.. from the cold and breezy winter to the warmth of the south and sea beach. They cant stay at a place, fearing other 'still surviving' people ( however rare it is), who would do anything for a piece of meal , a piece of cloth, including cannibalism. So, they walk , confiding in each other. Talking to each other in mono syllables, telling stories of the good time, all the while looking for a place to shelter , avoiding the roads and potential places of danger ( of meeting fellow travelers). They have to eat whatever is found on the way, often breaking into abandoned houses , department stores. Their conscience prick them. They need to console themselves that it is natural and not unethical. They keep reassuring themselves that they belong to the "Good People" and there are good people remaining in this world. The boys mother, unable to endure this gruelling time, ends her life before the story begin.

The journey continue until they reach the coast. What next, where do you go now ? There don't seems to be any escape out of this. The writer does not give any false hopes. The father coughs and coughs blood, and the tragedy is imminent. There is only a belief that the world is not over yet and there will be 'few good people' among the survivors.

An absorbing tale of the aftermath of the tragedy that hit the planet. The author does not get into the details of the disaster. What matters is the scary , gray and dusty days after the event. While this has been an absorbing and shocking read, I found it a bit repetitive in the middle as they move from one incident to another ( kind of "well, what next" feeling). The narration is simple, unattached and clear. No exaggeration of events, no glorification of the pathos and struggle. But it does leave a lasting impression on you. An impression of fear, of helplessness, of eternal hope of goodwill. McCarthy's prophetic novel is successful in creating the necessary shock to the readers. Brilliant stuff.

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The Road

Carmac McCarthy
Picador
307 Pages
Rs 237
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Further read : NY Times

The Courtesan's Keeper - A.N.D Haksar

This is the new English translation of a 11th century master piece of Kshemendra, called Samaya Matrika. Unlike the usual religious, spiritual or the divine stories, here is a social satire from one of the eminent writers of that time. Spread across 8 chapters, Kshemendra, brings out the fragmented Kashmir social life and its moral degradation through this interesting book.

A young courtesan Kalavati is upset and is dampened spirit over her unsuccessful life as a courtesan. Her friend and agent, the barber suggests , that she need a keeper to support her to guide her and to enrich her with wisdom and the tricks of the trade. Old Kankali, about whose life and adventure he narrates in detail, would be the ideal guide for her in this endeavor. The keeper Kankali, takes charge and teaches Kalavati the ways of the world in a courtesan's life and guide her through the events until she seduces a wealthy son of a merchant, and taking away his processions.
The book is spread across eight chapters, describing the life of Kankali , Kankali's advice to Kalavati on ways of passion and the way to identify your pray and the way to discard him after you have gained the wealth of that person. Through the life of Kankali and the young courtesan, the writer exposes the fragile social order and the moral, political and social corruption of values during that time in Kashmir.

A.N.D Bhaskar is a well-known scholar in Sanskrit, and have contributed significantly to the Sanskrit Literature with various translations. The book has been translated superbly, to the audience of this time. One must also understand the difference in style and the use of language during 11th Century and the complicated Sanskit words and phrases; considering that, I found this book with good translation, supported with the introduction and insight to the original writer Kshemendra and his times both in socially and in literature.

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The Courtesan's Keeper: A Satire From Ancient KashmirKshemendra ( Samaya Matrika ) translated by A.N.D.Haksar
Rupa Publications
80 Pages
Rs150/-
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Furhter read: A Cashmirian Sanscritist

The sound of Butterflies -Rachael King

Thomas, a young lepidopterist, returned from Amazon abruptly from his collecting expedition. But it isn't the same Thomas who left his young wife in their small town Richmond in the UK , returned. The changes are not only physical, but more concerning as he has turned mute. He does not talk to anyone. As his wife Sophie, trying to get him back to the normal way of life, by exploring the events occurred during his time in Amazon, through the reading of his journals, the story unveils of the cruelty, the greed and the slavery under the dreaded rubber baron in the Amazon jungles.

Thomas , an amateur collector of butterflies, was selected to join a group of 4 scientists in an expedition to the Amazon, sponsored by Santos, a rubber baron in Brazil. As they reach and enthusiastically set out to collect specimens in the dense jungles fighting the insects bites, the heat and the tough conditions, they also started seeing the harsh realities of fear, submission and servility of the people to the land owner. The accidental fire of the huts, the death of the Captain and other cruelties of the rubber mafia is a startling knowledge to Thomas. The collection of samples and shipment of consignment to London has continued despite the difficult conditions and recurring illness. The whole affair has taken a turn on Thomas's life after their meeting with the sponsor Santos in his palace. After being drugged, and his misadventure under its spell with Santos wife, Thomas has become vary of Santos and his men. The situation worsens resulting the death of Santos's wife and one of his colleague, and a forceful return of Thomas to his home country.

Thomas is fighting two battles. One of his own guilt and shame of betraying his wife. The other of the shock and the forced muteness out of fear resulted from his experience. On the other hand, Sophie is fighting her battle with her past (and her father) and her temptation to seek revenge. Well , as expected everything ends well.

This is the first novel published by this New Zealand writer and for that it is a good work. Set in the early 20th century, when it was a fashion to explore nature and species from all over the world and to discover something new, Thomas was also duped by a rumour of a asymmetrical butterfly and spend his energy and focus to find it and document it for the world ( he goes to an extent of naming the to be found butterfly after his wife). The prose is good and is structurally perfect and simple to read. A good work of fiction, but not for a serious literature reader.
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The Sound of Butterflies
Rachael KingPicador
354 Pages
Rs 285
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Further read : Listener Review

The soccer War- Ryszard Kapuscinski

"May be he will make it" , one of the soldiers ventured.
"No way" , the orderly replied, holding a bottle of Glucose.
There was a gloomy silence.
"Doesn't anybody know him?" one of the soldier asked eventually.
The wounded man's heart was working at maximum effort; we felt its feverish thumping.
"No body". Another soldier answered.
A truck was climbing the road, its motor was complaining. Four soldiers were digging a hole down the woods.
"Is he ours or theirs?" a soldier sitting by the stretcher asked.
"Nobody knows' said the orderly after a moments quiet.
"He is his mother's" a soldier standing nearby said.
"He's God's now" added another after a pause.
"Life is so strong" a soldier leaning on his rifle said in astonishment. "It's still there, still there"
Everybody was absorbed, silent, concentrating on the sight of the wounded man. He was drawing breath more slowly now, and his head tilted back. In the end-it was a while yet- somebody said: "He's gone, All he was is gone".
They stayed there for some time..when they saw nothing else would happen, they began walking away...
We drove on...

..and our response to the news from all over the world is no different. We see, read the conflicts all over the world with the same indifference as if these are happening in a separate planet. What is also important to know is that there is life and truth, beyond what is seen on the television or read in the news papers. There are stories of suffering ( not glorified by the cameraman for the world), the sacrifices , the pain, the loss of beloved, the struggle , the exploitation ...carried with them for generations.

Ryszard Kapuscinski , renown journalist and writer from Poland, spend large part of his life in the countries in turmoil, constantly changing guard, across Africa, Asia and Latin America telling the world about the happening in those part of the globe. As per the credits given in the book, he has witnessed ( being there ) , 27 coups of power and was caught and sentenced to death at least four times, during his illustrated career as a journalist.

In this book, published in 1979, he recollects some of those moments with his clear insight and the compassion for the victims and the victors. This is a collection of reportage, journals , his notes and personal entries with no specific order or chronology. From Ghana , Congo, Algeria , Sudan , Nigeria in Africa to the famous 72 hours "Soccer war" between El Salvsador and Honduras, he gives us the sort of non-journalistic view of the conflicts with its visible truth and the the background.

"Then Kwame Nkrumah spoke about freedom. Ghana must be independent, and independence is something that has to be fought for. But there are three roads. The road of revolution. This, the speaker rejected. The road of closed-door pacts. This, too, the speaker rejected. And then there is the fight for freedom by peaceful means. The battle cry of that struggle was proclaimed then, right here in west end square."

The story of every dictator is the same. It did start with a very good intention of uplifting the people of his country . Most of them are highly educated and wanted to make a change in their country. However, they all end up at the wrong side trying to control their destiny by the use of force. They are all alone, and are under constant fear of loosing their crown to another. The distrust begin here. This turns to imprisonment and torture of everyone he suspects. The energy and focus is on retaining the "chair" than to deliver to its people.

He also has his insight to the problems of these countries. Most of them has suffered the colonial rule for long periods. They all were subjected to humiliation, torture and exploitation of manpower and natural resources by the ruled "whites", there in began their hate to people with white skin. At many places, he has witnessed the white men being the target of the anger of the public. He himself was subjected to it many times, and he recall them as the anger of the generations who suffered at the hands of colonialists are pouring out, despite being the fact that his country ( Poland) itself was one who suffered the most in the first half of the 20th century.

"The awakened Africa needs great names. As symbols, as cement, as compensation. For centuries th history of the continent has been anonymous. In the course of 300 years, traders shipped millions of slaves out of here. Who can name even one of the victims ? Foe centuries they fought the white invasions. Who can name one of the warriors ? Whose name recall the suffering of the black generations, whose name speak of the bravery of exterminated tribes ? Asia had confucius and Budha, Europe Shakespeare and Nepolean. No names that the world know emerges from the African past. Mere: no name that Africa itself would know."

The conflict is not only at the political , military or social level. There are huge issue of identity crisis in these worlds. While they wanted to embrace the western or developed world in their living , there is another constant thirst to retain their national and regional identities. "When Nkrumah travels to Europe, he demonstratively puts his African costume on. When Lumumba travels to an African village, he demonstratively puts on European dress."

Most of the articles here are written during the 50s and 60s of last century. There are no self proclaiming statements, there are no finger pointing nor any judgemental sentences. This has come out as one of the very absorbing and thought provoking book. Even the silly matters which can evoke laughter in the reader ( especially the child- support bill of Tanganyika ), it has the underlying pain of a population glaring at you.

The Tanganyika Government had a parliamentary debate on Child-support for illegitimate children. One of the study turned out that more than half of the women in that country ( from the sampling) had from one to six illegitimate children and most of them do not receive any support from the father of the children. Hence, the government was proposing a child-support bill. The debate supposed to be "the stormiest debate in the history of Independent Tanganyika's Legislative Chamber". The outcome of this was nearly 95 per cent came out against the government. What was interesting was the debate itself, which was covered in detail, and has some interesting takes. One such was by the delegate Mtaki, who quote none other than... "experts in this field, such as Karl Marx, teach us that prostitution is capitalism".

His personal notes also carry the glimpses of a good writer. Writing about the old Indian in the Mexican desert who told him "Son, I am the river and I cant cross myself".. or about the inner struggle of Mario Terana, who shot and killed Che Guevara. and lived next couple of days in fear and restlessness before shooting himself were all carry those qualities.

An outstanding book, sadly even after 30 years of publishing , nearly 50 years of these incidents, the world hasn't changed a bit.
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The Soccer War

Ryszard Kapuscinski ( translated by William Brand )

Vintage international

234 Pages

Rs 330/-
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Links : Guardian Obituary , NY Times

Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi

Marjane Satrapi , takes us through her growing up years in Iran, during the revolution, the war with Iraq and the post war building of an Islamic state of Iran. Originally published as two parts, this book consolidates both into one. The first part is her early childhood until her journey out of the country to Austria for studies. The second part is her Austrian years and her return to the new Iran, her life and friends , marriages until her second ( and final) leaving of Iran to France.

Satrapi, looks back at the years of revolution and the war, she remember as a young girl living with her 'leftists' parents. He recalls many of her relatives, fathers and brothers of her friends being in jail and even takes a bit of pride in the facts. He parents are also participate in demonstrations, and the discussion at home are also leads her to believe in the fight for justice. A rebel, is already born. The crackdowns by the fundamentalists made the life of her ( veils , parties ) difficult and her parents decides to sent her away from Tehran until the war is over. Thus starts her new life in Austria, as a student.

Life in Austria is different. Often fighting with the Convent Matrons and the land ladies, she end up out in the open. She had to spend her time and night with the homeless people. Despair and homesick, she wanted to comeback to Iran to her parents. Her time in Austria also made profound effect in her life. The "empty roads" , gay room mates, her boyfriend who discovers that he is also a gay, different family life and bonding, loneliness ..

But the days after return was also not great. After the initial happiness and attention, the real Iran under the regime has opened up in front of her. Slowly the disappointment sets in. While she enrols in an arts college and befriends and marry her boyfriend, the isolation from this world ( with the family, friends and partner) is obvious , ending up in her leaving of Iran again.

Graphics books have the ability to communicate with mere sketches and minimum words. She uses them to a great effect in this book. The drawings are in Black & White , simple without any surroundings and features. Many long shots, fewer close ups and very clear and non complex. This book has been now made into a motion picture.
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Persepolis - The Story of a Childhood and The Story of a Return

Marjane Satrapi ( written & illustrated)

Translated by Mattias Ripa ( first part) & Blake Ferris ( second part)

343 Pages
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Links : Powells Interview , Bookslut Interview, Complete Review

General Chathans - VKN

Its been a long time since I read a Malayalam book. Wanted one that can lighten my mood, and there is none other than VKN , I can look forward to. I have read this book 15 or years ago and it still gives me the same excitement. General Chathans is originally written and published in 1972, soon after the War with Pakistan , which also saw the separation of Bangladesh into a new country.

The story starts with Chathans, a local leader of the ruling left party in his small village ( padinhattukara). His raise to fame starts with the acquisition of the public land and building huts for the farm labourers , which will be inaugurated by the Minister. While there are rebellion in the local camp, on the naming of the new settlement and Chathans has to concede to the demand of the rival factions, he does use this chance to get what is needed from the minister. With some smart manipulations and black mailing ( the minister with his alleged "un-natural" sexual preferences) , and with the help of the powerful Ittoop , the publisher, he manages to get one of the previously un-published poems, the prestigious State Literary Award on his name. He was also able to get this included in the state syllabus for the high school students, thus ensuring business for the publishing house. It does not end here, as he now wants to get the Central Literary Award and the Jnanpith for his book. His political clout and his popularity in the central Kerala, makes him an important ally for the ruling Nationalist Party at the Centre. The elections are imminent and for them to return to power, they would need at least 10 seats from Kerala, which would be possible only with the support of Chathans. It is for this, the 'middle-man' takes him to Delhi and arrange his meeting with the Union Defence Minister. India is at war, and the deputy chief of the Armed Forces is on leave. There is a dire need of someone to lead the forces successfully against the Pakistan at the West front and China from the North. Chathans volunteer to take the role, considering the need of the country, willing to sacrifice his personal life and pleasures. With his natural wisdom and drive and by leading the forces from front, he manages to destroy the enemy tanks, smashing all the F-14 of the competition ( thus winning friends from the west , who wanted him to repeat this every year , so that their sales get a boost) and advancing into the enemy territory. He manages to win the war single handedly, thus getting all the accolades, to the displeasure of the Chief of the Army. The novel ends after General Chathans takes control of the country as its leader.

VKN is noted for his wizardry with the language. This book is no exception. His effective uses of Tamil, Hindi, English , Telugu phrases with his in-imitable translations are outstanding. Outrageously humorous, witty to a level of insult, this political and literary satire is a phenomenal work.
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General Chathans
V K N
DC Books
150 Pages
Rs 70/-
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Allah is not Obliged - Ahmadou Kourouma

The full, final and completely complete title of my bullshit story is: Allah is not obliged to be fair about all the things he does here on earth. Okay. Right. I better start by explaining some stuff.

First off, Number one . . . My name is Birahima and I'm a little nigger. Not 'cos I'm black and I'm a kid. I'm a little nigger because I can't talk French for shit. That's how things are. You might be a grown-up, or old, you might be Arab, or Chinese, or white, or Russian — or even American — if you talk bad French, it's called parler petit nègre — little nigger talking — so that makes you a little nigger too. That's the rules of French for you."
thus, starts this magnificent novel by this Ivory Cost writer, about the war ravaged Western Africa.

Birahima, "the fearless , blameless street kid" , narrates his experience during his journey through the war affected countries as a "child soldier , small soldier, soldier-kid", under multiple warloads , in his raw, foul mouthed , unsympathetic narrative, using various dictionaries for help (Larousse, a Petit Robert, a Glossary of French Lexical Particularities in Black Africa and a Harrap's, picked up towards the end of his travel).

After the death of his mother, who as he describes, "moved on her arse like a caterpillar", after her leg is amputated ( because her soul was savouring on her on body) , "the fearless blameless street kid" has to leave his home and go in search of his aunt who presumably lives in Liberia. The once sorcerer ( gri-gri) , criminal, money multiplier Yacouba, "the crippled crook" agrees to take him there. As is the case with in any journey through Liberia, the truck they were travelling was also intercepted by the Child Soldiers of a Liberian warload and he end up as a child soldier in their camp. Few desertions and in certain cases the deaths of the chiefs, make him and Yacouba to travel across the countries of Liberia,Ivory Cost and Sierra Leone in search of his aunt, associating with various factions as a child soldier in the process.

Even though it brings strong memories of other memoirs of child soldier ( like "A Long Way Gone" by Ismael Beah ), the difference here is in the narrative and the fictional writing qualities. While the writer uses the child soldier as the central character and the protagonist , we often listens to a strong political and social writer taking over the narration. That is also a draw back of the book, where many a times, the writing takes a turn, which to me is in-comprehensible to a 12 year old boy.

The real ( various war-leaders of Liberia , Sierra Leone and other heads of states) and the fictional characters comes alive in his story. The reality and the fiction are very closely interlinked. Very political, tragic novel about the human crisis in Africa. The the author does not mince any words, literally abusing the war lords, the international agencies, the peace keeping force and the people with all his strong conviction. He describe peace keeping forces as " when a country is allowed to send soldiers into another country to kill innocent victims in their own country, in their own villages, in their own huts, sitting on their own mats."

"The peace keeping forces didn't keep the peace, they don't take any unnecessary risks. They weren't bothered about details, they just fired at random, they fired shells at the people doing the attacking and at the people being attacked. They bombed right into the crowd , into the chaos. In a single day , they produced loads of innocent victims, more victims than a whole week of rival factions just fighting with each other."

While the economics could be the real motive behind the tribal war, what is at hand is a humanitarian crisis. "All the villages along the way were deserted, one hundred percent deserted. That's the way it goes in a tribal war ; everyone abandons the villages where humans live and go and live in the forests where the wild beasts live. Wild beasts have a better life that people."

The story also takes us through the multiple individuals whom the boy meets and interacts, which also gives you an insight to the people involved and affected by the on going war. As on of the boy reasons him being a child soldier :
"Next morning when there was no more noise , the children dared to go back to the family huts, to find out his fathers throat cut, his brothers throat cut, his mother and sister raped and their heads bashed in. All your relatives, close and distant , dead. And when you have got no one left on earth, no father , no mother, no brother, no sister, and you are really young, just a little kid, living in some fucked-up country where everyone is cutting everyone's throat, what do you do ?
You become a child-soldier of course, a small soldier, a child-soldier so you can have lots to eat and cut some throats yourself; that's all your only option."

Fascinating novel by this Ivory Cost writer. Interesting use of languages and style, at times getting into a political commentary ( where the author takes over from the kid who is narrating) , some nice poetic repetitive use of phrases ( you see this in many places) makes it a good read. While it makes a strong political and humanitarian crisis statement, here is also a superb writer using a non-standard language and mixing the local words ( for which he gives us the translation, mostly for local abuses) and with few amusing use of repetitive phrases and sentences.
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Allah is not Obliged
Ahmadou Kourouma ( Translated by Frank Wynne)
Anchor Books
215 Pages
Rs 455
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Further Read : wordswithoutborders , Guardian

Revolutionary Road - Richard Yates

This book has kindled my interest of many after the adaptation of the work into a movie ( about which my friend Sri made a nice note here) and the recent discussion of this book in this forum. This book was originally published in 1961 and gained acceptance after his death in 1992 as a re-discovered classic.

The usual sub-urban life, married young couple with 2 kids, a steady job, a home and the regular monotonous life , with occasional visits by local friends. A typical middle class urban life. The post world war American life, crippled with issues of personal security and the quest to try shake out the set pattern of life , the inability to carry on with your plans are all the same anywhere in the world.

Frank in his late twenties and April Wheeler, are nothing exceptional from the usual 1950s middle class America. The same usual life, the silly quarrels, the hopes for a better future and the plans to escape from this rigid life to explore pastures in Europe.

The plots and the synopsis can be read here.

Frank does not particularly enjoys his job. He does not even know what is his real job there. As he answers his wife on the job after he is appointed,
"The sales what?" "Promotion? I don't get it. What does that mean , you are supposed to do?"
"Who the hell knows? They explained it to me for half an hour and still I dont know, and I dont think they do either".
April is home looking after the kids and preparing for Franks return in the evening.

Unlike others, they are not waiting for things to happen on its own. April, takes the initiatives and plans for their future in Paris. She does all the ground work, letting kids know, enquire with the travel agents, buying elementary French for herself and advanced French for Frank , discussing the possible selling of the house with Mrs.Givings, make appropriate announcement to the friends..and all. Frank on the other hand allows her to take control over these , contemplating his own move in office with his imminent leaving of the job.

Well, an unwanted pregnancy puts a halt to all the preparations. While April wanted to abort this, the more catholic Frank dissuades her from it. They now have to re-track all the preparations. This, with the new found importance of Frank in Office, has made things to deteriorate between them till the point of total break down. the only was April see to come of it is to execute her plan to abort the kid. The attempt ends her up in the hospital where she succumb to the bleeding.

What makes this different is its closeness to reality. There is no pretence , no over-hyped characterisation ( even the madman John is well within the realistic limits). There is no good or bad people , there are only real people. While it looked more like a personal tragedy of the Wheelers family, as the author puts it, it is the tragedy of every single human being. "If my work has a theme, I suspect it is a simple one: that most human beings are inescapably alone, and therein lies their tragedy."

A very realistic novel supported with extremely polished and attractive prose, makes it a good read. There aren't any outstanding passages, or incidents for people to keep quoting as in the case of other great novels. But this has some sublime beauty , that keeps you glued. While I agree with others in their judgement as a fantastic book, it might not appear in my 'top 25' books selection.

On a lighter note , what I found startling, is this description, which has lot of my personal attributes. " Shep Campbell gained a reputation as a snob. He antagonised Milly, and frightened her, for he had become a moody listener to classical music and a sulking reader of literary quarterlies."

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Revelutionary Road

Richard Yates
Vintage Classics
337 Pages
Rs 315
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Suggested Read : NY Times Review, Guardian Review, Boston Review

Land of Five Rivers - Khushwant Singh

Edited and Translated by Khushwant Singh: A compilation of 21 short stories from Punjab. Stories written over a preiod spanning 40s and 70s, includes stories by some prominent writers such as Sadat Hasan Manto, Amrita Pritam ( winner of Jnanpith award) , K A Abbas, Yashpal and Khushwant Singh.

Punjab to me is a very interesting place. Spread across 2 countries ( India and Pakistan) , with 3 languages spoken - Urdu , Punjabi and Hindi ( to a lesser extent) , and population split into 3 religion ( Hindu , Muslim and Sikh) is one of the most suffered region during the painful separation of India and Pakistan. Not surprisingly, many of the stories in this book with this as the main theme. And it is around this, many of the writings from Punjab has nourished.

The book starts with the popular story by Sadat Hasan Manto ( Toba Tek Singh , translated as 'exchange of lunatics' in this book) , which is about the plan of the newly formed governments of India and Pakistan to exchange lunatics held in the asylums, to the respective countries based on the division which set two countries separate. An outstanding story, talks of the plight of the common man in the hand of lunatics, in a very powerful way.
"On one side, behind barbed wire, stood together the lunatics of India and on the other side, behind more barbed wire, stood the lunatics of Pakistan. In between, on a bit of earth which had no name, lay Toba Tek Singh. "

There are few noteworthy stories, especially Lajwanti by Rajinder Singh Bedi, Death of Shaikh Burhanuddin by K A Abbas, One Passenger, Ho! by Santokh Singh Dhir.

As in a case of any compilation, this too have some superb , some mediocre stories. While this might not have covered the entire spectrum of writers fro mPunjab, it did give the glimpses of the section of the post independent Punjabi writers.

Contrary to the usual translation from Indian Language to English, which I always found a bit low in standard, this book was translated brilliantly and does not leave a taste of the local language to the reader. Most of the writings are around the partition and the struggle, hatred , violence, loss, bravery and compassion of common man it does come out quite visibly as a non - articulative and natural style of writing. While it does not have the contemporary writers in its list, it is an important collection to for the rest of India and the world to have a peep into the Punjabi literature.
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Land of Five Rivers
Selected and Translated by Khushwant Singh
Orient Paperbacks
199 Pages
Rs 175
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Illicit - Moisés Naím

The world of illicit trade is known for centuries and it is not new to us. We are living in a world of so called "Black Economy". One of the arguments floating around here that despite the global financial meltdown, India is largely isolated ( barring the IT sector with huge dependency on the US) because 70-75% of all the transactions in India are on Cash. While I am not certain about the figures, I do presume that many a transaction in India are done on hard cash.

Recommended and forwarded by my uncle, this book, by Moises Naim, former Minister of Trade of Venezuela, World Bank Executive Director, is bringing back our attention to the alarming issue of illicit Trade, which had been there since the day regulations are in place, and the extra ordinary proportion it had grown itself into, beyond the comprehension and control of the governments and the law enforcement authorities around the world. While every facts and numbers projected here are alarming, what is a greater concern is the inability of those in control to do anything about it.

In the initial chapters, he gets into the details of the various illicit trade such as Arm and ammunition, Drugs and Narcotics, Terrorism, Counterfeit Currency , Money Laundering, Intellectual Property violation, Prostitution and Human Trafficking, animal & timber, citing examples, giving facts and data from all over the globe. While they all look isolated and with independent identity and execution, most of these trades are interlinked and the operators are usually involved more than one trade at all times.

Why are they so difficult to identify , isolate and control ? Naim, gives us few reasons.
a) There is very finite divide between licit and illicit trade. Unlike the earlier days, these are not black and white any more.
b) The practitioners of these trades have both licit and illicit transactions and they hide behind the licit trade in front of the authorities. Eg, the same Nike factory in China, does involve in low quality low value fake shoes , usually operated in a night shift.
c) They have infiltrated themselves into the low enforcement agencies, governments and the trade bodies, thus controlling the outcome of the actions. In many countries, high ranking officials and ministers are involved in such business.
d) Many government themselves are involved / supportive of these business ( eg , North Korea / Afghanistan in drugs, China in human body parts , US and few European countries in Arms , Many of the erstwhile USSR countries in Nuclear and other arms / rockets)
and so on..

The change in the global trade after 1990s and the new onslaught of globalisation and technological advancement have made this trade more lucrative. These trade are now more globalised than ever before, often supported by the state of the art commincation tools, encryption methods and de-centralised operations.

While there are efforts and actions against these people, by nature of their operations, they are able to shut their operations in one location and start at another with ease and with speed, that are not matched by the governments. The sources are multiple ( for each of these business) , the middlemen are at far flung places with no direct connection with the traders, the users and the suppliers; traders are all across the world ; transit points are constantly shifted and the users are across continents. Hence a system to control and monitor all these are beyond the current capabilities of the Governments.

What makes them so elusive and better equipped than the governments ? It is the way they operate. Speed and trust are the key. Each operation is in nimble and isolated with no more informed than the in and out contact. The producers does not know the user. The hierarchy is defined and never questioned. They are so de centralised, even if one of the transit point/hub or the source is tracked and closed, the business is not affected.
Why are the governments failing ? For multiple reasons. Government bodies are controlled by processes and guidelines. There is also an element of bureaucracy in the government functions which make it slow in response. The counter / restrictive activities against these trades need an international action, by virtue of their behaviour. This is one hard nut to crack. Each country have their on priorities and views on multiple aspects and to have a common ground of operation is eluding for a long time now. Importantly, within a country various agencies ( anti-terror cell , narcotic bureau , IP right protection , immigration ) operate within their boundaries and there are no combined effort to comeout with a unified plan.

However, there are efforts by individuals and NGOs in exposing, creating awareness, preventing the trade and use all over the world. In many instances, they are more effective than the government agencies. Many individuals, mostly from the press community , have been victims of the wrath from the cartel. It will be interesting to note that many of these cartels / businesses do have their own front end NGOs and Media coverage to camouflage their real intentions.

As an individual, what can we do ? You dont need a study to tell you that more than 90% of the populations in the world ( more so in the developing world) are at some point of their time, have been the beneficiaries of one of such trade. I can remember the Burma bazaars, the street side book sellers, the pirated and downloaded movies, fake T-shirts and watches. While the governments are trying to prevent the production and distribution network, there aren't many actions done at the users level. Few actions like reducing trade barrier, penalising the users along with the practitioners ( like in prostitution, narcotics) etc have helped to a small extent, we need to have a larger scope of work in creating awareness among larger population.

According to Naim, the new world conflicts are not going to be between religion, ethnic, rich versus Poor lines. He says, it is going to be between "Geo-political Bright Sopts Vs Black holes". Those countries, regions with the lack of law and order where the production and distribution of such trade/products flourish , with those regions where there are growing demand for the output of such trades. The conflict around the world is likely to be on these areas.

Very informative book with a lot of insight to the illicit trade and its propagation, the effects and the actions , and its future in the world as a whole. Moises Naim, captures one's interest and attention to the details and makes it a fantastic read. The outcome is alarming, to the world economic and political scene, and re-iterates the necessity for a new global co-operation among the member countries.
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Illicit - How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats are hijacking the global economy
Moisés Naím
Arrow Books
340 Pages
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Further Read : Popmatters , Foreign Affairs

in

Balthasar's Odyssey - Amin Maalouf

Year 1666 is speculated as the "year of the beast". Jews, Christians and Muslims have their own theories and fears about the imminent end of the world. However, one of the answer seems to be in the mysterious book titled " The hundredth name", which legends says reveals the name of the GOD unknown to people, that can save the humankind from the imminent apocalypse. Balthasar Embriaso, 40 year old widower of Genovan origin, a curios and books dealer at Lavantine town of Gibelet, takes us through a journey for over an year in pursuit of the book. Balthasar, had the book for a brief period before being forced to sell the same to the emissary of the King of France. Though Balthasar doubts the authenticity of the book, every one who laid hand on this book , seems to have gone through some mysterious fates. Idriss, the old man who handed over the book to him, was found dead the next day. The emissary who took the book to Constantinople with him was ship-wrecked. But that did not stop him from chasing the book. The eventful journey, thus begun from Gibelet , to Tripoli , Allepo, Constantinople, Genova , Lisbon, London and France before he come back to Genova.

Balthasar document his experiences and his feelings in his note books ( 4 journals abandoned at various places) and through this he narrates the happening of the eventful year. He befriends various people during his journey and these form the various sub-plots of the book. There are Jews, captains of the ship, a prince from Persia , a Genovan aristocrat, a lady shop owner in London , each with their on views and idea adding to the story of the end of the world.

Martha, a village lady from Gibelet, whose husband is at large since their wedding joins them in the journey. Balthasar, being forced to introduce her as his wife ( a clever ploy by his nephews?) , slowly gets attracted to her. His effort to end her misery by obtaining the document which sets her free to marry him takes a beating after they find her husband. He is crest fallen and was deported to Genova leaving the nephews and his assistant at Smyrna. His efforts to locate the book materialises at London, but every time he opens the book to read, his health deteriorates and he become temporarily blind. The misfortune did not end, as London is now under fire. As the city streets are burning, Balthasar escapes from London, and comes back to Genovo, towards the end of the year. Though the World did not end, 1667 brings a new beginning to the life of Balthasar after an eventful year. He will start a new life in his ancestral city.

The novel is about his quest to retrieve the book, as he travels from place to places on the Mediterranean cost and to places as far as London and France, over a period of 16 months. Interesting read, with many sub-stories and incidents to spice up the journey. There are many characters portrayed in this book, who come in with their own religious views ( some extreme and some moderate and intelligent) and vanishes without any trace. There are other important characters, like his nephews and Martha, who too are given a very odd treatment in the book. Barring that, he maintain the interest of the reader through out the journey. Notwithstanding , few narrative shortcoming, this book is very good and a captivating read.
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Balthasar's Odyssey
Amin Maalouf ( translated by Barbara Bray)
Vintage Books
391 Pages
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Further read : NY Times , Guardian

Death Etc. - Harold Pinter

Death Etc. , is a collections of his previously unpublished works. Contains few of his speeches, few short plays and few poems. His speeches and an open letter to The Prime Minister are very open and clear in his criticism against the US and British governments and the war in Iraq.

Almost all of the poems in this book are on the Iraq war (first and second), and he uses very blunt and hard hitting language. These are political poems and thus aren't of any great poetic values.
Few samples;
Well, there was no problem.
All the democracies
(all the democracies)
were behind us.
So we had to kill some people.
S what ?
Lefties get killed.
..
Just kill them.
Well,my wife wanted peace.
And so did my little children.
So we killed all the lefties
to bring peace for our little children.
(from The old days )

Hallelujah!
It works.
We blew the shit out of them.
....
Praise the lord for all good things.
We blew them into fucking shit.
They are eating it.(from American Football)

*
There are few plays, which are pretty interesting. The common theme in all of them are on the atrocities committed by those in power and the helplessness of the common man. Naturally, its the 'power' does all the speaking, and the victim is 'silenced' in most of the time, barring few feeble one liners of submission.

Its a good read if your political views are in line with that of the writer. Otherwise, its another rhetoric against the war on terror. But it does, confirm to his style of writing and his convictions.

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Death Etc

Harold Pinter

Grove Press , New York

125 Pages

Rs 380
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Further read : Timeout review

The Crossroads - Niccolò Ammaniti

Niccolo Ammaniti, in his latest book "The Cross Roads" , portray a disturbing picture of the present day Italy. Heralded as the new voice of Italian Literature, this is the third book being translated to English, and the first book that I have read, of this writer.

Rino Zena, lives with his son Christiano, does odd jobs at a construction site and is an alcoholic with inflammable temperament. His other friends Danilo Apera , a middle aged divorcee ( wife leaves him after the tragic death of their daughter-chocking on a shampoo bottle cap) and Corrado Rumitz ( called as Quattro Formaggi after his favourite food), crippled after a huge electric shock, where he is almost electrocuted . The three some are contemplating a plan to rob a bank and to live a life of their dreams.

The story converge on one dreadful night. "It had only taken one night and everything has changed", Quattro Formaggi remembers the eventful night. Their meticulous planning of the act of robbery takes a setback as the region is flooded and the storm that hit the region has taken every thing out of control. The river is flooded, trees are uprooted, roads empty and the rain is relentless. Ideally, or in a filmy style , this is the best day for such an act. As Danilo waits for Quattro Formaggi, and Rino having second thought on the whole plan waiting for his companions to come over, preparing his excuse to differ the action, there is a gruesome murder takes place at the woods. Quattro Formaggi, driven by the image of Ramona, an actor from the American porn movie, attempts rape on Fabiana Ponticelli, a beautiful girl high on drugs and alcohol returning home from her friend's house. His inability to carry out his wishes ( as he visualised as in the porn flick) and the shame of his impotency gets him to commit the murder breaking her skull with a stone. Frightened and shocked by his act, he calls Rino for help. Blame it on the fate, Rino suffers brain haemorrhage while attempting to clear the body, collapsing at the same site, however manages to call his son just before getting into coma. Quattro Formaggi, fled the scene, worried, but quite relieved. Christiano, Rino's 13 yr old son manages to take his father home and calls for medical help, while managing to keep the dead body disposed in the swollen river. The Danilo, in the meantime grow desperate over the delay, sets of to do the robbery on his own, meeting a horrible death by crashing his vehicle to the wall.

The situation is now tense. The only person who can explain the story apart from the murderer is Rino, who is in coma in the hospital bed. Christiano thinks its his father who has committed the crime. The only person he can go to is Danilo, who is not taking his calls. There is also a Social Worker, who is working on Christiano's well being. He too goes through an eventful night. After an illicit affair with his friends wife, he hits an African migrant worker on his way back, almost killing him. His quick pact with God, seems to show result as the person lying on the road shows signs of recovery and miraculously gets up and escapes to the unknown.

While the story is about the adultery, rape, murder and cruelty, I guess , Ammaniti is trying to portray something beyond this. To me the highlight is the alienation of the individual from the society and the fragile family life. Each of the characters suffer from the rejection of their beloved. Rino is staying with his son, Danilo's wife is deserted him and stays with the owner of the shop where she works, Quattro Formaggi has his own frustration, and take refuge on porn movies. There is also the attractions to be rich, for those fancy cars , spending in shopping malls, as done by the rich. Christiano, in one spur-of-the-moment, takes a knife and flattens the bike tyre of one of the rich kids, an action he does not find any valid reasons for doing so. He accepts the repercussions without any ill feeling.

Having said that, the novel spent and focussed too many pages on the events of the night. The overall appeal of the book with respect to the build up take a back seat and the event and its descriptive nature seems to take control. "It wasn't me. It was God. I didn't want to do it, truly I didn't...It was God who made me do those things. It's nothing to do with me." as Quattro Formaggi, confesses to himself towards the end, the novel seems take its own course, as if driven be an external force. I read elsewhere that the book's Italian title is "Come Dio Commanda " roughly translated as ,"As God Commands". May be that explains it. However, there are elements of warmth and comradery among the tough, abrasive behaviour which the characters exhibit. Rino's only purpose of living is to provide better future for his son. He comes about as a loving father at heart. So is Danilo, living on the hope that one day he will be able to open a lingerie show room for his wife, and will live with her again.

Very contemporary book, depicting the current state of affairs in the modern Italy. Very detailed and very visual writing of events, mixed with sly humour, with subtle underlying soft emotions of the characters who project a rough exterior. An easy fast paced read, with very lively characters ( including those with passive participation), makes this book a good read. That makes the book different from the other so called 'thrillers'.
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The Crossroads

Niccolò Ammaniti ( Translated by Jonathan Hunt)
Canongate Books

406 Pages
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Further reads : FT , Guardian , Lizzy

Esther's Inheritance - Sándor Márai

"Lajos is coming back !" , Esther shouted to Nunu, the old help , who is nursing the plants in the garden. She received a telegram from Lajos, the "only man she has ever loved", announcing his return after twenty years.
"We will arrive in a car, ther will be five of us" the telegram continued."We'll stay till the evening".

Lajos, was introduced to the family by Esther's brother Laci, who were friends and classmates. Soon, the entire family had fallen for his charm, despite his habits of treachery. Esther was the only person resisted his influence for some time, before falling in love with him. However, the turn of the events saw, Lajos marrying, her sister Wilma for reasons not known to her ("maybe because she was prettier, maybe because that day the wind happened to be blowing from the east") . The marriage was short lived, when Wilma died after the birth of the daughter. Soon after, Esther leave that house and come back to stay in her ancestral house along with Nunu.

Anticipation and preparation for his visit is on. Laci, Endre and Tibor( other friends and associates), all of them are victims of his dubious game earlier. Lajos, and everyone who are associated with him, life became a dangerous, exciting adventure.

"he was indebted to everyone in some way, with money, with promises, with oaths! He is coming back to face the past.."

Esther is very clear of his intentions and was prepared for the same. Even though she suspect she might be sounding happy to others after the news of his arrival, she checks her actions and keep her composure. "I knew Lajos had come because he had no choice, and that we were welcoming him because he had no choice, and the whole thing was terrifying, as unpleasant, and as unavoidable for him as it was for us."

Lajos, is a big show man. He makes his appearance dramatic and the rest of the day is staged to a preplanned design. " People don't turn away from Lajos, because his little shows are full of surprises that he himself enjoys but does not prepare. Even now, in the very moment of his arrival, he was directing, presenting, and speechifying with transparent pleasure. "

It was after the lunch when the much anticipated meeting takes place. Lajos has meticulously planned the whole thing. He sent his daughter first, before appearing by himself in front of Esther. He apologises, admits his lies and broken promises, pleads guilty, blame her for not being courageous enough, wants her to be his moral compass.. Esther plays along, but makes him aware that she is not falling to his games , as she says:

" There are times I think you're an absolute genius..the genius of lies. All the time I know you are lying, that you have always lied, right from the first moment. Your life has been one long lie. I dont even believe in your death: that will be a lie too. Oh yes, you are a genius all right."

But the visit has to have a purpose , " I have a demand. You must come away with me, with us." Was it as simple ? No.

Written in 1939, this is the fourth book to be made available in English by this awesome Hungarian author. For those who have read the earlier works, this is similar to Embers and Casanova in Bolzano. Those dramatic set up, return of a long lost lover, friend or acquaintance, the lengthy verbal dual, the unexpected ending all there. As this article talks about, for Sandor Marai, the novel is a stage, each characters are performers fulfilling their role as a theatre artist.

There was no suspense maintained here. It was made clear at the beginning of the novel that "he came and robbed me". There was no clear reason for the actions of the participants. They are all seems to be playing along to complete the pre-determined out come.

As said earlier, a strong resemblance to the Embers and Casanova in style of writing ( "The rebel" was a bit different from a narrative style) and similar construction. Though not as great when compared to Embers, I liked this novel as well.

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Esthers's Inheritance
Sandor Marai ( Translated from Hungarian by George Szirtes )
Picador
148 Pages
Rs 673.20
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Further read : Complete Review , L A Times

Hardboiled & Hardluck - Banana Yoshimoto

Few years back, I have read "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto. Happened to notice this short book in one of the local sales and have picked it up as she is considered one of the new faces of Japanese Literature.

Two short novellas compiled into a small book. Hardboiled, A 'ghost' story , where the nameless protagonist experiences the presence of her now deceased room mate and girlfriend, on her first death anniversary in her dreams, and a face to face interaction with a ghost in the ill fated hotel room on the same night. The narrator find herself walking on the mountain roads, where she realises the spot when she had dropped her girlfriend a year back, on her request, post her decision to move out of the common house to stay on her own. As she realises that this day is the death anniversary of her friend, the various events happening to her on that day , including her trip to the mountain roads and the local inn where she stays that night, gets clearer to her. The story ends after the eventful night where she goes through the nightmares and returns back. It is an interesting subject for a story, it did not appeal to me much at the end.

In hardluck , again the protagonist, coming to terms with her sisters medical conditions ( she is in coma with brain dead, life being extended with the supporting devices). Her sister has been engaged to a young man, who on knowing the current status, refuses to come and visit his fiancee in the hospital and leave the town to stay with his parents. However, his elder brother, takes interest in this case and visits the hospital regularly to the initial displeasure of the family of the sick person. Our lady, the protagonist, develop a stronger sense of companionship with the new man, while keeping guard to her sister in hospital in her last days as her family comes to terms with the eventuality of the death. As it happens in every disaster, there is an increased level of closeness among the survivors. Slightly better story compared to the first with certain emotional and relationship undertones.

In both the stories, the central character is a nameless young woman, who is coming to terms with the loss of something close to her. Both the stories are grim, of internal disarray and coping with the personal tragedies. Death is the common factor in both, in one she is trying to get over with loss of her close friend, while in the other she is trying to overcome the imminent death of her sister and confidante with the external support.

Reading two books might not give me the authority to judge her calibre as a writer. However, I should say, I have found them pretty ordinary.
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Hardboiled & Hardluck

Banana Yoshimoto ( translated by Michael Emmerich )

148 pages

Purchased in a sale for Rs30 !
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Read more: Interview with the translator

Death of a Salesman - Arthur Miller

Couldn't get a more appropriate book for a sales guy at the end of his financial year. Drained of energy and waiting for this year to get over, to start again with clean sheets. Death of a Sales man is one of the most sold plays of Arthur Miller, released in 1949. What is surprising is that the relevance of the book at the current times.

The story and synopsis can be read here and I'm not getting into it.

There are multiple angle to this play. At one level , it is the sales man and his relationship with his employer. Despite serving him for 35 years, he is not wanted in that organisation. The same person who build their business empire in New England from scratch, was now fired for non-performance. For the sales guy, the customers with whom he has build a rapport and business are all retired or replaced by newer younger people, nullifying his influence. The old hand at the business is no more and his son who runs the company now, do not value the heritage and the people who build the company.

The other side is the strained relation between the father and son. Willy is blamed (or he takes the blame) for the failure of Biff to graduate after he flunked Maths. Biffs exposure to fathers illicit relationship with a lady in Boston, and his anger and disappointment has lead to his later failure in life. Even at 34 he is unable to settle in any job or place.

Linda, Willy's wife fit in at the perfect house-wife role. All understanding , always supportive to her husband, never complaining and always encouraging. Even when she realises that Willy's frequent car accidents are not mere lack of concentration, but a planned attempt, she does not loose her composure with him.

Willy himself is under hallucinations and day dreams. He move in and out of worlds of real and imaginary, often criticising himself on his inability to live a life like that of his now dead brother ( who comes in his dreams very often). His attempt to resurge his career is turned futile, his hopes on his sons to be own their own and support the aging parents fails , leading him to despair , eventually leading to his death.

Though written about the period 1928 and 1942, the plot is still the same. The middle class life run on mortgage payments and by the time you finished your payment, you have to start all over again. And I don't think it can end any better..

"Forgive me, dear. I can't cry. I don't know what it is, but I cant cry. I don't understand it. Why did you ever do that ? It seems to me that you're just on another trip. I keep expecting you...I search and search and search, and I cant understand it, Willy. I made the last payment on the house today. Today, dear. And there'll be nobody home. We're free and clear. We're free.. We're free..We're free."
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Death of a Salesman
Arthur MillerUBS Publishers Distributors Pvt Ltd
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