Dec 01, 2005 09:10 AM
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(Updated Dec 01, 2005 09:16 AM)
The book opens with a brief account of the English teacher's regular day. Krishna (the teacher) instantly becomes likeable. R.K. Narayan aptly describes his characters and not just are they well defined, they are also very real. I won’t go into the story because that is for you to read. What I will say is this --
It is a brilliant piece of writing with instances and experiences so beautifully put to words that it touches every chord inside your heart. You cannot help but feel the protagonist’s pain when his wife dies. In fact, there is one whole page in the book that describes what Krishna feels on his way to the cremation ground (what he feels is numbness). In Narayan’s words, “I feel nothing, and see nothing”. While you read it, you are almost transported into Krishna’s world… blurred by grief. But behold, there is radiance ahead in the form of his little daughter and her antics. Once again, the writing is marvelous and Leela (the daughter) reminds you of any other child you come across. It boggles my mind to think how someone could be so true to life in one’s writing. The relationship between Krishna and his wife, Susila transcends the notion of life and death. For me, this book stands out because of the possibilities it shows us. It talks of realms that are not necessarily obvious, but who knows, might exist (here I mean, the spiritual world). This ofcourse, is NOT my take on life and death – it is just another view that Narayan puts forth. I would therefore like to add that the book must be read with a little room for an extra point of view. I interpreted Krishna’s stint with spirituality as a ray of hope and a sort of inspiration. It is an intellectually and emotionally stimulating work and it makes you think. There are many other characters that are introduced in the course of the book and are quite pivotal to the way the story forms. Krishna as a father, too, is endearing. The child’s sensitivity is revealed just by mentioning that she doesn’t ever question her father about her dead mother (since she is never told). There are numerous moments in the book when you ‘feel’ and not just read the writing. Many questions are raised in your mind – was Krishna not such a good father after all? Was his wife really communicating with him even after her death?.. and a few others. This is the beauty of Narayan’s writing – he compels you to think. And just incase you don’t, you must have already encountered what he writes.
In short – the book is deep, inspiring and presents death in a new light.