Re-living India
Got hooked on to Shantaram by Roberts. I've been warned that it is highly captivating for the first 400 pages and then gets dull.. I am ready to risk that! I am usually a stubborn (Jethmalani kind!) of person and love to disagree when everyone agrees and dislike what all others love. For example Jhumpa Rani's Interpreter or Marquez' Cholera. So I was (happily) convinced that I won't like this international bestseller. But this guy is unarguably good!
His description of places I've visited and the people and culture I've grown up surrounded with is so astoundlingly appropriate that I almost feel jealous that a "non Indian" could understand us so well. Just finished reading his fantastic narration of a train ride, general class, without reservation. The same crowd which almost gouges out each others eyes while trying to board the train, suddenly starts loving each other, sharing food and stories like best friends once they become co-passengers. But this is not hypocrisy. It's just a way a billion Indians have figured out to survive in such huge numbers. They fight when that's the need but then they love each other when the need to kill is gone!
I experienced that on my train journey from Anand to Ahemedabad last month. And just now on the metro ride nack from Mandi house. The man in front of me kicked and scratched to get on first and grab a seat before me and then offered to hold my bag in the most affectionate manner!
Well getting back to the subject after two days, I just finised reading much beyond the 400 pages and the book is as captivating. It's a bit of an addiction and I need to finish if off asap so that I can get some work done! But, like I do with all books I love, I am trying to save up the pages, relishing it in small doeses...What will I read once this gets over? Had a strong urge to see what the Lin/Shantaram/george looks like. So Mr Lin in two very different avatars for you. As you can tell I am obsessed!
At the risk of sounding like a Shantaram comemrcial, I have to say that the book has something to offer to everyone. There is a healthy dose of everyday philosphy (A you will like that), remarkable power of observation and amazing prowess in recording it, lots of India, lots of traveling, drama, tension, cruelty, love.. The only part I find a bit weak is the love story. Maybe you will disagree, but the love philosophy seemed a bit exaggerated and fake. The rest of it is such real and rich narration that I almost started crying when Radha (his slum neighbor dies) or when Tariq (his pupli) goes to sleep sunggled next to him! Yah I am becoming a softy!
I know critics would say he romaticizes poverty and misery. But will it be fair to say that to a person who has himself endured and loved that poverty?
His description of places I've visited and the people and culture I've grown up surrounded with is so astoundlingly appropriate that I almost feel jealous that a "non Indian" could understand us so well. Just finished reading his fantastic narration of a train ride, general class, without reservation. The same crowd which almost gouges out each others eyes while trying to board the train, suddenly starts loving each other, sharing food and stories like best friends once they become co-passengers. But this is not hypocrisy. It's just a way a billion Indians have figured out to survive in such huge numbers. They fight when that's the need but then they love each other when the need to kill is gone!
I experienced that on my train journey from Anand to Ahemedabad last month. And just now on the metro ride nack from Mandi house. The man in front of me kicked and scratched to get on first and grab a seat before me and then offered to hold my bag in the most affectionate manner!
Well getting back to the subject after two days, I just finised reading much beyond the 400 pages and the book is as captivating. It's a bit of an addiction and I need to finish if off asap so that I can get some work done! But, like I do with all books I love, I am trying to save up the pages, relishing it in small doeses...What will I read once this gets over? Had a strong urge to see what the Lin/Shantaram/george looks like. So Mr Lin in two very different avatars for you. As you can tell I am obsessed!
At the risk of sounding like a Shantaram comemrcial, I have to say that the book has something to offer to everyone. There is a healthy dose of everyday philosphy (A you will like that), remarkable power of observation and amazing prowess in recording it, lots of India, lots of traveling, drama, tension, cruelty, love.. The only part I find a bit weak is the love story. Maybe you will disagree, but the love philosophy seemed a bit exaggerated and fake. The rest of it is such real and rich narration that I almost started crying when Radha (his slum neighbor dies) or when Tariq (his pupli) goes to sleep sunggled next to him! Yah I am becoming a softy!
I know critics would say he romaticizes poverty and misery. But will it be fair to say that to a person who has himself endured and loved that poverty?
posted by Amrita Pande at 6:10 AM
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