Fiction
Verdict: Difficult but worth reading
This is not the first book by Ananthamurthy that I've read. Being a very pro-Kannada writer person, the book shop assistant always suggests Kannada writers as well.
Ananthamurthy opens the novel with an older man suffering from paralysis due to a stroke contemplating his life and how he reached his current state. He takes stock of his life through conversations, memories, and contemplation. A boy from very unprivaleged background makes something of himself. Not all of the phases of his life are clear. But he does make it very clear whom the influences on his life and they are an interesting cast of characters indeed.
The main character marries for duty and suprisingly, Ananthamurthy makes a very clear point on how this is detrimental to his health after the stroke as he actually can't stand his wife. In fact it's the first time I've read an Indian author who isn't apologetic and stubbornly caught on the value of duty over happiness. Ananthamurthy also brings back a previous love interest late in the story and creates a connection even though the main character is older and has obvious health problems.
He also takes on police brutality as a result of the main character's hot temper and association with a known anarchist. It's an interesting take.
Ananthamurthy has done a masterful job of making his main character accessible. He's not perfect and has a wicked temper, but people can relate to him easily. You can relate to his anger as a youth, and his longing for healthier times and his stock taking once he gets older.
As with every variety of Indian writer, Kannada writers have their own flavor that sometimes takes a while to appreciate. But well worth it.
Read it.
~Becky~
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