Show Business by Shashi Tharoor

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I was very impressed by "The Great Indian Novel" by Shashi Tharoor that I couldn't resist another fiction from him.

The story,  set in the backdrop of Bollywood, is the story of Ashok Banjara, a Star, yes, with a capital S. The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks, with narratives by Ashok Banjara and people close to him. The story of Banjara is heavily influenced by the life of Amitabh Bachchan. From the initials to the near fatal accident in the film set,  the extra-marital affair with the co-star to entry in politics, everything in Banjara's story is inspired by Bachchan's life.

The novel stands out by its narrative structure and the clever satire used by Mr. Tharoor. This postmodern work without doubt establishes the craft the author possesses. I don't know about the politician, but Shashi Tharoor, the writer, is one of my favourites.


I recommend this. 4 out of 5.

Narmadipudava by Sara Thomas

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This is the first time I am reading Sara Thomas.

Narmadipudava is the story of Kanakam, a Tamil Brahmin widow. Widowed at a very young age, Kanakam was living only for her niece, Kanchana. When her niece also leaves her, Kanakam is looking back at her life.

Narmadipudava looks at the life of Tamil Brahmin community, especially the women in an "Agraharam". Women lived a subservient life tied to traditions and things are worse when you are a widow. Widows lived a colorless life away from all the pleasures of  the world. 

It is interesting to see how the shackles of the  tradition loses its grip, over the three generations seen in the novel. Kanakam's aunt, a widow, lived most of her life tied to tradition whereas Kanakam becomes ready to go out, study in college and also go for work, so that her family can survive. But she is still in some way tied to the community, Her niece, on the other hand, is brave enough to break all the shackles and go away to live her own life. In that way, Narmadipudava is a mirror to the evolution of free women, told in the backdrop of an agraharam.

3.5 out of 5.

Barsa by Khadeeja Mumtaaz

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Khadeeja Mumtaaz is a medical doctor by profession. Barsa is her second novel and has won many awards including Kerala Sahitya Academy award.

The book deals with the experiences of Dr. Sabitha in Saudi Arabia. Sabitha has recently converted to Islam after her marriage. She and her husband have reached the holy city of Mecca as doctors on contract. The rest of the book describes Sabitha's experiences in Saudi Arabia as a Muslim woman. Sabitha, whose familiarity with Islam before has only been in a more tolerant society of a Kerala village, is sometimes shocked by the extremely conservative way in which people, especially women, are treated in that country. She sees how the religion is misinterpreted by the more powerful to suit their needs.

Barsa is indeed a well-researched book which talks about a relevant issue. The novelist deserves much praise for treating a much sensitive issue with commendable control and concern.

I recommend it to everyone, 4 out of 5.