Review of the novel “Honour” By Elif Shafak

I just finished reading the novel “Honour“, written by the Turkish author Elif Shafak, and have so many thoughts and views to share on this book. The plot of the novel is sensitive, contemplative, heart breaking, real and nostalgic; I would say it’s a story that resonates with our own personal struggles in the face of social and moral restraints and dogmas perpetuated in the name of religion and culture. I might run short of words while expressing my inner feelings that rose quite strongly while reading the story. It sometimes left me teary and sometimes left me in thoughts, asking me to contemplate, reflect and empathize. Being an Asian, moral and socio-cultural restraints aren’t new to me; it can come in all shapes and forms: marriage, sartorial choices, conduct in private and public spaces, among others. The list is long and probably unending, depending upon one’s orientation and openness. The story is a concoction of search of one’s roots, search for one’s true love, search for one’s identity, search for the God, and the search for redemption and peace. Which one of these are you looking for? Like the characters of the story, each one of us are probably looking for all of them; we are sometimes caught by an immense guilt for doing something which could have been done better, sometimes caught by the fever of an unaccomplished and unrequited love, sometimes hit by the nostalgia of our birthplace and hometown despite being a place where one might have suffered the most, and sometimes looking for an answer from that spiritual power for all complexities of life. Life itself is a huge drama, depending upon where your roots are from. Death has been beautifully and subtly depicted as a way of deliverance, deliverance from lost hopes, unsolved complications of life, unrequited love, and unachieved peace.

Set in a remote Turkish village, the story looks through the eyes of the main characters: Pembe, Jamila, Iskender, Yunus and Esma. It’s a story of twin sisters Pembe and Jamila and how they perceived the patriarchal and rigid world around them; it’s also a story of Adem, who witnessed death, domestic violence and the stigma of being a son of a run away mother; it’s also explores the mind of children who grow watching the moral constraints and how they retrogressed or evolved their thoughts as an adult; it’s also a story of Iskender who goes on to stab his mother Pembe (turns out to be his aunt Jamila) to death in the name of protecting the honour of his family; it also looks at the brigher and sunnier sides of the life through the characters Yunus and Esma. Picking the favorite plot is next to impossible! However, as a reader, it’s the guilt of Iskender and his deep regrets during his prison time that touched my heart, as it makes you understand that how an action committed in a fit of anger can leave one devasted and lonely . Despite living so close physically, each and every family member steadily become distant to each other, leaving the innate trust and affection as a thing of past. It was painful to read how the societal pressure and hierarchical relationship between the father and son pushed the little boy Iskender towards the extreme path of transformation, both physically and ideologically, to gain reputation and not to get bullied and assaulted by anyone, even his own father.

How I wished when Pembe and Adem separated due to the truth that their marriage wasn’t love and unhappiness and despair as a result were spreading dangerously across their hearts and minds could have found their true love! Pembe deserved Elias, who came into her life like the sudden rain of pure joy. And, Adem deserved Jamila, whom he didn’t marry to avoid the stigma of marrying a woman who had been kidnapped and had no proof of her being a virgin. He ultimately committed suicide and Pembe died a lonely life in her birthplace. None of the characters can be painted as purely black and white. Rather, they have multiple layers and hues to their personality. However, they ultimately make peace with life and accept the end as the only way to deliverance, both spiritually and materially. I recommend everyone to read this novel to understand human psychology and their ups and downs.

Hither Kusum

Manifestation of the Truth

The past two weeks have been challenging…mainly because of the manifestation of the truth that the world is no more free. I have been spending my time at home reading and educating myself about the facts that we will like to not accept outright…rather pretend that everything, yes every damn thing, is okay and fine. This superficial feeling can help us in overcoming the anxieties that refuse to calm down. Well, as a follower of the Buddhism, I really do see end to the rapidly rising incidents of violence, intolerance, prejudice and other dehumanizing emotions across the length and breadth of the world, especially in my own country. I know everything has an end, for sure. However, to not act and voice one’s deep fears and concerns is equivalent to cowardice, a stigma that haunts the person till his or her last breath. Right now as I speak, I am sure, many might be silently debating in their own minds and might also be trying really hard to build up their courage to stick to their values despite all odds. It’s never easy becoming courageous, it’s never easy embracing kindness, and it’s never going to be easy to remain physically and emotionally sturdy even when faced with difficulties.

Man Booker Prize Winner Arundhati Roy’s fearless essays on the recent political churnings of India

Raghuram Rajan’s book The Third Pillar rightly highlights the importance of the empowerment of the community as an agency of change and development

Though I do not always agree with the ideas of the Man Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy’s writings, her books are eye openers and a warning of a future that we might refuse to foresee.  While her novel “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” has a poetic and heart-touching plot that makes readers aware of the world of the deliberately marginalized communities along with the striking changes in the Indian politics, her latest collection of essays titled “Azadi” speaks the truth without any fear of punishment. She without any hesitation and fear uncovers one facet after another of the current Indian government. She discusses the deliberate transformation of a socialist and secular country into a majoritarian country through strategic marginalization of the minorities, especially Muslims, by distorting the concept o citizenship and increased free capitalism. Though she might particularly target the incumbent government, she nevertheless criticizes the past Congress-led government for laying the foundation of free market that eventually led to crony capitalism and privatization of the national institutions. She interestingly highlights the way language has played a crucial role in the concept of nationhood and creation of a separate state. The unacceptability of the people speaking another language has been heavily misused by the political powers for their own gains, whether it is the colonial powers, far right political groups, nationalist political groups, etc. At the same time, I am reading the book named “The Third Pillar” by the renowned economist Raghuram Rajan. It seems both Arundhati Roy and Raghuram Rajan are ultimately aiming for the same goal, i.e., empowerment of the community though via different yet similar methodologies. Raghuram Rajan underlines the importance of the community in creating a comparatively much safer and developed society through collaboration and cooperation. Rather than looking up to the state for intervention, people should empower themselves to empower the society.

The novel The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is all about vulnerable and marginalized sections in tough political and social times

When surrounded by such writings, one is undoubtedly likely to get disturbed over things not working rightly. They force readers to question the status quo and the shortcomings of the government which are often masked by stoking religious sentiments.  The reduction in the proportion of affirmative action for the citizens should be a warning signal for anyone who cares for his or her nation. It is essential that political groups and pressure groups create an environment for growth and safety. However, it seems the world has been suddenly pushed backwards, with the celebration of the far right sentiments. It seems none of those progressive movements ever existed as the world seems to be once again divided between haves and have nots, women and men, white and black, etc. Sometimes I sit back and try understanding these changes and find no relevant answers. Probably, at the end, people want power, they want it by any means. The glorification of the man made differences and stigmatization of the natural differences seem to be gaining much popularity lately than even as per my opinion. We need to seriously reflect and understand the political churnings around us to comprehend the magnitude of the dystopian world  thatw e are walking into.

A Review of the Hindi Story Aaga Peecha by Premchand

The Hindi literature has always been the primary source to comprehend the magnitude of the sociopolitical problems of the Indian society, whether it is the deep rooted patriarchy, subjugation of the commons using religion and other divisive rituals, inner conflicts of an individual or any other rural and urban pertinent topics of discussion and contemplation that remain ignored by other populist mediums. Beyond the noise of social media and newsrooms, the stories, playwrights and novels written in Hindi effortlessly portray the sensitive and heart-rending conflicts. They allow readers to look into the lives of the characters that are relatable and thereafter enable them to reflect upon their own lives.

Munshi Premchand

One of such Hindi authors who has always amazed his readers by his detailed description and deep analysis of the people around him is Munshi Premchand. His intense, realistic and thought-provoking stories are quite similar to those written by Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy. My father often hails him as the Shakespeare of India and I cannot agree more on this. His timeless stories are devoid of any preaching and concentrate more upon presenting the daily encounters as they would have occurred. The warmth, sensitivity and pain described in his stories assist readers in experiencing a range of cathartic emotions that have steadily diminished around us. They assist us in getting into the shoes of the character as wonderfully accomplished in the stories of Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy. I had the opportunity to read Prem Chand’s short story “Aaga Peechha” .  Even though the story was penned down by the author a long time back, it still stands relevant for the society.

Like his other women-centric stories, even “Aaga Peechha” is about those women who, despite deprivation and other odds, accept their lives and strengthen their values and principles to face any humiliation and ostracization. It’s about women who not just mirror all feminine qualities, but also strong moral values. It’s also about women who are the ideal examples of  both inner and outer beauty, who through their strong character  build up a strong family, man and society. They might fascinate those around them like a colorful flower swaying with the breeze, but are as determined and steadfast as a mountain in the times of stormy nights.

Women presented in Premchand’s stories are strong and inspiring

The story revolves around a young and dynamic girl raised by a prostitute. The story describes the emotional turmoil of the girl due to the stigma attached to her  being a daughter of a prostitute. Despite being extremely talented and mature for her age, she is time after time reminded of her social status by others. And, she finally realizes that any personal merit or socioeconomic achievement will never enable her to detach herself from this social stigma. As a consequence, she develops distrust and hopelessness toward social institutions, including marriage, until she meets a fellow classmate who looks at her beyond her body and admires her for her merit and achievements. The story unfolds in a beautiful manner wherein the emotional upheavals of both the girl and the boy has been beautifully portrayed. Such relationships despite being intense and beautiful have to witness innumerable emotional social conflicts. 

By the time characters build up their confidence and determination to give a proper conclusion t such relationships, they are consistently weakened by the rigid rules and certain dogmas attached to certain communities and profession, such as prostitution. When they succeed in overcoming all dogmas and  restraints, they encounter innumerable indescribable inner conflicts. The story makes readers think and contemplate over human psychology and social strictures that fail people in realizing their dreams and forming relationships that can exist only in an ideal world. It needs courage to overcome both inner and outer conflicts to live up to our ideals and principles.

Get a Kick Out of Reading “Fools Die”

I recently picked up a romance novel to satisfy the writer as well as reader in me. On the contrary, I felt sick because of its excessively decorative language and repulsed by the entire concept of love that leads to idolization and dependence rather than liberating two people in love. I guess my ideas about love have drastically changed with age and time.  It’s now more about spending my precious time with a man who respects me and my thoughts. I find super heroes boring and utterly disappointing, instead find men with conviction and knowledge more endearing. Frankly, I am so much done with fairy tales and neck deep into the realities of life. So, I naturally started looking for novels that are more rustic and closer to reality.  People say reading a book is like traveling the world and experiencing the life. And, there’s no doubt that I absolutely buy this idea. They have molded each and every aspect of my personality. However, I still feel incomplete as I am yet to feel that I have read enough and know sufficient to lead my life. The daily grinds of life no more scare me; I rather get a kick when I come across people who deliberately came out of their comfort zones to do what they yearned for long despite all hardships and hurdles.

Sometime back I happened to purchase the novel “Fools Die’ written by Mario Puzo from a local flea market. I had no idea about the novel, except the fact that it was penned by the author of the classic novel “The Godfather”.  I gleefully bought it and unconsciously pushed it in one of the corners of my book shelf. A few days back when heat and loneliness started hitting me hard, I thought of reading this novel. And, trust me, I have loved it so far. As I quoted before, the novel is rustic and extraordinary as it portrays the reality as it exists. The protagonist, Merlyn, is not a super hero, though he loves calling himself a magician. It gives a detailed picture of the world of gambling thriving in the city of Las Vegas and the travails of a writer born orphan. The world of gambling is a world in itself, far beyond the law-abiding life that we lead. It’s a world outside the purview of law and more powerful and fascinating than imagined. There are fixed denizens of this flashy and dangerous world, including rich tycoons ready to splurge money over women and gambling, prostitutes who are commonly known as sleeping pills, losers, people with a broken heart and family trying to forget their personal tragedies, men who control the pit and manage casinos, among all. In this world, it’s not easy to cheat and far difficult to escape after cheating. The person who cheats the casino of its money is more likely to be buried in a desert than left alive, as simple as that.

As I said before, since the characters are vulnerable and imperfect, it becomes far easier to accept them while reading the novel. There are women who are trading their body for money and that’s the reality of life. The novel gives a glimpse into the life of filthy rich people and their world of infidelity, greed, power and control over the system. It’s quite eye opening to read about the personal lives of the capitalists controlling the major portion of the wealth across the world. It also throws light upon the entire business of corruption and how it is conducted. The protagonist of the novel, who aims to earn his living through his writings, though hesitant before does not mind later to indulge in small bribery in his own Robinhood style. Rather than despising himself, he feels more powerful and happy in earning by bribing others for enlisting their children in a short-term military programme to escape from the long-term active duty. Unlike before, he is able to fulfill the desires and feelings of his family, purchase a house in a safer locality, enhance the lifestyle of his family, etc.

There’s so much to talk about this novel that I will have to post one more article to describe its other key themes. I am still reading the novel and am in the midst of discovering the beautiful relationship between the protagonist and his brother, Artie. Despite being different, they are far more connected with each other and understand each other very well. The novel is incomplete without talking about the relationship between Merlyn and Artie and other beautiful connections. The friendship between Merlyn and Cully, who rises to become the kingpin of the world of gambling, can also melt down the hearts of readers. In the next post, I will try to cover the remaining elements of the novel in detail.

Laurence Anyways – A Film Review

MON ONCLE – A Review

Some movies have the tendency to impact the mind of the cinemagoers forever. The impact is so powerful that each and every scene of the movie remains etched in the memory. Irrespective of the time and space, one can still feel the sensation as felt while watching the film.  One of such movies is without any iota of doubt is the classic French film titled “Mon Oncle.” Directed by one of the greatest directors, Jacques Tati, this movie is a comical take on the consequences of growing industrialization and increased dependence on technology. It simultaneously draws attention of the viewers toward the difference between bourgeoisie and proletariat class. It’s a light-hearted visual comedy that leaves the feeling of pleasure and happiness at the end. The charm of the movie is in its unsophisticated portrayal of the daily life of the both classes. Under the brilliant direction of Tati, the easy-going characters and scenes seem extremely believable. It’s extremely endearing to see the way Tati, who also plays the role of the protagonist in the film, brings forth the key theme before the audience and leaves it upon the audience to draw the main lessons out of the entire film.

As rightly stated by many reviewers, the entire effortlessly shot movie revolves around Tati’s character, Hulot, a simpleton living in a room on the roof. What struck a chord in my heart were the lovely people in the neighborhood of Hulot’s place who shared admirable camaraderie. The amusing life of blue collar workers, such as sweepers, vegetable vendors, etc., is like a treat for the eyes of the audience. Unlike other main characters, Hulot enjoys frolicking around in the city, both alone and with his nephew, Gerard. Despite being unemployed and confused, a matter of grave concern for his sister and her husband, he continues to be care-free and entertaining, least bothered by the rejection for his antics at the new job. The main attraction of the entire film is the antics and prances of Hulot that leave the audience in a fit of laughter. The coming together of the characters obsessed with home-based technology and a simpleton like Hulot leads to a series of amusing mishaps. The cons of leading a life controlled by technology have also been shown in an interesting manner. Some of the amusing cons include the locking up of Hulot’s sister and her husband in their highly technical garage, their inability to conduct a normal conversation due to the constant irritating noise of the machines running in the kitchen, etc. The funniest part of the film is the way fountain is switched on as an exhibit based on the status of the visitor. This shows how technology is used by the bourgeoisie to compete with each other, unlike the proletariats living in the neighborhood of Hulot.

One of the most fascinating parts of the film is the sweet bond between Hulot and Gerard. Unlike his parents, Gerards looks up to Hulot and is always ready to frolic around with him. While he is a fun-loving boy enjoying company of other boys playing innocent pranks on others and eating street food, he looks totally exhausted and bored in his spacious technologically controlled home. He is bored of talking to the guests from his neighborhood due to their superficial mannerisms and foolish conversations. These scenes give an insight into the materialistic and consumerist lifestyle of the bourgeoisie class. Though made as early as 1958, it a movie that stands as relevant as ever. In this age of addiction to mobile phones, movies like Mon Oncle are quite essential.

 

 

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Duel – A Movie Review