Ah, the rains are never-ending! I can’t go outside with my friends to do all the things I had planned. When necessity dictates and I have to go out, the heavens start pouring without any warning. My umbrella barely holds out, not counting the innumerable times I have forgotten to carry my umbrella. My feet get invariably swamped in muddy potholes. See, that’s one way of looking at monsoons. The other way is how the introverted me is free of all social obligations because a raincheck is a universal excuse. There are small streaks of lightning in the night sky, a low growl of thunder, the temperature is ideal, a freshly brewed hot cup of coffee beside me, and I am curled up in my blanket with a wonderful book. Now, that’s my favorite way of looking at monsoon. Here are some wonderful reads by some of the best contemporary literary minds in our nation.
I. Dance like a Man by Mahesh Dattani
Dance Like a Man is a riveting and emotionally charged two-act play that revolves around three generations, each grappling with personal ambitions, sacrifices, struggles, and compromises. The central focus of the story is on dance, which becomes a major topic of discussion in the household, sparking debates between the father and his son and daughter-in-law. As the title implies that a man is expected to engage in activities deemed appropriate for men and not pursue careers in anything that might be perceived as effeminate. The title is a reflection of the protagonist's father's desire for his son not to adopt feminine qualities or pursue a career in dance.
II. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Winner of the Man Booker Prize, this darkly humorous and thought-provoking novel follows the journey of Balram Halwai, a poor Indian villager who becomes a driver for a wealthy family in Delhi. Through Balram's witty narration, the book provides a sharp critique of India's class divide and the struggles faced by the underprivileged.
III. Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag
This novella, originally written in Kannada and later translated into English, explores the changes in a family's dynamics after their sudden rise from poverty to affluence. It's a compelling story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and how wealth can alter them.
IV. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Retelling the epic Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi, this novel takes you on a captivating journey through her life, ambitions, and struggles. The monsoon backdrop adds an enchanting atmosphere to the ancient tale of love, politics, and war.
V. The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh
This is an award-winning novel that intricately captures the interplay of time, events, and perspectives. It delves into the concept of lines that connect and divide people, visible from one angle and absent from another, existing in memories and imagination. The narrative weaves a complex web of memories from various characters, inviting readers to craft their own interpretations. Set against historical backdrops like the Swadeshi movement, the Second World War, the Partition of India, and the Communal riots of 1963-64 in Dhaka and Calcutta, the novel presents a rich portrayal of intertwined lives amid significant historical events.
VI. The Lilac House by Anita Nair
This is a compelling tale that follows Meera, a content corporate wife and cookbook writer, whose life takes an unexpected turn when her husband disappears, leaving her to shoulder the responsibilities of her family and their ancestral home, Lilac House. Meanwhile, Professor Jak, a cyclone studies expert, returns to India to care for his injured daughter and unravel the mysteries surrounding her accident. As Meera and Jak's paths converge, they delve into their pasts, unearthing secrets and seeking redemption and second chances. This sweeping narrative explores themes of forgiveness and the promise of the future, making The Lilac House a captivating story of intertwining lives and personal growth.
VII. Red Earth and Pouring Rain by Vikram Chandra
In Vikram Chandra's captivating debut novel, the gods Hanuman, Ganesha, and Yama descend upon an Indian city to compete for the soul of a wounded monkey. Striking a deal, the monkey must tell a captivating story to earn his life. The narrative weaves through nineteenth-century India, chronicling the lives of Sanjay, a poet, and Sikander, a warrior. The tale encompasses thundering hoofbeats in the streets of Calcutta, the birth of a radiant child, great wars, love affairs, and a city brimming with poetry. Interwoven with this historical tapestry is a modern-day narrative, following a young Indian's adventures as he traverses America with friends before eventually returning to his homeland. The novel beautifully entwines myth, history, and contemporary life, creating an enchanting and multi-layered story.
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