ஐந்து முதலைகளின் கதை (Ainthu Muthalaikalin Kathai) - சரவணன் சந்திரன்

"திரைகடல் ஓடி திரவியம் தேடு "  - this is what I thought when I started reading this book. But the book talks many interesting things.  This is Saravanan Chandran's first novel and I should say he has a gift of writing.  This 167 page novel is a breeze and very interesting too. This is the story of five opportunistic men who in the name of business exploits the locals though they themselves are from poor and normal background.

வாழ்க்கை ஒரு காட்டாறு போல இருக்கும்பட்சத்தில் அதில் மிதக்கும் தக்கையைப் போல உன்னுடைய எண்ணங்களை மாற்றிவிடு . ஒரு விஷயத்தைப் பிடித்துத் தொங்கிக்கொண்டிருக்காதே . அதுவும் ஒரு அனுபவம் எனக் கடந்து விடு .

The author beautifully explains the mindset of a young man who wants to starts a business . The chosen place is Timor- a tiny country in Indonesia Archipelago. In spite of his father's effort ,the protagonist sells his house in the village and invest in  a business in Timor. The journey to start and run the business brings everything one can learn in human life - love , sex,  betrayal , booze and food. One can easily understand the mindset of village man in protagonist specially whenever he is down he thinks of those lovely village moments - days playing hockey specially the final minute goal, his friend's sister's love and affection -moments like these will take the readers back to their good old days.

தேவைக்கு அதிகமான விஷயங்களை நீயும் யாரிடமும் கேட்காதே . தேவைக்கு அதிகமான விஷயங்களை நீயும் யாரிடமும் சொல்லாதே .

The author introduces Timor as a place of wonderful opportunities and its true . I have talked to many people here in Singapore who told the same thing. East Timor got Independence from Indonesia only in 2002. This relatively new country invited everyone from everywhere to built the nation. Their life style is very simple. Their sex life is even simpler. But poverty is widespread. Everyone exploits them.  various customs of these people are very interesting.

வீணாக்கும் ஒவ்வொரு காசும் என் குழந்தைகளின் சிரிப்பு .

Lots of side stories which makes this book more interesting- the story of chef Jacob and the Buddhist monk Ajahan Siripanyo (Tharanisri),and the specifics of  Bird's Nest, the Timorian's death ceremony, Naasi Karang rituals etc The author also highlights some contemporary issues like the snuggling of Red Sandalwood and the operations of Sand mafia. I heard about Red Sandalwood only after the killing of Tamilians  near Tirupathi but its bit shocking and surprise to know the politics behind this wood. The Red Sandalwood is a natural nuclear reactor coolant!

In page 97 the author says that main occupation of fishermen in Pamban is sea cucumber catching(??!). Is that true? I have seen sea cucumbers drying outside of some buildings but its in very small percentage , may be I don't know much about it and its illegal to catch sea cucumber in India.  The author being a journalist explains the details of sea cucumber business and how Chinese believes in its medical power.

This is a very easy read,  everything told in a simple language and not in detail (the author did not describe much about Timor history or more of their customs, may be that's why this book is a good read, he just wrote what is needed , well done!). In many places one can find the journalist in author which is good for this kind of travelogue novel.

Another young Tamil writer along with Lakshmi Saravanakumar and Vinayaga Murugan whom everyone should read. Hope these writers continue to write good stories and enrich Tamil literature.

Good read!!