The Strange Library - Haruki Murakami

Wow..!! One hell of a novella. What will you expect from Murakami ? Like his 1Q84 , a strange story. The opening line "The library was even more hushed than usual" sets the tone for a roller-coaster ride.

The tricky thing about mazes is that you don't know if you've chosen the right path until the very end. If it turns out you were wrong, it's usually too late to go back and start again. That's the problem with mazes.

A unnamed boy wants to return the library books and wants to borrow some more books about tax collection in the Ottoman Empire. The librarian asks the boy to go down to room 107. The room is very strange. The old librarian in the room asks the boy to memorise the books he borrowed and left, he was served by sheepman and a girl.  The boy was alarmed when the sheep told that the old man will eat the fact-filled brain of his once he memorise the books. The boy had no option except to read and he did that . Though the book was written in Turkish he was able to understand it , to his surprise. The boy start memorising but he keeps on thinking about his mother and pet bird.

The world follows its own course. Each possesses his own thoughts, each treads his own path.

The author takes you to an alternative universe. What is real and what is not- the author beautifully makes the reader believe in his writings , the language is simple. The translator did a great job.All the characters accepts whatever comes in their ways unlike in 1Q84,where everyone questions everything. Chup Kidd's design and illustrations complement beautifully with lively prose of Murakami. Special credit should be given to Chup Kidd, sometimes you end up looking at the illustrations without reading the text for long time.

Good read !!

Genesis - Bernard Beckett

“Which came first, the mind or the idea of the mind? Have you never wondered? They arrived together. The mind is an idea.” 

“The only thing binding individuals together is ideas. Ideas mutate and spread; they change their hosts as much as their hosts change them.” 

The conclusion of this story is shocking I could not keep it out of my mind even after two days. This small book punch us hard and asks questions which are relevant these days - what is conscience ? what is to be a human?.

The story sets in the city state called "The Republic" after "The Last War". The Republic is completely isolated - no refugees or outsiders allowed. The Great Sea Fence separate the republic from the rest of the world. Anyone approaching near it will be destroyed. The people are divided into different categories - the philosophers are at the top. They controlled the decision making.

“Human spirit is the ability to face the uncertainty of the future with curiosity and optimism. It is the belief that problems can be solved, differences resolved. It is a type of confidence.” 

The story starts with Anaximander, a girl who appears for "The Academy" entrance exam. The whole story is like a Plato's dialogue, interrogative. Anaximander's topic for the exam was "The life and times of Adam Forde". Adam Forde was the last man to disobey the order and listen to his "heart" and saved a refugee girl. The real story starts after his arrest and subsequent interactions with a robot (AI machine) called ART. The scientist felt that in order to improve Artificial Intelligence there must be a continuous interaction between the machine and human so the authorities made Adam a prototype (full time companion) for Art to learn human intelligence.

What happens between Adam and Art is the crux of the story. They discusses many complicated matters.

“I am not a machine. For what can a machine know of the smell of wet grass in the morning, or the sound of a crying baby? I am the feeling of the warm sun against my skin; I am the sensation of a cool wave breaking over me. I am the places I have never seen, yet imagine when my eyes are closed. I am the taste of another's breath, the color of her hair."

"I am curiosity, I am reason, I am love, and I am hatred. I am indifference."

“You’re still just silicon,” he said, as he turned the page. “And you’re just carbon,” Art persevered. “Since when has the periodic table been grounds for discrimination?”  

Art is programmed not to hurt or kill anything with consciousness. So everyone believes that it will not hurt or kill. But the events that happened in  'The Great Dilemma' was something no one predicted. What happened to Adam and what happened to Anaximander for digging deep into Adam's life? was the rest of story. But the climax was chilling and scary. The twist was really unpredictable. This book raises many questions , some are disturbing too. The technological advancement invariably brings lots of social and ethical issues and its human beings responsibility to control it.

The writing is very simple. The names  of the characters ,events and the places makes this novel more interesting and relevant. In New Zealand this book was released  in Children / Young Adults categories but in USA it was released in Adults category - for me anyone can read including kids.

Must Read...!!

ஃ பிரான்சிஸ் இட்டிகோரா(Francis Ittycora) - ட்டி.டி.ராமகிருஷ்ணன்

This book was originally written in Malayalam and was translated into Tamil by Kurinjivelan. The first thing I did after I read was googled Francis Ittycora. But Google returned me only review and news about this book. Was Francis Ittycora a real man lived in 15th centry? The author did not answer this question.

Francis Ittycora was a 15th century pepper merchant who travelled to different parts of the world. Majority of the story was about his expeditions and his friendship with elite friends in Florence . He was schooled at Hypatian schools. He was thought to be a mathematician. The story is revealed here and there by different characters at different time periods. One of his descendant Francis Xavier Ittycora decided to come to India in search of his ancestors and freedom. The first chapter sets the tone. Xavier reveals his past - his time at Fallujah and how he raped women there.He is a Iraq war veteran. Xavier's description about various events happened during training and later about the detailed description of cannibalism are not for faint-heart .

"The School" - sort of sex salon  run by the three main female characters - Rekha, Reshma and Bindu. Xavier through internet found about 'The School' and started chatting with Rekha telling his exploits in Iraq and later in Peru.  The activities of school are questionable. They provides sexual services to clients specially from high society and other countries. The architecture of the 'The school' is unique.Throughout this story women were subjugated by men.The members of the school are not exception to that. More than four love making scenes are there in this book , each described to the minute details.

Then there is "pathinettam koottukar" , the descendants of Ittycora. They are sort of secret society , to outsiders they are just normal Christians. These families follows  "Gospel of Ittycora" written by Ittycora himself. The gospel proclaims Ittycora himself as a god and sets rules for others to follow. "Corakku kodukkal"  a ritual which was described in detail was really unimaginable.  This gospel is gory , really, author needs to be super creative to come up with this.The books talks about lot of historical characters and events  like Hyaptia of Alexandria, Medici family of Florence , Kerala School of Mathematics  etc . . But the stories around these historical characters and events are fabricated by the author.The story travels across the world from Kerala to Florence, Australia to Peru, Japan to US .

One cannot put this book under any category easily - it has history and an alternate history, suspense and thrill ,a documentary feel and in some places fantasy too - covers wide range , may be we can call it a  popular fiction. It has all the elements for a blockbuster movie. The conspiracy theory narrative makes the book unstoppable reading. The author also questions the Euro -centric world history.

Good read .!!

கோட்டை வீடு (Kottai Veedu) - ம.காமுத்துறை (M.Kaamuththurai)

Many times during my visits to the local library this book got my attention but i never opened and checked it. At last I decided to read this book after reading the synopsis on the book cover. Here is that synopsis :

ஒவ்வொரு மனிதனின் அடி மனதினுள்ளும் தேடிப் பார்த்தால், தரை தட்டி நிற்கும் கப்பலாய் , ஆழம் புதைந்து கிடக்கும். உறவுகளும் சொந்தங்களும் இல்லாத மனித வாழ்க்கை கிடையாது. பாசத்திற்கும், அன்பிற்கும், பரிதவிப்பிற்கும் ஏங்காத உறவுகளே இல்லை. இவை இணையும் புள்ளியில்தான் சமூகம் இயங்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறது. ஒவ்வொரு மனிதனுக்குள்ளும், ஏதாவது ஒரு புள்ளித் தேர்வு நிகழ்ந்துகொண்டே இருக்கும்.

அவ்வாறு தேர்வாகிற புள்ளியில் நகர்ந்து செல்கிறது அவனுக்கான வாழ்க்கை. ஆனாலும் விடுபட்ட புள்ளியிலேயே எல்லோரது கவனமும் குவிந்து கிடக்கும். அதன்பால் ஒரு குற்ற உணர்ச்சி ஏறி நிற்கும். அந்தப் புள்ளியினைக் கண்டு, அதனைத் தூண்டி சமநிலைப்படுத்துதலே எழுத்தாளரின் கடமை எனக் கருதுகிறேன். இதில் நானும் ஒரு புள்ளியினைத் தூண்டி இருக்கிறேன். ஒவ்வொருவரது மனதிலும் இருக்கிற கோட்டை வீட்டிற்கு இந்நாவல் உங்களை அழைத்துச் செல்லும்.

This is the story of a family trying to understand the sudden weird behaviour of their grandma. The very lovable grandma turns violent during night times. No one understands her behaviour, as days passes the family is gripping with uncertainty about what to do with her.

The eldest grandson check with his friends and wants to take her to hospital, the youngest thinks that the grandma is possessed and calls his friends to do some rituals.Her own daughter worries about the possible problem she may create within the family specially with her husband while her husband thinks of the expenses. None of them are bad , they are in fact , very lovable and took care of her well. Then what prompts the grandma to the weird behaviour?

The author takes the reader back and forth in time to find the answer for that question. After the death of the grandpa ,she left everything to live with her only child.The grandpa was like a  Casanova. Though he did not had good relationship with grandma he enjoyed greatly with other women. He treated her like a slave but grandma was a epitome of love, she treated even the lady with whom her husband had affair with love and took care of her when she gave birth to his child. What bothers her now?

The author very cleverly constructs the story by making the reader go back and forth in time. The reader feels constant state of fear about grandma -what will happen to her? Will she die  ? Will she torture the family? . The writing is simple and the way the author describes the emotions of the family is something I cannot forget easily- specially the situation of  Thanam , the grand daughter.

Good read..!!

பருக்கை (Parukkai) - வீரபாண்டியன் (Veerapandian)

The first thing that came to my mind after reading this book was how come i never heard of this book and how come well known authors like S.Ra , Jeyamohan  and others never talked about this book. Surprisingly good book. The subject is unique and i felt it must be told. Kudos to the author for taking this subject.

"சுதந்திரத்தை என்னால்சாப்பிட முடியவில்லை
சோறு கொடு" - ஈரோடு தமிழன்பன்

For me the theme of this book is - hunger. As one character says " if there is no hunger then there is no world" how true it is. I cried many times while reading this book. This is the story of group of students staying in government hostel. The author beautifully explores the various problems faced by the students.  To overcome the financial burden and to eat good food these students do part time job - their preferred one is catering services. But the catering job is not as easy as one might think. Their constant fight with hunger while serving food and the wrath of supervisor makes their life miserable. But they have no other choice.

கந்தையணிந்தோம் இருகையை விரித்தெங்கள் மெய்யினைப் போர்த்தோம்மொந்தையிற் கூழைப்  பலர்மொய்த்துக் குடித்துப் படுத்துக்கிடந்தோம்”    -பாரதிதாசன்

Most of the conversations revolves around capitalism and its impact. The author shows how the working class suffer at the hands of the rich and powerful through the catering service business. Though the author did not talk anywhere about caste but he clearly indicates the discomfort of some group of students about the allotment of scholarship money to SC and ST. Also the author justifies it by saying its needed for social justice and equal opportunities.

"உயிரே இல்லாத ஜாதி எத்தன உயிர்களை கொல்லுது பாத்தியா? மதம் மாற்றச் சட்டம் மாதிரி, ஜாதிமாற்றச் சட்டத்த உள்ள விடுவானுங்களா?”

How many times we have seen young men serving in parties and marriages and how many times we get angry on them for small things we never know who they really are and whats their stories, well , this book answers that. With hope and ambition lots of students leaves their native and goes to Chennai for their education but the reality struck them hard. No food and no proper place to stay and forced to do all sort of part time jobs. Of course these problems are only for low income and poor students . The author exposes the pathetic condition of government hostels. In reality ,what these students want want is good food and a place to rest, may be monthly scholarship for post graduate students. But no government is willing to listen and do the necessary, The author highlights the pathetic conditions of libraries in colleges and universities and how students are suffering because of it..

The writing is simple and diary like read. The writing just flows. This book received Yuva Purskar award.The writing clearly indicates that the author had experienced the lifestyle explored in this story. Each chapter starts with a quote about hunger and food - which sets the tone for that chapter. Each of those quotes are simply superb. There is no such thing as story in this novel - its just like someone narrating bits and pieces of his life.

A must read !

The Novel Cure : An A-Z of Literary Remedies - Ella Berthoud & Susan Elderkin

This book is bursting with lots of lists and suggestions about books. There are books for each and every possible situations in one's life. Its a remarkable work by these authors to compile all these lists. This book is very easy read - one can read it during coffee or lunch break. This is book is fun too.This book is a celebration of books. This book is a reading guide about choosing a book - a book of recommendations.

I loved the book layout and presentation. I never heard of many of the books suggested in this book , need to read all those. The synopsis of the suggested books are very useful. Hundreds of ideas about new books.  Many studies have proved the benefits of reading and this book gives you ammunition to it. Since I have not read much of the books suggested I cannot find any fault with the suggestions.

Some of the lists are :

• The ten best novels to lower your blood pressure.
• The ten best novels to read in hospital.
• The ten best novels for seeming well-read.
• The ten best novels to read on the loo.
• The ten best novels to turn your partner(female) on to fiction.
• The ten best novels to turn your partner(male) on to fiction.

Just reading this book itself a fascinating experience. This book should be kept with religious books in all book lovers home. I believe one day book like this one will come for Tamil books too.

The Underground Railroad - Colson Whitehead

“Freedom was a thing that shifted as you looked at it, the way a forest is dense with trees up close but from outside, the empty meadow, you see its true limits ."

"Small freedom was the worst punishment of all, presenting the bounty of true freedom into painful relief" 

After decided to read this book I searched in Google for "The Underground Railroad".  Very interesting to know how group of people helped slaves through their network of friends.The author beautifully mixes facts and fiction . This story follows the flight of Cora from her cruel master Randall in Georgia cotton plantation.She was born in slavery and her mother Mabel escaped when she was a child and no news of her ever after.Cora never forgave his mother for abandonment. Mable became a legend for slave catchers.

"White man trying to kill you slow every day, and sometimes trying to kill you fast. Why make it easy for him? That was one kind of work you could say no to."

The journey was one unrelenting horror.The initial idea of escape was planned by Casear , another slave who experienced period of freedom before he was bought by Randall. Casear through his acquaintances came to know about underground railroads and he was very sure Cora will join him.  This is where the author departs from the fact , there were no real physical railroads in those days. The author very cleverly creates characters around these railroads, even the conductors of the rails have their own story. The travel was through boxcar. Like magical realism Cora was transported to one state to another. Each state introduce Cora to new evil.

“Who built it?” Caesar asks. “Who builds anything in this country?”

No one believed in Cora as her search for peaceful life continued from state to state. Her stays in different states were brief and painful but she learnt many things including reading. She was followed by notoriously famous Ridgeway , a slave catcher. His only failure in his work was his inability to catch Cora's mother Mable.

No slave had ever keeled over dead at a spinning wheel or been butchered for a tangle. But nobody wanted to speak on the true disposition of the world. And no one wanted to hear it. Certainly not the white monsters on the other side of the exhibit at that very moment, pushing their greasy snouts against the window, sneering and hooting. Truth was a changing display in a shop window, manipulated by hands when you weren’t looking, alluring and ever out of reach.”

All characters are rebellious. The great pain suffered by the plantation slaves were unimaginable. The whites used various ways of punishing the slaves for fun and enjoyment. The chapters are interrupted by actual 19th century advertisement of slave escapes and rewards for hunting them. one particular section was very interesting - events at Museum of Natural Wonders.  The author beautifully used the characters at the museum to show the attitude of Whites towards blacks.

“People always got things wrong,” she thinks, “on purpose as much as by accident.”

“Look outside as you speed through, and you’ll find the true face of America" - I feel this statement is very important in the whole story.  Outside  was darkness. Those slaves experienced darkness everywhere.The author clearly portrays America as a nation built by slaves. This book takes whites history of blacks on its head by showing how history can be changed according to one's needs and wants. Imaginative , Inventive and Interesting.

Like last years "All The Light We Cannot See" , I felt this book surprised me with unexpected reading experience which i fully enjoyed (with sadness). Another must read !!

ராஜீவ்காந்தி சாலை (Rajiv Gandhi Salai) - விநாயக முருகன்

Salute to the author for bringing the reality of IT employees.I think this is the first novel in Tamil to explore the IT employees and employers lives. All the incidents in this story reminds me of "oh , i heard this there or i read it " . Seems like author did lots of research on writing the history of  Rajivgandhi salai. No character is wasted.

The author covered all the possible relationship problem, IT management problem and related real estate issues,marriage and sexual issues. Nothing is left  untouched.  May be because of these overwhelming topics , the story did not give the impact as one expected. Through Chandra,Ranga and Menon the author tells the reality of IT management and the effect of joblessness.  These people set unreasonable targets without ever discussing with the team and force them to work 24 X 7 without taking any rest.

கற்பனையைவிட கொடூரமானது நிஜம்.கற்பனையைவிட நிஜம் அதிக சாத்தியக்கூறுகளைக் கொண்டது .

The story of  Pranav and Suja is typical , heard and read in many times. Both working in IT field but at different time zones. The problems faced by this couple is similar to millions of IT couples specially newly married. No time for anything to do together including sex,  When things go on like this for long time result will be a disaster. Thats what exactly happened to Pranav in this story. I was not surprised.

சூழ்ச்சி செய்யத் தெரியாத எளிய மனிதர்களின் கனவுகளை காலத்திற்கு ஏற்ப மாறிக்கொள்ளாத மனிதர்களின் கனவுகளை காலமாகிய நான் ஒருபோதும் நிறைவேற்றுவதே இல்லை.

The story of Kowshik, though cinematic but believable. One cannot understand how young girls falls to guys like him. It happens everywhere. Another interesting story is the stories of taxi drivers of the IT companies. The gossip plays vital role in their communication. The story of Lourde is something unique , he was arrested for doing good and later learnt the tricks of being a cab driver,ultimately marrying a girl in the same IT company where he is working (how many times we heard stories like this!!).

Another important character is Karthick , consultant who travels overseas often. He is sort of examplory character in this novel. He utilizes his time and money efficiently and feel sorry for Pranav. Most of the IT employees want to have life like Karthick but majority falls under Pranav category atleast in terms of working life.  His idea of work from home and do only your own work makes sense.  Through Pranav , the author higlights the problem faced by the hard working and technically strong employee, Pranav do more than asked and he paid the price for his hard work and loyalty - fired. These kind of thing happens everywhere someone do all the thing and some other takes the credit.

புள்ளியில் இருந்து பிரம்மாண்டத்தைப் பார்த்தால் அதிசியமாய் இருக்கும் பிரம்மாண்டத்தில் இருந்து புள்ளியைப் பார்த்தால் என்ன அதிசியம் இருக்கப்போகிறது

The impact of globalization is very clearly explained in this novel. For old people these changes are drastic and they could not understand the pace in which these IT people are moving in their life. They live their live in their memories. The characters like Annama,Thangavelu chettiar,Kasim and Rasu brings those good olden days memories. The author tells the history through them. I heard these kind of stories in Singapore. Many taxi drivers told me how Chennai has changed in these 20 years and how today's youth misses those great days of the past.Some of the things described in this book is shocking but not surprising like whats happening rave parties, gigolos , wife swapping , lesbian sex, Adaiyar dog doctor and onsite sexual acts.  Here after, I think i will always remember these things whenever I hear the name  Rajiv Gandhi salai.

The language and the writing style feels like the author is closer to us (since I too working in IT). Because of his experience in IT industry the author is able to brings the all the details inside a typical software company.

Good read!!

Olympics 2016 : Athletes To Watch

An exciting Olympic starts today. I always get excited about this event.  Technology has changed the way these athletes practise and perform but winning and losing depends on that particular moment of brilliance. That's the magic of these sports events.

1. The one athlete whom I'm very eagerly waiting to watch : SIMON BILES , following her for the last 2 years, I can definitely say this girl is a WONDER. 

 2.One of my favourite runner of this decade ,liked his posture and how he carried himself : DAVID RUDISHA.

3.The man who brought back millions of people to track and field , the evergreen -USAIN BOLT

4.Another evergreen swimmer , without a doubt a legend : MICHAEL PHELPS

5.When there is a question arises who is the greatest athlete right now , may points to Usain Bolt and other 'famous' athletes but one name fits to that title according me is ASHTON EATON, unfortunately many don't know this great athlete.

6.Another gymnast who I love watching and adore him for his consistency , unquestionably for me the greatest male gymnast of all time - KOHEI UCHIMURA

7. The man who surprised many with his last minute push in 5000 & 10000 meters : MO FARAH

8. Singapore's Joseph Schooling, I have seen him swim here in Singapore. He is a very good swimmer and medal contender.

9.I believe LEE CHONG WEI will win gold in badminton single, he is a great player . But  he has to overcome the "Superman" Lin.

10. This is "Superman" LIN DAN's last Olympics , I like both Lee and Lin, hope for the best.

Some other notable athletes in this Olympics:

11. LYDIA KO -Golf

12.TIRUNESH DIBABA- Track & Field

13.MEB KEFLEZIGHI - Track & Field

14.KATIE  LEDECKY - Swimming

15.BRADLEY WIGGINGS - Cycling

Teams :

1. US Women's Gymnast

2.Fuji Rugby 7's 

3.Australian Women Hockey

4.Indian Women Hockey

5.US Women Football

Hope  2016 Olympics will showcase the talents of these great athletes and will be remembered for it than other out of field happenings.

 

மிளிர் கல் (Milir Kal) - இரா.முருகவேள்

தமிழ்ல மாணிக்கம் ,மரகதம் ,கோமேதகம்னு சொல்றோம் இல்லையா அதுதான் . ஆங்கிலத்துல சபையர் ,ரூபி ,எமரால்டு, அக்வாமெரைன் .இந்த மாதிரி கர்களுக்குப் பொதுவான பெயர் ரத்தினம் .... நமது இலக்கியங்கள் இந்த வகைக் கற்களை மிளிரமணிகள்னு சொல்லுது.

After reading this novel the first man came to my mind was Dan Brown - a writer who uses historical themes, symbols and conspiracy theories in his thrillers. Murugavel succeeded in writing a good story with historical themes. I think this is the first Tamil book to do so. Another novel which came to my mind was  Sudhagar's 6174 . 6147 was good but failed in many areas and not a memorable one. The author made sure that the facts are correct and his language did not let him down.

I need to acknowledge that I have never read Silappathikaram fully before I start reading this book . As I was reading this book I also started reading the prose of those described in this novel. I think this book will be even more interesting and enjoyable if one knows Silappathikaram fully. Its a shame that our schools and colleges not teaching our epics any more. 

This is the story of Mullai , a Tamil girl born and living in Delhi, who wants to follow the footsteps of Kannagi from Poombugar to Madruai to Chera Kingdom. For Mullai Kannagi is fascinating , through her father's storytelling she imagined a lot about Kannagi which lead her to take a documentary on Kannai . She leaves Delhi and travels to Chennai to fulfil her dream. Naveen her college friend and a leftist helps her in filming. They were joined by Srikumar ,a professor later.  These three characters are very different from each other.  

Through their journey the author beautifully explains the precious stones trade and their history in Tamilnadu. As Mullai and Naveen starts from Chennai , a multinational gem company (JK Diamonds) starts their business of finding gem mining location.Without he himself knowing Professor Srikumar was helping them. The kidnapping of Srikumar , the arrival of Naveen's friend Kannan and the arrest of various activists creates a thriller like feel.  The author beautifully links corporate companies who are thousands of kilometres away to the local goons and farmers and how these people link to Kovalan and Kannagi.

Though Mullai and Naveen started the journey for the documentary they slowly understands the problems faced by the people and the real politics played out. Naveen ,though he is left leaning, this journey made him to see everything first hand.The author answers lots of difficult questions in a simple manner through conversations. The author explains how King Ashoka sent missionaries to bring the tribal people under his rule and how Jainism used the tribal people and later how Dravidian parties specially DMK made Kannagi as role model woman. Both Buddhism and Jainism were dominant religion of traders of those times.

The novel bring back the life of those times with excellent description of places and people. The namesake of Kovalan and the lifestyle of Madhavi and everything related to them were as real as one can get . As a crown to top it all, the authors description of Kannagi festival at Kodunganallur was simply amazing. During this festival the devotees sing songs with full of bad words . The way Dalits defended this festival from the high caste and the politics behind it are very important fact to know. For many communities Kannagi is a semi-god. The different beliefs of different communities regarding Kannagi makes her a mystic and fascinating.

Till I read this novel whenever someone said "kangeyam" I thought only of  bulls and Jallikattu but this book changed that, and its surprising to know Kangeyam's precious stone deposits and business. One thing this novel did to me was to read more about Silappathikkaram and our history. I already order Silappathikkarm and watched the movie "Poombuhar "- i think its better to stick with reading and not to watch that movie. This novel won many awards. The writing is simple and easy to read.

"தம்பி , பக்கத்தில் கோடியக்கரையிலயிருந்து மீன் பிடிக்க போன நம்ம ஆளுங்க இருபது பேர புடிச்சிட்டு போயிட்டாங்க . அதபத்தியும் ஏதாச்சும் படம் எடுங்க உங்களுக்கு புண்ணியமா போகும்." 

A shining light among Tamil historical fictions - must read!! 

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!!

உப்பு நாய்கள் (Uppu Naigal) - லஷ்மி சரவணக்குமார்

One "Tour de force " novel by hugely talented Lakshmi Saravanakumar. This is the second book I read by this author. Uppu Naigal is undoubtedly the better of the two.  I felt like watching a movie and the one movie kept on coming to my mind was "Aranya kandam". The series of events and the way the author explains it  made it look like a movie.

யாருக்கும் சொல்லாத ரகசியமென்று ஒன்றுமிருக்க முடியாது. ஒருவனின் ரகசியங்களை அவனறியாமலேயே பார்ப்பதில்தான் சகமனிதனின் உச்சபட்சமான சந்தோசங்களிருக்கின்றன .

I have to say this is the story of the people whom we meet everyday in the crowded city.  The city in this story is Madras. People from different parts of the country keep coming to Madras. This story tells life of these people. Some readers will feel awkward when they read the same sex scenes , relationship between Mani and Sampath's mother and the sexual act between Selvi and Muthulakshmi. And some other readers will find it shocking about the Armenian Church priest's sexual fantasies ,dog butchering  and the children kidnapping.

ஒரு மனிதன் நிழலை மறைத்துக்கொள்ள முடிந்தால் எல்லா இடங்களும் அவனுக்கு உடமையாகிவிடுகின்றன .

Most of the story moves around Sambath, Selvi and Athamma. All three start their life in a very different way, the only thing that connects them all is poverty. Part one of the book is a breeze, pacy and thrilling. The Main Protagonist is Sampath, a very unique character. Whatever he do , he did it better than others. No one knows how he does and his whereabouts. His sexual exploits are unbelievable , at least for me. A nun trust him like she trust her God. A Marwadi girl ignore his husband and full-fill her sexual desires with him. Sampath is a typical example of man's boundless desire.The politics of north chennai is played out through Sampath and gangs.

குழந்தைகளுக்கு பயப்பட எதுவுமில்லை . பெரியவர்களிடமிருந்து  கற்றுக்கொள்கிற ஆபாசமான விசயங்களில் இந்த பயமும் ஒன்று.

Athamma and her family left Kadappa to Chennai in search of better life. Athamma is a wild girl - unafraid of anything . She was fascinated by the city lifestyle. Through Athamma , the author tells the story of a immigrant workers. Her father slowly leaves her and her mother and at one point he gave her mother to his Oriya friend. No one except Arti, an IT girl who works in one of the building they built, love her in this big city. She sort of adopted Athamma and her mother. The introduction of Arti looks cinematic and did not bring credibility to this part for the story.

ஒரு மனிதன் தான் ரகசியங்களை அளவுக்கு அதிகமாகப் பாதுகாக்க நினைக்கும் பொழுது அவன் தனக்கான முடிவுகளை எளிதில் தேடிக்கொள்கிறான் .

The story of Selvi and Thavudu is even more pathetic. From pickpocket to drug smuggling , their life is full of tragedy but that's reality. The  life of women in prison is shocking .Here too , the author highlights the atrocities of the police. The episode of sham travels and prostitution are real - many times we read these kind of things in newspapers.Another cinematic end to Thavudu , she started selling food items and leaves all the dirty works. I thought that Sampath , Athamma adn Selvi will come together at some point of time specially when Sampath starts kidnapping but author had other thoughts and it was good.

Another important story is Shivani and Mahesh's sexual escapades. Their sexual relation starts in a theatre -for Shivani its sort of necessity and freedom, . One can understand Shivani's position and feeling but how she overcome her traditional family values and lives her sexual life is something 'dark' ,again its believable.The author also tells the scary story of how SIM card can be dangerous through Mahesh. All characters make sense. Gopal - who left smuggling and start selling dog meat , Muthulakshmi - a bogus doctor with her cunning schemes, Babu- the smuggling boy who introduces Selvi to smuggling are all important characters which give continuity and credibility.

The author did not comprise the language and the details when he explained different crimes (should I say crime?!) and the lives of these people.  Felt like the author wrote from his own experiences,  One can also feel the familiarity of some characters. The life in darkness which we  everyday passes through.

To know the  real face of the city. Read it. A minor classic!

கானகன் - லக்ஷ்மி சரவணகுமார்

அவள் கண்ணீரும் ஒப்பாரியுமாய் அந்தக் காட்டின் ஆதிக் கதை நோக்கி தன்னை நகர்த்திக் கொள்ள நினைத்தவளாகவும் மனிதர்களின் மீதான அச்சத்தில் பைத்தியங்கொண்டவளாகவும் அரற்றினாள். ‘மனுசனுக்கு ஒரு பாடுன்னா தெய்வத்துக்கிட்ட போறோம-தெய்வத்துக்கு ஒரு பாடுன்னா அது எங்க போவும்…’  கிழவிகள் வாய்க்குள்ளாகவே புழுங்கிக் கண்ணீர் விட்டனர்.”

I heard about this novel after the announcement of Sakitya Academy award winners .  Few years back i read a short story written by Lakshmi Saravanakumar and like it . I never read any novel of this author. I was really excited to find this book in the library.  Finished the book in three days.

This is the novel of two sets of contrasting characters - father versus son ,and nature versus human, for harmony of all both these needs to support and live together. But in this story there is a constant tension between these two. Thangappan , a notoriously famous hunter who kills a Tiger. The revenge starts there.The very first scene about the setup for the hunt is very interesting and the author's attention to details made the scene memorable. I think no reader will forget that scene. He knows the forest inside out.

"காட்டுக்குள்ள திருடித் தின்னு பழக்கப்பட்டுட்டா மனுஷன் மிருகமாயிருவான் . அவனத் திருத்த முடியாது "

 Vaasi, stepson of Thangappan , is a son of Sadaiyan whom the tribal community leader think of as a forest child. Sadaiyan talks to the forest. Same like his biological father Vassi loves the forest so much that he is ready to give his life to protect it.  Thangappan wants Vaasi to learn hunting and he did but Vassi never used it unnecessarily. All three wives of Thangappan treats Vaasi as their own son and loves hims as one.

"வேட்டை ஒருவகையான யுத்தம் . ஆனால் தாக்குதலுக்கு எதிரியை அனுமதிக்காத யுத்தம் யுத்தமே அல்ல.அது  சூது ." 

The Casanova like lifestyle of Thangappan is something some readers will not accept but the author beautifully justifies the three wives of him with believable explanations.  All three wives are living together without any complaints, though Thangappan favours Chellayi more. Chellayi is the wife of Sadaiyan. She left Sadaiyan in pursuit of hunting and started living with Thangappan. Wherever Thangappan goes he mesmerises women . The sexual desires by various characters looks real (though many readers will not agree)- many out of marriage sexual acts in this story.

பொம்பள வாசம் இருக்கற வரைக்கும் தாண்ட ,ஆம்பளைக்கு உடம்புல வேகமும் தெம்பும் இருக்கும் .ஒரு பொம்பளைக்காக எதையும் செய்ய தயாரா இருக்க ஆம்பளதாண்ட எம்புட்டு காரியத்தையும் அசராம செய்வான்.

For the tribal people the forest is everything , the author tells their story from their point of view and it is very true. These communities lives should be documented and their knowledge should be shared and used. Its always the marginalised and tribal who gets affected most by deforestation.  These people knows that the forest provides whatever they needs and they are happy with that. But everything changed when men started destroying and accumulating more than needed.

தன் தாய்மையை அங்கீகரிக்கும் எல்லோரையும் ஒரு பெண்  அதீதமாய் நேசிக்கத்தான் செய்வாள் . 

The pain of these people and their inability to stop the deforestation will make the reader too to think of his or her inability to stop the exploitation of the natural resources by the various corporate companies.  In this story , these people realises the coming disaster but could not do anything except to go to safer place. Sadaiyan warns the people about the unhappiness of the forest and its disaster consequences.

வெறுப்பு ஒரு மாபெரும் நாக்கு , யாரோ ஒருவரின் மீது ஒருமுறை சுழன்று திரும்பிவிட்டால் பின்பு ஒருபோதும் அவரை விடுவதில்லை . 

At one point , the rivalry between Thangappan and Vaasi comes to blows when Vaasi  helps the elephants to escape from the trap . The possessed Thangappan wants to kill elephants and uses Vaasi to accompolish it. But Vaasi understood the trap and did whatever he could and helps the herd to escape. The animosity grew even more .

எல்லோருக்கும் காடு வேண்டும் , தனக்குத் தேவையான ஒன்றை என்ன விலை கொடுத்து வேண்டுமானாலும் வாங்க வேண்டுமென நினைப்பதுதானே மனித இயல்பு . 

I liked the characterisation of Poosani ,the community elder who discovered the talent of Sadaiyan and Vaasi.  He leads his community closer to the forest as much he could as his ancestors did.  Ansari , another important character who is with Thangappan throughout .Though Sagayarani loves Thangappan , he goes with Ansari and live with him. I really don't understand why the auhtor construct her story like this. All female characters are strong and sexually independent.

ஒரு மனிதன்  அல்லது இனம் ,சரணடைவதற்கு முன்பாக மரணத்தைத் தேர்வு செய்யும் ஆன்ம பலத்தைக் கொண்டிருக்காவிட்டால் அடிமையாவதுதான் தவிர்க்க முடியாத விளைவாக இருக்கும் . 

There is a shade of another novel "Kaadodi" but the language and the place made this novel different and interesting one. This is the forest around Madurai which brought me closer to the story. The ending is bit cinematic but I expected it. The tiger kills Thangappan with the help of Vaasi.  Though one can read this novel in one sitting but there are some places where I thought editing would have been better. This story is mixture of heroism, lust, sentiments and nature - typical to screenwriting. The author did a good job in making the mixture a interesting one with good pace and lyrical language.This book received Yuva Puraskar award.

A good read.

கீதாரி - சு.தமிழ்ச்செல்வி

This is the story of a nomadic community of goat herdsmen and women. The life of these people is something one cannot easily understand from outside. They keep moving from one place to another in search of food for their goats. For them everything is the herd. They take life as it comes and live with whatever they have . These people work doubly harder for their living. There is no rest for these people. Day and night they needs to be with goats. Even a light mistake will cause them a lot. Apart from the natural calamities there are problems with landlords like payment etc.

The story revolves around Ramu and his families. The story starts with the birth of twin girls(Karicha and Sivapi) to a mad woman .Ramu already have a daughter Muthamma. Vellachamy, one of his relative's son also lives with them.  Ramu and his wife Vellayai pulled the babies out as there was no doctors or neighbours nearby.  The landlords decided to handover the mad woman to the hospital and asked Ramu to take care of them . Initially no landlords came forward to adopt but one of them (Sambasivam) for the sake of his name told he will come and take one girl after few years and he did that  The girls were separated.

Karicha lived with Vellachamy and eventually married him after people started talking badly about their relationhip. Vellachamy loved her so much, apart from childlessness ,everything was fine between them but everything changed after he met his brother's family who convinced him and arranged marriage with sister-in-law's sister. Karicha heart broken left Vellachamy and moved with Ramu and family. After leaving Vellachamy , he came to know that he was pregnant but she decided to stay with Ramu.  On the other side, Sambasivam's two wives did not allow Sivapi to continue the education and was forced to work all day long. Sivapi died in a mysterious way- they did not inform the death to the family. Many suspected the death was due to Sambasivam's misbehaviour. What happened to Karicha ,Ramu and Vellachamy is the rest of story.

The author beautifully explains various customs and habits of these people.The marriage between Karicha and Vellachamy was unique. As Vellachamy was busy with his herd, Ramu took his staff and finished the marriage with that.Others like - arranging marriage with younger brother if elder one dies, bring back the dead body all the way to the native village for the burial. The way the housewives go to the villager's houses to grind their spices and masalas -and how they preserve it -amazing. They way these people prepare for the rainy season is very interesting but its very very hard.

Ramu's entire life is selfless . He did everything for others. He risked his life to bring Vellachamy out of the landlord and genuinely loved Karicha and Sivapi. The way he handles the problems of the people and his understanding of the environment and the goats showed his remarkable character.All the female characters in this story are very hardworking and strong.  One cannot finish the book without tears in the end.

The author said the following about the book:

வெயில், மழை, பனி, புயல் என அத்தனை இயற்கைச் சீற்றங்களை யும் வெட்டவெளியில் எதிர்கொள்ளும் அவர்களின் எளிய வாழ்க்கை என்னை வெகுவாகக் கவர்ந்தது. அவர்களைப் பற்றி எழுதவேண்டும் என்று தோன்றியது. அவர்களுடன் கலந்து பேசி அவர்களின் உரையாடல் களின் வழியாகத் தேவையான தரவுகளைச் சேகரித்துக்கொண்டு எழுதத் தொடங்கிவிட்டேன். எழுதி முடிக்கும் வரை கிட்டத்தட்ட ஒரு கீதாரிப் பெண் போலவேதான் என்னை நான் உணர்ந்தேன். அத்தகைய ஓர் உணர்வு இருந்ததால்தான் இது புழங்காத பகுதி, புதிய வாழ்க்கைமுறை, பார்த்திராத நிகழ்ச்சிகள் என்ற தயக்கங்கள் இல்லாமல் எழுதமுடிந்தது. கீதாரியை எனது படைப்பு மனதுக்குக் கிடைத்த வெற்றியாக நான் கருதுகிறேன்.

Remarkable book!

கதாநதி - பிரபஞ்சன்

Writer Prabhanjan wrote this series for Tamil Hindu. I really enjoyed reading this series. Here is the list of writers Prabhanjan wrote about : This is a good list to start 

1	சூடாமணி	உளவியல் கலைஞர்
2	சார்வாகன்	வீழ்ச்சிகளை எதிர்த்த மேன்மை
3	பாக்கியம் சங்கர்	வடசென்னையில் இருந்து ஒரு கலைக் குரல்
4	தமயந்தி	விடுதலை பேசும் கலைக் குரல்
5	‘லிவிங் ஸ்மைல்’ வித்யா	மாபெரும் வாழ்நாள் போராளி
6	எம்.எஸ்.கல்யாணசுந்தரம்	சத்திய வேட்கை கொண்ட தத்துவவாதி
7	சீதா ரவி	நீரால் ஆன காவிரிக் கதைஞர்
8	மா.அரங்கநாதன்	நவீன எழுத்து யோகி
9	பவா செல்லதுரை	பாறையில் முளைத்த தனிச் செடி
10	ஆதவன்	மனதை மொழிபெயர்த்த கதையாளர்
11	தேன்மொழி	உலகத் தரம் வாய்ந்த எழுத்தாளர்
12	கந்தர்வன்	தேர்ந்த கதைசொல்லி
13	கோபிகிருஷ்ணன்	மனதின் புதிர் மொழி
14	க.மோகனரங்கன்	புதிர்களை ஆராயும் கலைஞன்
15	சல்மா	மீண்டு வந்த வாழ்வின் குரல்
16	சாரா	கடல் கடந்த கண்ணீர்
17	ரவிக்குமார்	அகரமுதல்வன்- தாயைப் பிரசவித்தவர்கள்
18	சா.தேவதாஸ்	உலக ஞானம் உள்ளங்கையில்...
19	தமிழ்நதி	தமிழ் தலை நிமிரும் கதை சொல்லி
20	இமையம்	சமூகத்தின் மனசாட்சி
21	சந்திரா	பனி நீர் எழுத்து
22	அழகிய பெரியவன்	மனித குலத்தை முன் நகர்த்தும் எழுத்து
23	கவின் மலர்	புதுயுகம் நோக்கிய வல் எழுத்து