Of the many ways that a good
novel should impact a reader the three of relevance to me are:
- . Does it switch me off from the reality of the present, as I meld with the characters in the narrative?
- Do the characters seem commonplace with ordinary attributes and limited ability to bring about a change, yet fighting to create an impact in the narrative?
- When I close the book finally, do I feel like sitting back and reflect on the story?
David Davidars “Solitude of
Emperors”, did meet my expectations on all three counts. Written with the
backdrop of the Mumbai riots (post Babri Masjid), the author weaves a colorful
tapestry of emotions presenting a collage of thoughts to ponder. Mr. Davidar is
a master story teller and uses the protagonist Vijay to share his views on the long
term solution to the wretched problem of caste and community confrontations.
Yes, the origins of race conflicts
and the selfish political linkages in all such conflicts are obvious. Mr.
Davidar reaches out through the story to our innermost sentiments urging us to
stand up and act. “I exhort you therefore
to go out and mingle and learn. Inhale the genius of this country,...the
transcendent poetry of the Sufi and the Bhakti poets, the architecture of Hampi
and Fatehpur Sikri,and Mount Abu, the teachings of Ramana Maharshi…. the
plaintive wail of the Shenai ..the plangent notes of the Sarod...surf the
breakers at the point where the three seas mingle in Kanyakumari...celebrate
the colors of Holi, the lights of Deepavali, the food of Ramzan and the gifts
of Christmas.
And...
“….at the same time do not neglect to absorb the poverty and violence and
the savagery and injustice of this country of extremes...the despair of the
coalminer in Dhanbad...the marginal cotton farmer in Andhra Pradesh...mourn
with the widow of the Sikh garage owner..let their pain become yours...
Mr. Davidar defines the Solitude in the title of the book. Addressing the youth.. “immerse yourself in the beauty and terror of this great country…let
every disappointment instruct you, let every triumph strengthen you …and all
the while even as you are part of the world, learn to walk alone…the day will
come when you are able to look within yourself to find out what you need to do
to answer those who seek to diminish the nation.
Mr. Davidar is in his best describing
the Niligiris, its people the flora and fauna. This is a bonus for the Tamilian
in me. I am sure, however, that even others would lose themselves in the
ambience created and the gripping narrative with its surprising end.
In his long literary career the author has written just three novels. I look forward to finding time to read the other two.
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