Book Review
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Identity quest is one of
the classical themes in literature.
However, gender identity quest is relatively new. It is also one of the most painful quests,
perhaps, because not belonging to either of the most natural genders can be an
excruciating experience psychologically.
The agony is aggravated by the attitudes of the ignorant and insensitive
general society towards transgender people.
The authors of the book
under review approach the theme in the simplest manner possible: by presenting
a trans-woman and her problems. Kusum
was born a male who was very uncomfortable with that gender. It’s only the body that is masculine. The spirit is feminine. The father is unable to accept that
reality. Hence the offspring is
abandoned. But (s)he is happy to get the
support of a friend who eventually becomes a surgeon and will perform the
sex-changing surgery. The love between
Kusum and her doctor-friend was not merely friendship. The emotions had something sexual about
them. The doctor is able to sustain his
passion for his friend who is now a woman though not capable of
reproduction. The doctor’s father is a
thoroughly practical man who tells his son how he would be ruining his life and
career if he marries such a woman.
The relationship is broken. Kusum carries the scar in her heart. Eventually another doctor, a psychologist
whom she admires, will extend his friendship to her. How does she respond to this new friendship?
The book can’t be called a
novel. It is a novella at best. The whole book is just 58 pages out of which
only 40 pages are devoted to the story itself. If you are an experienced reader you can read
it in about half an hour. The narrative
is extremely simple and straightforward.
The intention of the authors seems to be to highlight the problem of
transgender people and evoke empathy in the reader.
But the claim on the cover
that it is “a story meant to motivate all and sundry irrespective of their
circumstances” is not misplaced. The “ekla
cholo re” motif, borrowed from Rabindranath Tagore, recurs reminding the reader
about the basic loneliness that all of us have to go through irrespective of
our gender identity or any other identity.
The going gets tough at times whoever we may be. When the going is really tough and you need
the support of people, people are quite sure to abandon you. Then we must acquire the courage to ekla cholo, go alone.
I’m grateful to Santosh
Avvannavar, one of the authors, for inviting me to review the book.
I've reviewed it as well...a decent endeavour towards a controversial issue, trans-gender...:-)
ReplyDeleteThe issue deserves better understanding and the authors have made an effort in that direction.
DeleteIt's good initiative for making awareness in society and evoking empathy towards the transgenders with a motivational tone.
ReplyDeleteThe narrative looks very interesting and it has been covered in a novella span that makes it all the more tempting. Shall pick this one, i think...
ReplyDeleteAs long as the book is written nicely, I don't mind giving it a read even though it is a novella. The book deals with an issue which is relevant socially and such books usually gather few readers. That is a pity, isn't. Good effort from your side for spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be here after so long. When I disappeared from blogosphere, you were tending to a fracture, I remember. I hope you are healthy and healed now. And I see that you have been blogging consistently. Kudos to you!
I'm fine, thanks for remembering my fracture :) And glad you are back.
DeleteThe narrative, as given by your review, appears interesting. Actually, I find the title very compelling. When I started reading the post, I thought 'She' is about a woman and her struggles, about how 'she' fights it out alone. But turned out it is different. By the way, have you read Blue Boy by Rakesh Satyal?
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Blue Boy. In fact, transgender-related themes and works don't interest me at all. I read this book merely because it was sent to me with a request for review.
DeletePerhaps, this book under review is no comparison with Blue Boy.
I cannot compare the book without having read it. But I would suggest you read Blue Boy. It is different. It would be nice to have your views on it.
Deletethe entire theme looks so compelling. I will suggest Rituparno Ghosh Strred Chitrangada, the crowning wish. The song "Ekla cholo re" is my favorite and has pulled me through some times. Jodi tor daak shune keu na chole tahole ekla cholo re..."
ReplyDeleteYes, Datta Ghosh, "Jodi..." the book has quoted a few lines of that song including this one. Since the English translation is given, I could understand it :) though I was familiar with the phrase "Ekla cholo re".
Delete