Bani Basu’s book, The Continents Between (Penguin Random House India), revolves around the story of Sudeep, Kamalika, and their children Swadesh and Aratrika. When Swadesh and Aratrika are still young, Sudeep and Kamalika decide to leave Calcutta (today’s Kolkata) and settle in New York. A few years later, when it becomes difficult for Sudeep to earn a promotion at the university because of his race, they return to Calcutta. Basu narrates how the quartet deal with being thrown into a new environment all over again, having to navigate interactions with extended family and new friendships. The narrative is energised by its multiple narrators as each carries the story forward without creating dissonance. The multi-vocal narrative from the point of view of the four characters strengthens their development through the story and gives the reader an understanding of how migration isn’t a singular experience. Moving across continents implies moving across cultures alien to each other. It becomes especially strange for Aratrika and Sudeep, to find a balance between assimilation and resistance. What don’t work as well are the sudden switches in the middle of a few chapters into the third person voice from the first person. This choice feels intrusive to the otherwise well-plotted story. As conversations of property arise, Basu’s take on India in the 1980s and women’s position at the time emerges too. In addition to the progressive female protagonists like Aratrika and Kamalika, she introduces ideas of modernity through the radical Swadesh. He is shown, from the beginning, to resist the dominance of white culture in the US, and later questions why the forefathers in India didn’t fight for the liberation of women the way they fought for the country. The book, originally written in Bangla in 1981, translated by Debali Mookerjea-Leonard this year, stands the test of time in its themes of identity, love, and politics. With the opening up of digital spaces, cultures expand but also collide. The book, while typical of a certain period, urges the readers to think about how migration, in its evolving forms, shapes our lives today. Cost: Rs 399 Available Leading bookstores and e-store Kiran Desai. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons (right) Jhumpa Lahiri Other books about migration >> Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai>> The Sleepwalker’s Guide to Dancing by Mira Jacob>> The Namesake/Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri>> Immigrant, Montana by Amitava Kumar>> Jasmine Days by Benyamin
23 October,2024 09:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThe idea of Russia as a hardy country with cold weather and a dynamic history often contrasts the works of the artistes and writers who claim it as home. From Fyodor Dostoevsky’s intense humanism, to the romance of Alexander Pushkin and Ana Akhmatova, there is a tradition of great art in the continent. This week, a few musicians will hope to revive the familiarity of the musical art of Russia in Mumbai with a rare performance. Olga Vasilyeva Part of the Words of the Russian Heart Festival, the concert is titled Masterpieces of World Music. Organised by the Russian cultural federation, it will witness soloists from the St Petersburg Opera and the Zazerkalie Theatre in St Petersburg (formerly Leningrad) perform works from the standards of Western Classical music. The performance also has a historical context. It will mark the 555th anniversary of Russian merchant Afanasy Nikitin’s landing off the West coast of India in the late 1400s. “One of the core tenets of our programming philosophy is the belief in the power of cultural diplomacy to widen horizons and broaden minds,” shares Asad Lalljee, curator, Royal Opera House. Maria Chernyshova, lead pianist of the St Peter Petersburg Opera, reveals that this is the first trip to India for both companies. “Unfortunately, we won’t have a lot of time to spend in the city. We are only stopping by for a day or two,” she says. Maria Chernyshova and Yegor Prokopyev at earlier performances The programme, Chernyshova emphasises, picks from a vast collection. The pianist will be accompanied by Yegor Prokopyev (pianist) Zazerkalie theatre, leading vocalists, laureates of international competitions, including Maria Bochmanova (soprano) and Soslan Gagiev (tenor) from Saint Petersburg Opera, and Olga Vasilyeva (soprano) and Ivan Vasilyev (baritone) from Zazerkalie Theatre on stage. “We tried to choose something beautiful and popular but also representative of Russian art and music,” she says. This includes the works of the 19th century composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. “We have chosen a popular aria from his operatic work of Alexander Pushkin’s poem, Eugene Onegin. There is a focus on Russian works in the curation, including pieces by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov’s popular operas, and of course, my personal favourite, Rachmaninoff. It was important for us to show the quality and highlights of Russian music and its style,” she adds. This is not to say the evening is an all-Russian affair. “We will also be taking on a duet by Italian composers like Giuseppe Verdi, and Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème. These are some of my favourite pieces. There are also some beautiful pieces by the French composer Georges Bizet,” she points out. With the concert marking the last leg of an October tour, the pianist hopes to conclude with a bang. “We hope it sparks an interest in opera. Every classical city deserves it,” she says. On: October 26; 7 pm onwardsAt: Royal Opera House, Charni Road East, Girgaon. Call: 23668888 (to register)
23 October,2024 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThe ever-fabulous looking and self-confessed foodie Kareena Kapoor Khan took to Instagram recently, where she highlighted the importance of incorporating butter into our breakfast. She shared a glimpse of her morning meal, a half-eaten croissant accompanied by a generous serving of butter. We speak to nutritionist Saloni Kothari about how to keep the butter quotient intact for breakfast and enjoy it with the right balance. Yummy goodness Butter is rich in vitamins A, D, K and E, Kothari explains, “Consuming a teaspoon of butter early in the morning on an empty stomach or with black coffee can serve as an antioxidant, helping with constipation, boosting stamina, and jumpstarting your metabolism.” Breakfast of champions can be made better when butter is added in moderation, creating a balance. Saloni Kothari “Adding nut butter to your smoothies gives them a creamy texture and provides additional health benefits,” she suggests. Butter can also elevate the taste of multigrain toast or millet rotis. “A gentle slather of butter on a millet roti or wrap ensures the carb and fat ratio is balanced, and it contains lauric acid which aids digestion,” she explains. For those looking for a hearty breakfast, she recommends dishes like sandwiches filled with vegetables, flax seeds sprinkled over nut butter toast or in smoothie, or a sautéed mushroom and spinach wrap, all of which ensure a balanced intake of necessary food groups. Given the preservatives found in processed butter, Kothari advises making your own at home. “You can make it yourself or source it from home chefs,” she adds. Balancing act Despite butter’s many benefits, the nutritionist warns against overconsumption. “Since butter is ultimately a fat, eating it in large amounts can become problematic. A teaspoon of butter is typically recommended, but this can’t be generalised. It depends on individual dietary needs and health goals,” she explains. In the growing debate over which type of butter is best for Betty to buy, Kothari addresses the rise of vegan butter made from non-dairy substitutes such as nuts, seeds, and certain oils. “Vegan butter will have a different taste. In my opinion, it can be used if the diet suits you and you’re inclined to try it,” she says. Ultimately, Kothari stresses the importance of mindful eating and maintaining a holistic lifestyle. Try this at home: Corn salad bowl For a well-rounded snack, Riya Gala, chef and founder of Brown Kitchen (@the.brown.kitchen), suggests assembling an easy-to-make corn salad bowl. “This salad has a lot of benefits. Sweet corn is full of fibre and is a source for vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It helps with digestion and promotes eye health. Sweet corn, along with butter can be a healthy and a filling addition to your diet, provided you make it right,” she explains. Ingredients>> 2 tbsp butter (preferably vegan) >> 1/2 cup corn>> 1/3 cup bell peppers>> 1/3 cup zucchini >> 1/4 cup broccoli >> 1 tsp red chilli powder>> 1 tsp black pepper powder>> 1 tsp salt>> Crushed peanuts and salad dressing, for garnish MethodTake a pan. Add butter, red chilli powder and black pepper powder. Add sweet corn and sauté it for a while. Take it off the heat after sprinkling some salt. Next, take a bowl. Add corn, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli together. Mix all the veggies, garnish it with choices of salad dressing and crush peanuts. You can also add lemon juice if desired.
23 October,2024 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiThere are two types of people in Mumbai right now — those counting down the days until the most popular band (and most controversial concert series) touches down in the city, and those who are carefully curating their film screenings and play schedules to not miss out on the buzziest titles. Sanjana Bubber And while some may argue that these two lots are as different as chalk and cheese, we decided to take on the challenge of putting together a definitive guide to suit both festival calendars, without breaking the bank or out in a sweat, thanks to the soaring heat and humidity. We also enlisted fashion designer Sanjana Bubber to lay down a few ground rules to help simplify the process. Rule 1Dress for the weather Monica Dogra picks a pink palette to stand out While it may be tempting to imitate your favourite influencer and break out your most extravagant looks, the rule of the thumb is to prioritise comfort and functionality, says Bubber. For hot and muggy Mumbai, that translates into breathable fabrics including cotton and linen blends, as well as looser fits that don’t cling to your body. Arti Sandhu in a boxy, breathable fit It also includes sensible footwear, such as sneakers, sandals and loafers that allow you to stand and walk on uneven surfaces for longer durations. Pick your colour palette depending on the time of day — while the mornings and afternoons lend themselves better to pastel hues, bold colours look striking during evening events. Rule 2 Mix and match Layered looks can add to a grungy appeal. Pics Courtesy/Instagram (right) Ambika Nayak pairs her jacket with a simple outfit Layers are a great way to combine textures, silhouettes and hues to create more personalised and expressive looks. “Thin denim jackets can easily be thrown over a tee or even a dress to add a grungy appeal, while fusion dresses or graphic tees worn under a tailored blazer can make you look chic and cool. Make sure to wear unlined or semi-lined jackets, and swap wool or polyester for linen. Similarly, structured pieces worn over flowy garments, such as a loose skirt or dress, make for a high-presentation, low-effort outfit,” Bubber explains. She also adds that fusion elements, such as pieces with thread-work and zari accents, as well as jackets, pants or skirts in Indian cuts, can help personalise your look and make you stand out. “You could try wearing a tee with a graphic print, with a full skirt and embroidered waist coat, for instance, or a plain jumpsuit with a cropped jacket that has Indian motifs or patchwork,” she suggests. Komal Pandey pairs her choker with a co-ord set Rule 3Accessories can bring your look to life Depending on the aesthetic you’re going for — androgynous, gender-fluid or expressionist — don’t neglect to make the outfit your own by adding the right accessories. A tailored blazer is simple but chic (right) Gender-fluid looks can be contrasting but eloquent if done right “Androgynous looks are typically pared down, with minimal accessories such as a smart leather bracelet or choker. Gender-fluid looks, on the other hand, are most eloquent when you juxtapose sharply feminine and masculine elements. You could wear intricate earrings or choker necklaces with a sharp pantsuit or co-ord set, or a Nehru jacket over very palazzo pants,” Bubber shares. Keep your make-up simple to avoid sweating it off, and experiment with one bold element, such as graphic eyeliner, or even glitter or metallic hues.
23 October,2024 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulCity-based community Mumbai Musafir will be organising a tree appreciation walk this Sunday that aims to educate people about the various tree and plant species in the Fort district that is otherwise known for its rich built heritage. This nature trail will start at Kala Ghoda and the two and a half-hour easy walk will end near Flora Fountain. “Most species have a cultural and religious significance. As people learn more about trees, they will be more protective about them,” founder Preeti Bhardwaj tells this writer. “Many of us have visited this area [Fort] to spot its heritage buildings, but we have rarely noticed the trees that elevate the ambience of the architecture in the locality,” Bhardwaj adds. Preeti Bhardwaj Study nature Professional botanist and educator Yatin Gholap will guide this tour, helping participants to identify the plant species and educate them with their features and benefits. The group will get to learn about tree morphology and their cultural significance. The botanist will explain the anatomy of each tree and its leaves, including the science behind its shape, size, and shade. “This walk is an initiative for people who are interested in nature to increase their knowledge of plants in a profound way,” Gholap tells this writer. Variety on display Some of the trees that participants can expect to see during this trail are Putranjiva, known for its medicinal qualities like healing skin aridity and phlegm; Jarul (also known as the Pride of India); the star apple tree, which has a striking golden colour on the back of its leaves; Taman, which is called the Pride of Maharashtra, and a range of garden species like Cassava plant and Hibiscus that are planted extensively across homes, and easily spottes in the city and its suburbs. The educator will also guide participants about commonly found plants that we tend to ignore despite them playing a vital role in our daily lives. On October 27; 7.30 am to 10 amMeeting point Near Chetna Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, Fort. Meeting Time 7 am Log on to urbanaut.app Entry Rs 950 Also Read: Discover Mumbai: Unique walks unveil the city's hidden stories and facts
22 October,2024 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Amey MirashiA 45-minute ice cold shower, a customary chat with the coach before stepping (always with his right foot) onto the court, a quick wipe of the brow, and then, a swing that sent the tennis ball flying across the court. For 23 long years, this was Rafael Nadal’s match routine, set in stone. It’s hard to say how much of it contributed to his illustrious career spanning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, but as the king of clay himself says in a 2022 interview with Essentially Sports, “it helped me maintain a routine and concentrate on the game”. Now, with the curtains drawing to a close, how well will the 38-year-old athlete adjust to the slow days and the unfamiliar luxury of leisure? Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis in an emotional Instagram video. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Psychotherapist Akshada Anikhindi believes you don’t have to be a global sport star to find yourself in Nadal’s shoes. “The brain and nervous system adapt to long-term patterns. When you work the same job — desk or field — for years, it becomes a significant part of your daily rhythm. When it disappears one day, the sudden disruption leads to feelings of emptiness, anxiety, or even grief,” she warns. Pace it right “Most of us thrive on being constantly busy. In such cases, slowing down, even slightly, can feel like withdrawing from a stimulant [a class of chemicals that increase the activity of the brain. For instance, nicotine],” shares Anikhindi. Thankfully, the brain also exhibits neuroplasticity — the ability to form new neural connections at any age. But the process is gradual. Akshada Anikhindi and Luke Coutinho “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline, but irrespective of your retirement plan, give yourself several months to a year to fully settle in. The brain needs time to adapt to build new pathways, and emotional processing plays a key role in this,” the psychotherapist shares, adding that it is completely normal to feel disoriented at first; it’s part of the process. Corporate trainer Rhea Punjabi agrees, “Tapering off your work life can be a good approach when you’re planning your retirement. Staggered retirement, where you gradually decrease your working hours can help you ease into it. For instance, start by working alternate days, or restricted hours. This way, your mind isn’t surprised when you have nowhere to be or nothing to do one day.” Rekindling old hobbies and (right) meditation can help you ease into the new phase. Representation pics Living untitled Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, integrative lifestyle expert Luke Coutinho recommends slowly detaching your self-worth and sense of purpose from your job title. “Making a big difference in the world through your work is commendable, but it’s not the only purpose you can find. Retirement is not about slowing down completely, it is about changing lanes,” Coutinho reminds us. For starters, the expert suggests easy ways to keep yourself busy: . Learn a skill: Pick up a musical instrument, a paintbrush or slip into your dancing shoes. Learning stimulates the brain, keeping it active and healthy. Lifelong learning can slow cognitive decline. . Get moving: One of the biggest traps post-retirement is a sedentary lifestyle. Sign up for yoga classes, walking clubs or Zumba lessons. . Find your tribe: Families can be a pillar of support, but if you find yourself alone, don’t hesitate to reach out to those around you who are also going through the same phase. . Prioritise wellness: You might have relegated your wellbeing to make space for productivity. Don’t feel guilty about using this time to listen to your body again. Anikhindi underlines the importance of meditation in the process, “Just 10 minutes set apart to practice mindful meditation, hatha yoga or restorative yoga can calm the nervous system. This creates a conducive environment for your brain to form new pathways. With time, you will start looking forward to quiet moments rather than running away from them.” Rhea Punjabi Stay in touch “Don’t leave tennis, man. Stay a little bit more. Stay with us,” Novak Djokovic urged long-time rival Nadal at an exhibition match in Riyadh last weekend. How must one react to a similar plea from co-workers, or one’s own inner voice while parting ways? Punjabi tells us that doubting your own decisions in this phase is common. “If you are extremely passionate about your work and unsure of your decision, a good way to stay in touch with your work is to assume the role of a guide, mentor or consultant,” she suggests. Coutinho agrees, adding, “It can be a fantastic bridge between full-time work and full-time retirement. It keeps your skills sharp, maintains a sense of purpose, and allows you to give back to the community — all on a flexible schedule.”
22 October,2024 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIn a recent episode of Vitamin Be with Mohana, the host invites Mumbai’s iconic dabbawalas for their first-ever video podcast. It features Kiran Gavande, secretary of the organisation, and Vijay Pangare, administration lead and second-generation member of the community. The duo shares fascinating insights into their work, traditions, and the impressive 133-year-old system that powers one of Mumbai’s most trusted services. The episode opens with a tribute to founder Mahadeo Havaji Bachche, whose initiative has grown into a massive operation. Today, the dabbawalas run a meticulously timed system, collecting tiffins latest between 9 to 10.30 am, travelling and sorting by 12 pm, and again, delivering them before 1 pm. The podcast delves into the logistics of their operation with the guests explaining how their alpha-numeric coding system ensures each dabba reaches its destination. Pre-COVID 19, nearly 5,000 dabbawalas managed deliveries, but despite the pandemic, 2,500 dabbawalas continue to deliver one lakh tiffins daily. The podcast delves into their values of punctuality, discipline, and servitude which drive them stemming from their belief that serving people is akin to serving God. Gavande and Pangare highlight the trust they’ve built over generations, with customers even sending salaries or personal items in dabbas. They reflect on their global recognition, including receiving the prestigious Six Sigma certification for their efficiency. Despite their fame, their humility and dedication remain intact, as reflected in their meeting with Prince (now King) Charles of Great Britain on a Churchgate footpath in 2004, planned meticulously to ensure there was no disruption in deliveries. They recall the disruption in their services that was caused by the pandemic forcing them to halt deliveries for two years and how people and organisations came together to help them in times of crisis. Mohana MD. Pics Courtesy/Youtube The episode provides a brief overview of their future plans of launching an app and a central kitchen that provides homely meals, and expanding their services to include grocery and medicine delivery, using the dabbawalas. They answer the host’s query about competition from online delivery platforms, and emphasise that their service remains low-cost, reliable, and eco-friendly using methods such as bicycles and public transport as compared to the competition. The podcast concludes with a heartfelt message; here, Gavande makes an appeal to listeners to continue placing their trust in them as they embark on new initiatives. Just as they have for generations, they aim to serve Mumbaikars, striving to improve their services. Log on to Youtube
22 October,2024 07:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaMillennials, take heart — just when it seemed as though the fashion clock had turned all the way back to the skinny fits of the noughties, a new trend has emerged. And, to no one’s surprise, it’s roomier, more comfortable and even baggier than its predecessors. Barrel jeans, so named for their peculiar shape that includes a well-fitted waist, flared out mid-leg and tapered bottom, may seem a little daunting, but they’re far more flattering than you’d think. “In many ways, their distinctive silhouette resembles harem pants. The barrel shape of the jeans provides a more structured and modern look, making them suitable for a variety of styling options,” shares image consultant Taylor Elizabeth. Baggy with a difference With so many styles of baggy jeans on offer, how do you differentiate between the lot? Elizabeth elaborates that mom jeans typically have a higher waist and a straight or slightly tapered leg, whereas barrel jeans offer more volume and a relaxed feel. Boyfriend jeans, on the other hand, have a looser fit throughout and usually sit lower on the waist. “While barrel jeans are loose, they still have some structured elements because of the definition at the waist and ankles. And so, this can make them appear more tailored as compared to other baggy styles. They can also be styled to seem more sophisticated, while mom and boyfriend fits are typically more laid back and casual,” shares Greeshma Thampi, also an image consultant. Taylor Elizabeth and Greeshma Thampi The reason why this trend is catching on so rapidly is because they flatter most body types, Elizabeth explains: “For those with hourglass figures, the tapered leg accentuates curves without adding bulk. They also look chic on apple-shaped bodies, as the loose fit around the midsection offers comfort while the taper creates a balanced silhouette. Additionally, individuals with athletic builds can enjoy the relaxed fit and proportionate look.” Thampi, however, warns that the silhouette may not be suitable for triangular or diamond body types, as it draws more attention to the mid-section. Similarly, very petite frames may be further overwhelmed by the excessive volume and defined ankles. The all-occasion look For a semi-formal look, Elizabeth recommends pairing your barrel jeans with a tailored blazer and a fitted blouse. Pointed-toe heels can elongate your legs while statement jewellery will elevate your outfit. For more casual occasions, style your barrel jeans with a graphic tee and chunky sneakers, or a cosy oversized knit sweater and ankle boots. Add a crossbody bag for a relaxed yet stylish vibe. If you are a risk-taker and want to style your barrel jeans for more formal occasions, she advises wearing them with a luxurious silk shirt tucked in for a polished appearance. Layer with a cropped embellished tweed jacket to add texture and complete the outfit with sleek stilettos. Thampi points out that the key to nailing this trend is to balance the relaxed silhouette of barrel jeans with more structured pieces. “A fitted tank top or slim fit blouse can be very flattering, while a crop top can accentuate your waist and offer visual contrast to the bottom,” she signs off. Also Read: Ace the corporate core aesthetic with these styling tips
22 October,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulBengaluru-based musician Sanoli Chowdhury’s venture Indie Grrrl might borrow its name from the eponymous movement that emerged in the USA and Europe in the 1980s, but it’s got the heart and soul of the Indian independent spirit. In an all-women showcase this week, young female songwriters who have ventured on the road less travelled will present their diverse styles in the company of like-minded artistes. Ramyaa Hariharan While Chowdhury will join the acoustic indie line-up on the first day featuring Mumbai-based RnB musician Rohini Maiti, and Delhi-based Ramyaa Hariharan who will bring a touch of Carnatic to her alternative indie set, the second day is all about celebrating women in hip-hop. Mumbai’s emcee Meghna Upadhayay, known for her verses charged with social messages, will join hands with Wild Wild Women — the saree-clad female collective that recently took the Internet by storm with a multilingual rap performance. “It’s always a pleasure performing alongside sisters who have overcome the same challenges to get where they are. Chowdhury reached out to me to curate the hip-hop segment of the event and we had a ball curating the experience. It’s also going to be a special one for us because it’s one of the firsts with our new member [skater Shruti Bhosle],” Ashwini Hiremath aka Krantinaari of Wild Wild Women shares. ON October 26 and October 27; 6 pm onwards at Harkat Studios, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova. Log on to @indiegrrrl_india on Instagram (for full schedule and tickets)Entry Rs 499 onwards
21 October,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleResin rizz Resin artist Bhadra Bolia’s Diwali-special artworks are a collection of eco-friendly mini Ganpati, pooja thali, floral candles, shubh labh stickers, colour coasters, and more. These aesthetic gifts can be ordered individually or in customisable hampers featuring sweets, dry fruit jars, incense cones and flowers. Log on to @the_creative_taleCall 8433579924 (express shipping available across the globe)Cost Rs 380 for a pair of colour coasters It’s da bomb Make your festive packaging stand out this season with these unique cracker-shaped gift boxes, that are crafted to resemble chakris, sutli bombs, anar and rockets. These customisable boxes are made of tree-free paper. Log on to paperme.in (pan-India delivery in three to seven days)Cost Rs 2499 Festive aromas Pics Courtesy/Instagram Begin your day with these eco-friendly hampers featuring six natural farm soaps (coffee, neem, hibiscus, lemon, charcoal and turmeric), along with festive snacks packed in recyclable cardboard with soft paper shreds.Log on to @zemefarmsCost Rs 260 onwards, excluding shipping cost All in one Packaged in an upcycled paper box, this hamper includes four handcrafted diyas, five plant-able firecrackers, incense sticks, palm leaf décor, natural honey, dry fruit and a festive card.Log on to zwende.com (pan-India express delivery by October 27)Cost Rs 3,300 (hamper); Rs 360 (for express shipping) Feast in style Elevate your festive tableware with this wooden plate, hand-painted with intricate Pichwai art by artisans from the tribes of Rajasthan. Adding a touch of tradition and elegance, it doubles as a beautiful wall display or a striking centrepiece for your home. Log on to aadivasi.org (pan-india delivery in four day; seven to 10 days abroad)Cost Rs 1,000 Also Read: Diwali 2024: Eco-friendly and DIY ideas to elevate your home décor
21 October,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha Softa | Devanshi DoshiThe Vegetarian: A bite-sized review Han Kang’s International Booker Prize winning novel, The Vegetarian, is a searing look at the radical choices the protagonist makes in a rigid society and their consequent costs. It traces the life of a young Korean woman, Yeong-Hye, who wakes up from a visceral dream one day and decides to turn vegetarian against the backdrop of an imperceptive environment. Kang’s decision of giving readers three different points of view to portray this helps us witness how various people in the protagonist’s life — her husband, her brother-in-law, and her sister — deal with her vegetarianism. What we get is a tapestry of misunderstandings, a refusal of her family to fully comprehend Yeong Hye’s decision, leading to her physically and mentally weakened condition. One hears Yeong-Hye only through her narration of her dream to her husband. Deborah Smith’s translation brings out the manifestations of violence prevalent throughout the book without naming them. The details speak for themselves. The narrative movement is cinematic, such that at no point does one feel one is reading a translated text. Readers will find the last chapter particularly poignant. Further recommendations Read The White Book: Written as fragments, the protagonist wrestles with grief, as she mourns the loss of her sister through the colour white. While white stands for death, Kang also considers how it stands, just as much, for rebirth and life. Short passages switch between the most tangible objects like the paint on the door, salt, snowflakes, to intangible possibilities like boundary, the direction of the light, a laugh, and parting. Human Acts: Kang’s sixth title is an exploration of the past. It draws from incidents that occurred in Gwangju, South Korea, in the year 1980. The city saw a massive student uprising, a response to the change in power and the implementation of martial law. Thousands of people were killed in the suppression by the military that followed it. Kang’s novel follows a young boy, Dong-ho, and others in his life who encountered the outrage in different ways. Available At leading bookstores and e-stores Listen Louisiana Literature Podcast: While growing up, Kang spent a lot of time reading, but recollects revisiting the same texts afresh, with new questions, during her teenage years. In the episode, she shares how this shaped her as a writer. “Since I was a child, it [has been] overwhelming to look at human beings… all the things we have committed throughout history,” and at the same time, seeing “dignified human beings all around the world. It’s like an impossible riddle for me.” She reveals, while exploring the two spectrums of humanity — the sublimity and the horror — through her work. Deborah Smith Nobel Prize Conversations: Jenny Ryden, a member of the Nobel Committee, speaks to the author after the award in this podcast. Kang shares what it means for a writer of Korean literature to have received the award, and who inspired her in her early years. She also recommends which of her books first-time readers must begin with. On being asked how she plans to celebrate the award, the author replies, “I’m going to have tea with my son and I will celebrate it quietly tonight.” Log on to: Spotify, Apple Podcast
21 October,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaADVERTISEMENT
