This book, by Rohington Mistry, is fascinating. I read it many years back and last week, decided to re-read it. Thank God for that!!!
At first, i couldnt quite understand the theme of the novel. The story was captivating but the underlying theme eluded me.
The protagonist is a gentleman called Gustad, a Parsee. He lives in Mumbai, with his wife, two sons and a daughter. He is deeply committed to his family. He works in a bank. The setting is early 1970's, I think, around the time of formation of Bangladesh. There are parts which hint about Refugee Tax and Mukti Bahini.
Every instance, we see the death of innocence, loss of faith and trust, loss of friendship, shattering of dreams. Dreams of a father to see his son study in IIT shattered by a rebellious son. A friend breaking the years of trust. Brother betraying a brother, causing a family to be ruined. Destiny cutting short the life of a loving nephew, leaving his grief stricken aunt to deal with a long life of loneliness and her black magic. The hilarious Casavji's irate complaints to Parvar Deagar to do justice, every single night, when he shouts that the Tata mansion and Mafatlal's etc should suffer just like ordinary men and women do.
Added to this is the clash of ideas and freedom. Clashes everywhere, East Pakistan, West Pakistan, USA and USSR, Indira Gandhi and her diabolic ideas. Each party with very strong justification, strong reason behind their actions. These clashes which cause the rampant destruction of the unarmed and innocent.
Above all this, the most poignant theme was the resilience of the human spirit, which rises above all this. Resilience is a good word here. It's not courage, not bravery but acceptance and ability to move on. Life, such a long journey. Each step, we leave behind people, ideas. We hope to meet the people left behind again. Ya, it's hope, which keeps us alive, i guess!!!
Happy reading!!!!
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