This and that

Finished the abridged version of Mahabharata, by C.Rajagopalachari, and felt that, a small part of me would be at rest, as I have always felt we gorge on stuff from across the seas more, than what is at home! Or atleast it is definitely true in my case, so don't mean to generalize. Also realised, as they say in our journeys, the destinations need not be new, the vision has to be, every time. So it goes for reading too I guess. A book may reach out, with different perspectives, over the years, as we grow, assimilate, and as our thought processes change, and invariably so does the impact the book has, on the reader. The comprehension of what is offered is in a fluid state, and such books rightly called reference guides, offer insights into the nuances of life, whatever stage one might be in. 

In this epic, there are equal doses of noble and evil individuals, fair and unfair practices, impulsive and premeditated decisions, wars won and wars lost, the whys and why nots, and all loose ends tied up in the final chapters. Interestingly came across this video clipping and it was amazing the way the presenter actually gets to analyse the epic, dissect it  ruthlessly, twist and twirl it, to come up with some brilliant analogies. (Actually enjoyed it!) 

Have started 'Ponniyin Selvan' yet another book which used to make me cringe, whenever the topic came up, for I had no inkling as to what it was all about. It is one of the most popular Tamil Classics by Amarar Kalki, a historical novel, which captured the hearts of many in the 70's. Well, was enamoured by it, even in the first few pages. Its incredible, the descriptions, the plot, the detailing, the emotions and the unraveling of the mystery laden story. 

I have never been a huge fan of historical novels, and so this makes it all the more intriguing, that I should have been taken up by it, so swiftly. Well, for now, am glad I  have a good book in hand, for the coming days or months, as it is a huge five volume tale, with fine print running across weathered, dog-eared,  musty pages.

This TED video was a bit alarming, especially those blue bubbles, and totally off beat from the above topic. (Maybe I'm watching way too many videos for my own good!)

The Scarlet Letter

Had been away from Classics for a while, so picked up this one, knowing for sure it will keep me good company in the days to come. But didn't anticipate such a long run; took me almost whole of 5 months to actually finish it. Ofcourse the vacation intervened, but still, it wasn’t as if I couldn’t read then.

Had conflicting reviews when I mentioned to friends about the book, as I was reading it, and most of them not very flattering. So knew I was not in for a veritable treat. But told myself I wouldnt give it  up, but find out for myself what left the slight distaste, and discover why it had a scandalish hood all over it, over the ages.

Well, the book  has been universally certified as ‘morbidly intense’, and so was it. It has flashes of good prose, where you find yourself glide into the dark corridors of the churches and walk down the streets of an old England puritan village, led by the elaborate description of Nathaniel Hawthorne. But, at times the writing tends to become tedious and excessively overpowering, that to ease oneself from its grip becomes an effort.

The story is about Hester Prynne, who is made to carry the burden, wearing a scarlet red, embroidered hologram, on her dress, everyday of her life, as redemption for an act of adultery committed. It screams out to the world the debauchery she allowed herself to be immersed in, symbolically and is meant to put her to abject shame and misery. Two other central characters, being Rev.Arthur Dimmesdale who goes through a phase of self-afflicted torment, ridden by guilt and shame; and Roger Chillingworth, who ironically posseses some chilling attributes, which enables him to be the diabolic co-tormentor of the former.

Issues as adultery, sin, shame, guilt and redemption are handled with elaborate justifications and its ramifications, as observed in  the puritan era, but they comes across as too severe and  melodramatic. The reader is all along made to sympathise with Hester Prynne, the author trying hard to convince that she or the act was never ever a heinous crime. So what was the whole book about, one is left to wonder. It is an attempt to portray an era, a section sliced from the past, and elaborate on the lives, morals and values, people preached and in most instances practised too, I would think.

Back to our home ground, going through Rajaji’s adaptation of the Mahabharatha, and completely overwhelmed by the number of characters and anecdotes woven and all tied up together so well, and of which many of us (I think/assume) are not very familiar with. The main plot and characters remain to a certain extent clear in memory, but there is so much more to it. What a tremendous script!

It rained. It is tantamount to occurrence of hailstorms in India. So in for some showers, which would play hide and seek this November. Aren't we glad!