Kantha’s exotic narrative entertains
 Seldom
one encounters an exciting, interesting and entertaining novel in
English from most new writers in the subcontinent. Contrary to my
expectations Sharmila Kantha from Patna in India proved me wrong with
her novel A Break in the Circle published by HarperCollins Publishers
India. The writer is the wife of the Indian High Commissioner in
Colombo.
Launched in June last year in a colourful ceremony at the National
Library Services Board in Colombo, the chief guest, academic and
minister G L Pieris astonished us with a brilliant piece of literary
criticism in his own style of delivery and impromptu at that. Prompted
by his enthusiastic evaluation I began to read this 200 page novel and
began to enjoy every page of it.
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Sharmila Kantha |
The enjoyment lies in the fact that like in R K Narayan’s fiction,
Sharmila’s narrative is at once amusing and plausible portrayal of
average middle or upper class family situations in typical North Indian
lifestyle.
There are a number of characters in this short fiction, each one of
them a personality as it were. But the dilemma or the helplessness of
the central character Anuradha that calls empathy from the reader.
It’s a struggle of an India mother to belong to traditional
restraints and yearning for assertion of her own individuality and
modern outlook. In a way, it’ is a subtle presentation of a feminine
standpoint.
As the blurb aptly underlines this novel I “Set in small-town India.
A Break in the Circle explores the relationship of an individual with
her society in an India that is rapidly changing yet unable to let go of
its roots.
Anuradha is duty-conscious and takes up her responsibilities
earnestly so much so that she has no time for ‘reflection and
self-discovery’.
I do not wish to reveal the plot of the story but would like to show
a few relevant passages which would give you an idea of the pattern of
novel writing. Before that we should know something about the writer. A
consultant to a leading industrial association, Sharmila Kantha has
already published a few books. Those include:
Just the Facts, Madamji, Building India with Partnership: The Story
of CII 1895-2005 and two picture books for children.
The first 90 pages in the fiction record events that take place from
Tuesday to Saturday. Chapter 6 describes Gautam’s Story, followed by
Pinky’s Beautification in Chapter 7 with an interlude. And from page 12
the story continues from Sunday from Chapter 8 to 10. Again in Chapter
11 we focus on Badki Nani. Rumours and Surmises fill Chapter 12. Chapter
13 is the finale where incidents occur on a Wednesday. This diary sort
of headings adds make interesting reading.
Let’s have a look at least on one single portion of her narrative
style. It’s from the first chapter. Here is a scene of what’s happening
or being shown on the TV channels- stupid serials:
“In the first serial, the vile mother-in-law had just begun her
machinations for the evening and the daughter-in-law was just awakening
from her meek servile attitude, accompanied by great emotion and loud
dramatic music.
“In the next serial, an unmarried daughter was pregnant and there was
confusion about the identity of the father. Who would marry her now!
The man who had always loved her from a distance maintained that
distance for the time being, but meaningful shots of his emotional face
hinted that he may speak out for his beloved soon, perhaps in the next
few months, after he had success fully overcome his mother’s dominating
presence.
The girl’s college friend, who had seduced her through vile
deception, denied all knowledge. The rapist was still being sought by
the police –and the possibility of the single diligent policeman falling
in love with the girl was also suggested.”
The novel is not much different from Lankan scenario as far as
certain customs or ways of living are concerned.
Read it, you will enjoy.
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