This week's selection includes Kosla by Bhalchandra Nemade and Baluta by Daya Pawar.
Mandeshi Manse by Vyankatesh Madgulkar
An inseparable part of post-Independence Marathi literature, the character sketches in this collection are not only tales in the old mould, but also have the magical quality that touches upon the very essence of Life. Madgulkar tells us about the poverty-stricken lives of the people of Mandesh and their saga of never-ending sorrows with the detachment of an artist.
Kosla by Bhalchandra Nemade
Translated as The Cocoon by Sudhakar Marathe
With an episodic first person narrative, rounded off with plot, it sketches the life of its disillusioned protagonist Pandurang Sangvikar, the man trapped in the dichotomy between urban and rural life: he feels alienated and disillusioned in both. Full of fine inter-textual anecdotes brimming with existential absurdity, the book has a brilliant critical eye and a wonderful sense of wit and pun aimed at conventional, pretentious and rooted postcolonial Indian mind-sets in society’s systems and institutions.
Natsamrat by V. V. Shirwadkar
One of the most famous Marathi plays, it is a tragedy about the life of a retired stage actor. Natsamrat also won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1974. It has also been adapted into a film.
Baluta by Daya Pawar
Translated as Baluta by Jerry Pinto
This is an autobiography of Pawar, who describes his existence as a dalit of the Mahar community. The book details the trauma of growing up while being denied dignity and yet does not self-victimize.
Partner by V. P. Kale
It is a modern day novel based on the Hindu epic, Mahabharata written by Maharishi Vyas. The characters are not attributed any conventional divine powers. Instead, they are considered to be normal human beings, who possess some godlike characteristics. The story revolves around Shrinivas, a middle class man employed at a medical shop, and his friend who is affectionately called ‘Partner’.
.png?title=Baluta (English)&author=Daya Pawar&bg=cccccc&cover=Baluta-Daya-Pawar1600971820.jpg)
If you like our work, support us!
Write a comment ...