FOLK LORE
New Life by Vijai Dan Detha (Penguin)
Vijai Dan Detha’s rustic folk tales that have been anthologised in New Life, brought back nascent memories of the web of lore spun by my grandmother. I nostalgically picked up this book expecting the fantasy laden parables I was used to – and what I found, was nothing short of subversive.

Derived from oral literary traditions and penned by Detha in Rajasthani, these stories seem to have lost little in translation. Focusing on the nature of relationships, The Queen of the Night’s Anger is an anthropomorphic tale of the sun and moon that play out the dynamics of men and women who must meet at night and part in the morning. More complex, are chronicles like New Life that are almost militant in their attack on patriarchy. Compelled to marry each other at the behest of a greedy, unrelenting father, two women debunk societal customs and tread out a fateful union with the help of a ghost. The Crow’s Way begins with a familiar fable but imaginatively weaves from its tapestry a feminist saga. Forsaken by her husband and ostracised by her community, a woman turns to prostitution and ultimately finds acceptance with this marginalised group.

Already famous for his regional writing, Detha only became popular in the mainstream with the adaptation of The Dilemma (Paheli) which became India’s official entry for the Oscars. It tells the story of a beautiful newly-wed who willfully consorts with a ghost disguised as her husband. ‘The only fear is that of exposure… who would not commit adultery if there was no fear of detection?’ posits Detha, cognizant of human nature. Losing that rat-race didn’t really affect this Padma Shri winner. He continues to write and his stories continue to be translated. This anthology tackles unconventional themes but in a manner that is sure to leave you reminiscing about your bedtime stories.

EFFORTLESS READING
Book Of Humour by Ruskin Bond (Penguin)
There are many aspects that make this anthology a pleasurable experience. For starters, it’s written with soothing simplicity (signature Bond style). Having lived in the subcontinent for most part of his life, Ruskin Bond is familiar with the small-town nuances, which are beautifully captured in all most all of his books. Book Of Humour is no different. Tonga rides, gangster crows, friendly tigers and hit characters like Uncle Ken, the author’s fun-loving grandfather, ‘murderer’ Uncle Bill and the writer himself, pop in and out of its pages at regular intervals.

The book has been divided into five parts — crazy relatives, creatures, people, places and a crazy writer. It highlights the juxtaposition of his protagonists’ individual dramas against larger social and moral issues in an understated manner. This volume contains two new additions — Respect Your Breakfast and At Sea With Uncle Ken. These previously unpublished pieces blend in perfectly with some of his beloved classics in the book.

A Crow For All Seasons (under the Crazy Creatures’ section) is exceedingly entertaining, with Speedy the house crow’s perspective on humans amongst other things. Speedy has a toothbrush collection (like humans collect stamps or coins). When the family goes for a vacation and the trash is scarce, he reviews his options: the bazaar or the railway station has a lot of competition. He says, “The station crows are gangsters. The bazaar crows are bullies….” Needless to say, he is incredibly dependent on humans.

In the age where thrillers and steamy sex themes are in vogue, Bond’s books are refreshing and bring the reader gently back to your roots and reawaken the senses to the natural beauty around you. Marked by subtle wit and charm, in typical Ruskin Bond flavour, Book Of Humour will make you break into a smile.