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Unfortunately, this volume fails on almost all counts. The
author has some good ideas that could have been developed into
interesting psychoanalytical fiction. For example, in Train
Journey`85 his encounter with two women passengers has
interesting possibilities. Sadly it fizzles into a tacky drawing
room anecdote. The protagonist introduces himself as a
much-travelled businessman. He makes an observation —
irrelevant to the plot and typical of the phoren-returned —
regarding overcrowded unreserved train compartments; and then
plants himself in a chair car's middle seat, with two women on
either side. He likes one's perfume and dislikes the other's
body odour. He describes their chat without developing it into a
full-fledged dialogue.
The prose is
laboured and the syntax terrible. For example, on page 4,
"The forces of love are so immense that it can make the
dead sit-up with nodding acquaintance".
And the writer
hopes to catch up with Khushwant Singh! Not that the target is
unattainable, but without focused effort things can get a bit
rummy for Mr Lal.
Travels to
Highlands of Himachal
by K.R. Bharti. Indus, New Delhi. Pages 166. Rs 200
 Alliteration is an
art and has its utility. But when one comes across phrases like
'hysterical about historical places' followed by 'rejoice in
religious places'; and when the preface's first sentence ends up
with "`85since the man set his foot on this planet",
it takes courage to continue reading the book purporting to be a
travelogue. However, persistence pays. One is rewarded with
details of the topography of this beautiful hill state, along
with an insight into its culture, anthropological richness and
quite a bit of mythology.
The author, among
other things, highlights the controversy regarding terming
eunuchs as Kinners. He points out that the Kinnaur region of
Himachal Pradesh derives its name from the demi-god-like
mythological tribe of Kinners, said to be born out of Brahma's
shadow. It finds mention in Kalidasa's Kumarsambhava and
has been immortalised in the Ajanta frescos. People of the state
also quote from references to this tribe in ancient texts,
including the epics and the Vedas. Only Rigveda does
not mention the word Kinner. Bharti refers to the evidence that
substantiates the claims that the region comprising upper Satluj
was called Kinnerdesh in the past.
It is not for
nothing that Himachal Pradesh was once a part of the
mythological Dev Lok, or the Abode of Gods.
General
Science For Competitive Examinations
by C.S. Bedi and R.S. Bedi.
S. Chand & Co., N. Delhi. Pages: ix+564. Rs 295.
 Competition has
become a way of life for us, more so for the youngsters. Right
from jostling for a seat in an appropriate school or college and
obtaining proper education to getting the right sort of job, one
has to compete with one's peers. It is a tough game and only the
best come out winners. Apart from one's curriculum a student has
to imbibe general knowledge too. And science is an essential
part of such knowledge.
Some like to
thoroughly study their chosen subjects, but most kids prefer the
shortcut, viz., guides, academies etc. They seem to be one with
the British novelist and art historian, Anita Brookner, who once
remarked, "In real life, of course, it is the hare who
wins. Every time. Look around you. And in any case it is my
contention that Aesop was writing for the tortoise market`85
Hares have no time to read. They are too busy winning the
game."
If you agree with
her then this book is for you. It covers all the topics that
could possibly be of use in a competitive exam. However, do
remember one thing. No matter how swift hares are, their stamina
and lifespan are only a fraction of those of tortoises. And I
firmly believe in the dictum that one who laughs last, laughs
the loudest.
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THE
title conjures up the prospect of the 1960s' ‘nouveau romanciers’
fiction, characterised by shifting time sequences, interior
monologue, and striking imagery, popularised in France by the likes
of Michel Butor. Alas! One is soon disabused of the possibility of
any such happy experience.
