Wednesday, October 24, 2007

A home in the sky - Excerpts from the book.

ஆகாச வீடுகள் (A Home in the Sky is the Title of the English translation) by Vaasanthi was one of the books I was reading in the past week. It is a story that is set in a village amidst a community of people. It is almost like a microcosm. The author has explored the problems, human action and counter action that crop up in this microcosm, albeit from a feminist point of view.

At the two ends of the spectrum are Lalitha and Meenu who approach the same problems differently. Lalitha, Meenu's aunt, is a very patient, loving, forgiving person who smiles even at those who hurt her. Even when she weeps she weeps not for herself but for the other person.

Meenu is the reactive person among the two. She believes that something must be done when injustice happens. At 17 years of age she has a highly developed sense of justice and injustice. And she is not one to quietly watch when injustice occurs. She stands up and speaks against it.

Another fact that came to me through the story is, despite the failings and ill-feelings and gossip among the people in the community, when tragedy occurs they come together as one large family and support one another. Selfishness may seem very rampant. But in times of crisis, they think beyond self and look at the other. It is almost like these times of tragedy are moments when their heart soars in to a higher realm of existence.

This being said, I will explore or simply quote snippets from the book. And I will do my best to translate those for non-Tamil reading folks.

இந்த மனசு ஏன் உயரப் பறக்கமாட்டேன் என்கிறது?

ஓ, பெரிய சுவரல்லவா குறுக்கே நிற்கிறது?

நான்.

இதுதான் கண்ணை மறைக்கிறது, வெட்கத்தையும் மானத்தையும் மறைக்கும் சுவர். அன்பை மறைக்கும் சுவர்.

Why isn't the heart able to fly high?

O, isn't there this big wall that is blocking it?

I.

This is what is blinding the eyes. This is the wall that screens self-respect and dignity. The wall that blocks love.

"இத்தனை சின்ன வயசுக்கு நீ ரொம்ப யோசனை பண்றே, மீனு! ரொம்ப யோசனை பண்ற மனசு ரொம்ப துக்கமும் அனுபவிக்கும்."

"You think a lot for your age, Meenu! A mind that thinks a lot will experience a lot of pain."

I could relate to that!

"எங்கப்பா அடிக்கடி சொல்வார் மீனு, இந்த உலகத்திலே எதைக் கண்டும் நாம வருத்தப்பட வேண்டியதில்லே, மனுஷனுடைய அஞ்ஞானத்தைக் கண்டுதான் வருத்தப்படணும்பார்!"

"My dad used to say often, Meenu. We shouldn't be sad looking at anything in this world. Only man's lack of wisdom should sadden us."

There were many other things that appealed to me in the book. However, I don't want to get in to all the snippets in this post. Besides, it will take me a long time to search for those in the book.

Click here to read the blurb of the English Translation and possibly purchase it.

9 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Sounds like a worthwhile read, Bungi. I agree that those who think much suffer much. It's a paradox--to think and not think, to love and let go. What else can bring change?

I will look for this book here, and I look forward to more of your quotes.

Compassion Unlimitted said...

Two personalities looking at an issue differently..very nice..as long as the individuals agree to diagree and carry on with life..its wonderful..just imagine if level of maturity is low..and if they happen to be husband and wife..all misery..
any how, nice effort in translation
keep it up
tc
cu

Bungz said...

Sandy - Yeah. If there is something i am learning about life, it is that it is a paradox... and a balancing act...

Let me know if you are not able to find it. I could possibly mail it to you from here.

Compassion - Well, Meenu did disagree with Lalitha a lot earlier on in the book. However, she came to respect her and hold her in high esteem. And Lalitha was an understanding and forgiving person through out.

And thank you. I try what i can.

Sirpy said...

I will have to read it.. been reading these other books like "A Thousand Splendid Suns"- the same microcosmical look at Kabul.. Felt awful in the end.. Perhaps I can relate to better, in this case.. :)

PurpleHeart said...

There are always a hundred ways to look at a thing. Don't you think it so happens most of the time that people in the first circle of your life have totally diverse (from yours) views on a thing, thus making it easier for you to see things that you otherwise wouldn't !

Zak said...

what is it that you seek!

Compassion Unlimitted said...

Hi,Time permitting please drop in to my blog and leave your imprint
tks
CU

That Squirrel said...

That's quite interesting actually. When you think about it "I" even looks like a wall. In English, that is. :p

Bungz said...

Sirpy - I have been wanting to read A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Kite Runner too... I think you will enjoy this book.

Sandhya - True. And our lives are made rich by willing to look through the diverse perspectives available around us...

Sajeeve - Is that a question or a statement?

CU - I will drop by soon. Kindly bear with me as i have been very busy.

Anju - Hey, i never thought of it... Indeed 'I' is the biggest wall!