QABAR BY K.R. MEERA (TRANSLATED FROM THE MALAYALAM BY NISHA SUSAN)

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BOOK NAME: QABAR

AUTHOR NAME: K.R. MEERA (TRANSLATED FROM THE MALAYALAM BY NISHA SUSAN)

GENRE: CONTEMPORARY / POLITICAL FICTION

PUBLISHER: EKA PRESS - WESTLAND BOOKS

BOOK BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.in/Qabar-K-R-Meera/dp/9391234518



BOOK COVER IMAGE





BOOK REVIEW

Time and again, many translated books have proven why regional writers are more relatable and influential than their unrestricted counterparts. Maybe it is because of their proximity to the local culture, their keen observance or their brilliant outlook combined with the freedom that comes with writing in the local language. Qabar is yet another book executed with the same brilliance and eloquence that you forget that you are reading a translation. The credit goes to both the author and the translator for maintaining the story's credibility throughout. 


In Qabar, which translates to grave literally, the story revolves around the district judge, Bhavana, a single mother of a child with ADHD. She deals with a land acquisition case where the petitioner, Khayaluddin Thangal, argues that his ancestor's grave was demolished and a new building is about to erupt there. She falls for her solicitor, Khayaluddin, despite witnessing his magical powers and learning about his djinn connection. Bhavana, taught by her mother to judge without prejudice and from a neutral standpoint, is caught between emotions and righteousness. 


The book is political, even though it doesn't mention specific scenarios or names of monuments anywhere in the book. But you know the book is all about the religious controversy in the country. Every metaphor, every scenario and every word in the book is influential and has a deeper meaning to it. The author also speaks about women's emotions, rage, and desire. Bhavana's mother is a character who shows the rawness of women's lives in India. How even working women won't be spared of slavery at home, and each home is her own grave where she has buried her needs and emotions is put forth beautifully. What I loved most about the book was how beautifully a woman's longing, heartbreak, loneliness, and desire have been captured. 


It's a monumental book that took hardly an hour or so to finish. I haven't yet read an Indian author who writes magical realism so beautifully. It plays with your brain, and you are confused about what is real and what is myth. The book has more questions for you to find answers to than serving them on a platter. 



MY REVIEW: 5/5

This is a part of Blogchatter’s #TBRchallenge

#penbooksandscalpel

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