I can see why this play was entertaining, and that 2 millennia later we haven't changed. We still enjoy these stories in daily soaps.I can see why this play was entertaining, and that 2 millennia later we haven't changed. We still enjoy these stories in daily soaps....more
Intensely entertaining (if you understand the Greece it was performed in), full of coincidences, and a bunch of characters who prove to you that man cIntensely entertaining (if you understand the Greece it was performed in), full of coincidences, and a bunch of characters who prove to you that man can never be either morally upright or otherwise - it's always both in varying degrees....more
Funny Boy is an important read because the story it tells belongs to more than just its own space and time. Over the span of 7 years, it touches up4.5
Funny Boy is an important read because the story it tells belongs to more than just its own space and time. Over the span of 7 years, it touches upon several aspects of life.
Arjie is a Tamil Sri Lankan boy. He lives in a country that is progressing towards civil war, driven by Tamil-Sinhalese violence. His family, and the world around him, grapple with the developing unrest, until it comes to a peak. This is the macrocosm he belongs to.
Arjie is also gay, although he doesn't realise it until it kisses him in the face. His society thinks of such tendencies as "funny". Any time he shows behaviour that doesn't align with traditional masculinity, he is brought under scrutiny. Yet, it cannot change his identity, nor the fact that more boys like him exist. His confusion about his inner self comes to a peak as well. This is the microcosm he belongs to.
Funny Boy is a story of identity politics, of the impossibility of choice, of the illusory binaries we like to believe in. It tells how we often don't realise the truth revealing itself when we live through it, until it's all out there for the world to see.
This book isn't a genre I usually read, but I picked this up for a teaching module. And there's no doubt that texts like this should have a presence in the classroom. The violence of political conflicts, the confused exploration of the self - these are universal aspects of human life.
To me, there were some particularly remarkable moments. Arjie's anger at injustice (and also of his mother's) met with inability to act is extremely real. How many times do we witness something we deem unfair, yet cannot help but accept it? The unfairness too exists both in a microcosm (Arjie's principal's traditional punishments) and in a macrocosm (Uncle Daryl's unsolved murder).
Another key moment that stood out was the rage of the Sinhalese mobs against the Tamils contrasted by the kindness and cooperation of the Sinhalese neighbours in protecting their Tamil acquaintances. Arjie's survival is both a result of chance and the solidarity of those who could protect them. Such tales also appear in Holocaust literature, and it shows how man's unvelievable tenacity for violence coexists with man's undying loyalty to kindness. That such a contrast can exist is both suprising and illuminating.
The burning of the house is the ultimate death of innocence for Arjie. His childhood ends with the acceptance that the house is gone. And much like every other peak in the book, this moment has been built up to throughout the narrative. Like Arjie or his family, we too only see it when it comes to pass.
Gender norms are explored not only through Arjie, but other characters as well. Radha Aunty's story is a beautiful crossover of the issues of gender norms and racial norms.
In the end, the question remains: should we give in? Arjie's family gives in by immigrating to Canada. They know that this shift changes then from a comfortable economically healthy family to impoverished outsiders, yet survival becomes the most vital aspect of this choice. Too quick do people complain about illegal immigrants, because they don't realise the reality of those fleeing their home states. They would have stayed, but they cannot.
Then again, Arjie doesn't give in to heteronormativity and embraces his sexuality. Although he realises how he must hide it, he accepts who he is. He navigates it through anger, denial, hopelessness, but finally finds peace in it.
These contradictions form the crux of the novel. It makes you question, and realise how essential those questions are. This is the best takeaway from the book. The need to implore is essential for existence, yet how many of us do so?...more
This is a book I'm glad to have on my shelf, and it's a book I can go back to multiple times.
This is a title suitable for people who love to travel oThis is a book I'm glad to have on my shelf, and it's a book I can go back to multiple times.
This is a title suitable for people who love to travel or are planning to travel to any of the South East Asian countries. Especially as Indians, this book holds up the international exchanges that have been historically taking place between our country and SE Asia. Our cultures, gods, stories, and traditions show major overlaps, and this book dives into not only why this is, but how as well.
If you enjoy non-fictions about culture and history, or feel interested in scholarly approaches to these subjects, you will enjoy this book. The author perfectly balances the rigour of an academic study with the simplicity of storytelling. Hence, you have something that can be read and enjoyed by a wide variety of people.
The only instance I found that I want to point out is: I wish the maps were printed larger or with more markings. The images do serve an amazing purpose and help the reading, so can the maps. There are some copywriting errors, but you can easily read through them.
This is a perfect read for seasoned readers and curious people. I also love the attention given to readers both used to fact-based writing and used to more creative method of non-fiction writing.
Cultural narratives are largely dominated by the stories of the elites, but folk tales give us a glimpse of the ordinary. So when I turn to these storCultural narratives are largely dominated by the stories of the elites, but folk tales give us a glimpse of the ordinary. So when I turn to these stories, I find myself diving into a personal, close-knit world of a culture. I have grown up on a healthy dose of local folk tales, and with time began exploring those from other regions. Japan had been largely absent in this regard (apart from some tales of the Shinigami), until now.
This book brings together several stories from Japan that echo how oral folk tales play the role of a teacher and of cultural propagation. I found myself remembering some of the stories I have read before from other cultures, warning of wrongs and praising moral uprightness. Every story shows a different aspect of everyday Japanese life while conveying a sense of message.
This collection is just perfect for anyone who likes light reads, travels around with books, hasn't read about Japanese culture in depth, or is looking for a gift for a young reader. The language flows easily, and the illustrations make the experience very visual. The book is not intimidating, but warm and welcoming. The short stories mean that it's easily accommodated amidst a busy schedule. Sometimes you might find stories that echo folk tales you already know. In the end, you realise how connected we are as humans, despite our perceived differences.
My only issue with this book was the absence of glossaries or word meanings. As someone who isn't very aware of Japanese cultural components, some words didn't make a lot of sense until I looked them up or tried prising them from the context. As such, a glossary or meanings in the form of footnotes would have been greatly helpful.
The book is immensely accessible, with a large print that helps both young readers and those with visual challenges. This aspect of the book really caught my attention. Aesthetic-wise, the book does a great job capturing the essence of Japan.
I recommend this book especially for young children or new readers who might find thick novels intimidating. This is a perfect gateway into the world of reading....more
Perhaps authors shouldn't use a source material (Greek mythology) if they do not care for respecting the source material. The literary world would havPerhaps authors shouldn't use a source material (Greek mythology) if they do not care for respecting the source material. The literary world would have been better without it....more
Highlights include: the fun illustrations, the nuances of history, the great storytelling, the attention to all parts of Ancient India.
Also, this book counters propaganda history. It presents accurate information that is based on recorded data and not agendas. Definitely get this book!...more
To me an illustrated book is always special. It gives my eyes something to hook on to while reading. This book feels like a glimpse into a pe3.5 stars
To me an illustrated book is always special. It gives my eyes something to hook on to while reading. This book feels like a glimpse into a personal world. It's like a long-needed conversation between two women, whose experiences unite them despite the differences in time and space. The book is extremely aesthetic, perfect to carry around because of its thin spine, and amazing for sharing.
To me, the only reason for the rate of 3.5 is the content of the poetry. In a market filled with poets, standing out is challenging. This book stands out for its interplay between the art and the writing. But considered in isolation, the poems are too simplistic. The expressions are embedded in direct statements. Surely, this style is great for new readers of poetry, but I enjoy complex imagery in verses.
For a light and short read, this is a good book. The last few pages give you space to express yourself. This was my favourite part (see last few slides). Go read my own simple verses (well, I'm no poet either). This, for me, is what makes the book the most enjoyable....more