Story-in-Short:
Most of us still dream and hope to find ways out beyond violence and corruption. Using dolmens (single-chambered tombs constructed, dates back to Neolithic period 4000 to 3000 BC), as a metaphor, Dolmens in the Blue Mountain explores the meaning of life and death in the context of migrations of Kerala’s Syrian Christian community, and the struggle for survival of tribal communities in the Western Ghats mountain ranges.
The story revolves around the lives of three brothers. One of them migrated to Canada. The second one joins a Delhi based NGO, bogged down by a corrupt and callous system, was forced to quit his job on moral grounds. The third one stayed back in Kerala, but got into conflict with the radicalized tribal community.
Will the brothers, inspired by the dolmens, which taught them the meaning of living in harmony with nature, without compromising the resource needs of poor people and future generations, be able to fulfill their dreams and aspirations?
In My View:
Some work of fictions look like interesting real stories. Similar is this book of Dr. Kandathil Sebestian that I’ve just completed reading. The book takes us back to the olden days of Kerala. It introduces a reader to Devasy, a sincere and hardworking farmer. He has a son named Ouseph who constructs a church in Ezacherry village of Kerala. Thomman who is keen to study is denied education by Ouseph. Thoman, one day while coming home accosts a goon and accidently the goon is murdered. Thomman faces jail for this murder. This drags along suffering days for his intelligent and enthusiastic son Saju. But with the help of a local politician Thomman gets bail.
Philipose, Dominic and Thevan are the other characters of the book. Philipose goes to the extent of indulging in illegal acts to earn more money while Thevan suffers. Dominic who goes to become a missionary priest, feels victimized for being a hypocrite, conforming, submissing and appearing personality. Dominic and Thevan share a very loyal friendship and relation. Philipose sexually exploits Kannagi and this sparks the further and the crucial portion of the story.
This book reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain, “It is no wonder that truth is stranger than Fiction. Fiction has to make sense.” The Dolmen’s in the blue mountain actually is a fiction novel but the narration style of the author gives it a realistic touch. I really found Dr. Kandathil Sebestian’s writing style fascinating.
Over-all: The cover of the novel is appropriate and so is its title. Both are enough to captivate a reader’s attention. The flow of the story is good. The narration style of the author is praise-worthy.
Speaking about the drawbacks, there are some grammatical errors in the book which could have been avoided. Also, certain informative and descriptive parts, included in the novel feel unnecessary. I am very sure that the author will consider these things during his future projects.
Leaving these drawbacks, the book gives an enjoyable time to a reader.
Book Details:–
| Author: | Kandathil Sebastian | ||
| Publisher: | Leadstart Publishing | Publishing Year: | 2013 |
| ISBN-13: | 9789383562244 | ISBN-10: | 9383562242 |
| Cover: | Paperback | No. Of Pages: | 212 |
| MRP: | Rs. 195 | Buy From: | Amazon.in Flipkart.com |
Original Source: http://suyashscorner.blogspot.in
Summary
My Rating
Considering everything, I would rate the book with 4/5. My best wishes to Dr. Sebestian! Hope he comes up with more such books!
