Book Review- Circle of Fate

“I cannot be awake, for nothing looks to me as it did before; Or else I’m awake for the first time, and all before has been a mean sleep.”

Walt Whitman, decades ago, had penned these line to remind us how exactly complicated our lives are, how disturbing, the harsh truths of existence are. In her novel, Circle of Fate Prita Warrier chooses to tread on a “road not taken” to narrate a tale that depicts reality. That reality which we all are aware of but not quite prepared to confront. Warrier starts off unassumingly on the surface, but a careful reading provides ample glimpse of a darker, more intricate webbing that lurks behind her seemingly easy sentences. It is here that Circle of Fate stands apart; as an important work of fiction which in itself is not that fictional!

The story is all about an ageing widow, Devaki (the protagonist) and an emotional journey that is rough edged and unsure; a journey she is compelled to undertake. Tormented by nightmares, Devaki is seen pinning for estranged son, Naresh. She hopes for Naresh’s return and their consequent reunion. Naresh does and what instead unwraps, finds her in shambles. The story takes a different turn a more composed one, which is when Naresh’s daughter Sheela, the curious “America return”, comes to live with her grandmother. The backdrop of a serene Kerala and Sheela’s sticky situations while grappling with an alien culture almost reminds you of a Narayanesque Malgudi and its misadventures. But just as you had started to relax, Warrier pulls you by your hair and yanks you back to her world of uncertainties and apprehensions. Trying to find her roots, Sheela stumbles upon a discovery that would perhaps have best been left undiscovered. Henceforth, begins the most turbulent part of a journey into the deepest folds of the human mind. Truths surface and a shocking revelation fades in and rips through the reader; as if an ancient voodoo mask resonating the room with its hideous snigger.

With detailed descriptions of poignant incidents and a careful build-up interspersed with timed reliefs, Warrier shows an assured mastery of her art of story-telling. The story’s female leads, Devaki and Sheela go on to form a contrasted pair, interdependent on each other, never-the-less. She draws you into the story without you even knowing it and when you do realize that you have quietly been teleported, there’s no way you can let yourself remain unaffected. Absorbing to the skin, Warrier makes sure that her tale creeps into your consciousness and forces you to bump into your own, secret, sinister self. Circle of Fate end in despair but what is impressive is that Warrier garnishes the conclusion with subtle undertones of spiritual submission; she leaves a trade of redemption, a second chance for penitence. Circle of Fate is not for the coffee table nor is it for the mush loving “happily ever after” individuals. It will take nerve, insight and a lot of wisdom for the reader to appreciate this state of the art, literary wonder. Readers, go for this one, only if you have enough time and patience to take off your eyes from that zesty, new girl on Facebook, and soak in the radiance of knowledge that it exudes.

Book Details:

• About the Author

About Arjyarishi Paul

Since my house burned down, I own now a better view of the rising moon.