I picked up this book for a lark(like I pick up most books these days). Some of the books I pick up like this end up very disappointing. This one on the other hand, was anything but disappointing.
It was riveting. The story of Devi, a girl born in Coorg in late 1800s. Devi is a wilful child with her mind of her own, unlike other girls at that time. She decides at the age of 10 that she would marry the Tiger Killer, Machu, her best friend Devanna’s cousin. Devanna, on the other hand grows up, desperately in love with Devi, who is completely unaware of his feelings. Devanna is a very intelligent child and is mentored by the local Reverend. He shares a love for Botany with the Reverend, and both of them spend a lot of time together finding specimens in the rich Coorg forests. His dedication towards biology pushes him into a medical school education, which turns the tide for everyone involved.
The way their lives turn out, weaved in with what is happening in Coorg at that time, makes for a fascinating read. The beauty, traditions, and the culture of the place is brought out beautifully by the author. The book transports you to the Coorg that Devi lived in. From the older times when Coorg was untouched by outside influences, to when Eurpoean influences gets the locals to change their names from Kalamma to Kitty, just as Nari Malai gets changed to Tiger Hills.
The story is fast paced, with shocking twists and turns, making us empathize with the characters at so many levels, even when they end up doing things which are not quite right.. A story of love, unrequited and requited, a story of the things people do when consumed by emotions, a story of how normal lives can change in an instant.
A book that gripped me through it. I would not call it a fast read, but a book which refuses to let go, even after you turn the last page.
1st 🙂
thank god for this review 🙂 YAY
and I thought so that this book would be a good read since you mentioned in our last chat 🙂
I wanted to dedicate it to you but forgot:(
you just did now,it’s okay 🙂
Sounds interesting!!
Do give it a shot, Shilpa, it was great.
Sounds like an interesting read….
It was a very interesting read, Smita
Nice review,liked the story.Will get this book when i order online next time….
very nice write up.. i read it.. keep up the good work..
Honestly sounds really interesting! Wud love to Ut read it !
Am so getting this one soon! COorg is one of my favvv places at that!:)
Thanks for the review Smiths 🙂
Ohh it sounds like something like the God of Small Things….I mean the way you said it describes the time and culture of a certain place. I am pretty sure I will love this one.
Ps: Am I glad you are back to doing reviews 🙂
You know, I think I should re-read The God of Small Things. I did not like it when I first read it – but I have a feeling that I might, if I read it now.
I hope I can start reviewing again – I get lazy, more often than not 🙂
This is my next book… 🙂
Thanks a lott for this review… The review itself is very mystic….. loved reading it.. hope the book matches up to it 🙂