Before I begin, I would like to thank Mr Santhosh for asking me to review his book and for sending a signed copy of the same. A correction, its not a novel, but rather a short story.Spanning just 50 pages it can be finished within an hour or so.
Mr. Santhosh is an alumnus from IISC Bangalore. I haven't had the opportunity to read any of his previous works. In his latest book titled SHE, the author tries to bring to light a topic that has been shunned and/or considered taboo especially, in the context of our Indian Society. The story revolves around a transgender, who narrates his/her life story. The protagonist was born a 'he'. But he was more inclined towards the feminine side. His struggles while growing up and the challenges that he faced from all angles of life make up the main content of the book. Social norms are what often dictates and draws the line when it comes to notions of right and wrong. And social norms in turn are born from one simple rule - majority is always right. The dogmas by which our civilized society operates on a daily bases when torn apart for a closer look seems mostly fragile and shaky.
Mr. Santhosh is an alumnus from IISC Bangalore. I haven't had the opportunity to read any of his previous works. In his latest book titled SHE, the author tries to bring to light a topic that has been shunned and/or considered taboo especially, in the context of our Indian Society. The story revolves around a transgender, who narrates his/her life story. The protagonist was born a 'he'. But he was more inclined towards the feminine side. His struggles while growing up and the challenges that he faced from all angles of life make up the main content of the book. Social norms are what often dictates and draws the line when it comes to notions of right and wrong. And social norms in turn are born from one simple rule - majority is always right. The dogmas by which our civilized society operates on a daily bases when torn apart for a closer look seems mostly fragile and shaky.
Hats off to Santhosh for writing a book on such a controversial topic. Coming to a review of the book, there's not much to comment on. The story is solid, engaging and well written. The downside is that it is too short and before you know it, you are at the last page. The editing is a bit off, here and there, could have been improved. This could be overlooked given the fact that the book was written as more of a social message. The characters are likeable and do not stand out, rather they blend in seamlessly into it. Definitely this book is something more than the bullshit romantic novels being churned out by the Great Indian Romance Mill. I would have loved to see a full length novel emerge from this.
P.S. - Loved the ending!!
My verdict-
P.S. - Loved the ending!!
My verdict-
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