"Every life leaves behind an echo that is audible to those who take the trouble to listen "
Amitav Ghosh author,The Glass Palace
Its incredible how much we urban folk depend on electricity. Id almost forgotten my good habit of reading fiction, but thanks to the 48 hour unnecessary blackout caused by the cyclone Phylus or Phlegm whatever, it was revived.(hopefully not to be lost again).Much better use of time than aimless browsing and television watching. I rather enjoyed reading "The Glass Palace" by Amitav Ghosh, which was lying untouched on my shelf for the past year or more. I have a liking for Indian authors or writing based in the Indian context for fiction.Like Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri etc. Its not only because of the context but because of the writing style and the emotional connect as well.
The Glass Palace is probably one of the few books Ive read based on such a real historical event. Its very real, the depiction of the colonial era. I think what struck me was the way he has built the characters of the story. The women especially, who are not gentle .Reminds me of my grandmothers stories of the freedom movement and the beginning of the modern era as she told me.
I miss my grandmother suddenly. She was way ahead of her times and a free spirit to say the least. Some may argue that she neglected her family in her forthrightness and independent nature, but I have always looked up to her. Maybe Ill write her story someday . Or use it as an inspiration.Just like Ghosh converted his family stories into this novel.
Well,to summarize this weekend Amitav Ghosh has inspired me. and that is a sign of a true artist.
