Adam is a collection of 9 short stories by JCB Prize winning author, S. Hareesh. Originally translated from Malayalam, these stories feature a range of human emotions that tinge at the reader’s heart. The characters- both human and non-human, are complex and alive in a way that one can almost visualise them. These characters are the ones that have always existed around us. The stories grab the reader forcefully and force them into the lives of these characters, whom we might have seen in a passing glance.
While reading the very first story, “Adam”, I was reminded of Perumal Murugan’s style, as more often than not, his stories are centred around non-human entities. But whereas Murugan’s stories exhibit a unity of some sorts, Hareesh’s narration flows endlessly, often spilling over to the places where one wouldn’t expect it go. The action takes place on a rather expansive field with no fixed centre as the narrative shifts perspective after every two paragraphs or so. Instead of being a weakness, this lack of unity and the rather unrestrained flow of narrative, characteristic of the author’s style, is what I enjoyed the most.
Apart from capturing the socio-cultural milieu, the stories are also astute studies of human behaviour, which is at times illogical, irrational and conflicting. The critique of the human society that Hareesh offers is never in your face, but rather oblique and subtle, so that the writing and plot is never subordinated to the message or theme. This made all the stories engaging and enjoyable.
Hareesh’s narrative style involves dropping casual drops and hints as the plot progresses, which are later picked up by the readers. In this respect, I was reminded of another author’s style – Chimmi Tenduf-La (author of Loyal Stalkers). As a writer, Hareesh’s prowess lies, I believe, in being able to make the mundane and the extraordinary equally exciting and gripping. Quite an enjoyable read! My favourite stories from the collection are Adam, Maoist, Death Notice and Magic Tail.
My Rating: **** (4.25/5)
What do you think about this book? Have you the JCB prize winning Moustache by the same author? Do share you views. Thanks.
*I was sent a review copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Views expressed are entirely personal and unbiased.*
Books N Myself 