A Leaf from my book shelf: ‘Marina’:

       Recently read this short novel, penned by the legendary genius of modern Tamil writing, Sujatha. The narration is as crispy as hot and spicy banana chips. Lucidly styled. Fast paced. Interesting. The story is as captivating as a glittering soap bubble floating in the air with sharply condensed view points peeping into a wide spectrum of urban life.

      As for as the genre, it is a detective novel portrayed in an urban upper class setting with a climax of Sujatha’s signature punch.  

       The story starts from the Marina Beach.  Author’s pet characters, the youthful detective heroes, Ganesh and Vasanth investigate and resolve a crime riddle.  It is said, any author indirectly / unconsciously expresses himself or his ideas through his characters. Is it not ‘Tharkurippetram’ in Tamil grammar?

     Vasanth is picturized as a voracious reader, youthful and sexy with a deep sense of humour while his boss, Ganesh is heroic and more resourceful. Author’s other young detective hero character; ‘Vikram’ who later went into celluloid, animated by Kamal Hasan was also studious with a broad gamut of interests like Sujatha himself.    

     The junior, companion and assistant lawyer, Vasanth and his boss, Ganesh combine resembles Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson.

     Why there is always a pair of a hero and his lesser caliber companion?

    More colourful Don Quixot and his lesser companion Sancho Panza; a sharp Sherlock Holmes with his gullible friend Dr. Watson; Kalki’s heroic Vandhyathevan with the cunning Alwarkadian Nambi! In all the hero centric films, the resourceful hero is accompanied usually by a comedian.  

    Perhaps the lead character is distinguishably brighter from a dim backdrop! Or is it due to the deep human psychic requirement of a supportive feminine company while performing a task without hindrance to applying his innate qualities? Or is it to show who is leading and who is led? Or is it a heroic ego? Or is it to make the hero awesome, by subtly making the reader getting himself easily identified with his companion? Or is it an Yin-Yan balance? Or is it a personification of a conversation between the plain conscious-mind with the deep subconscious-mind?

     I guess a combination of all these reasons go behind the necessity of such a pair in any story line.      

    Anyhow ‘Marina’ is a right snack for a short travel.

-          :   0  :     -