The Abyss
Author: B. Jeyamohan (Translated by Suchitra Ramachandran)
Published by Juggernaut books
Genre: Fiction
PAGES: 352
MRP: Rs. 699/-
Thank you @juggernautbooks for a media copy of the book.
The Novel explores the human condition in the darkest corners of society. The story follows a group of beggars who are owned and exploited by a man named Pandaram. At first, the novel is shocking and disturbing, as we see the cruelty and dehumanization that these beggars are subjected to. However, as we get to know the individual characters, we see the underlying humanity that is common to everyone. Even though they are physically deformed and made to beg, they still have a tremendous sense of humor, love, and compassion. The novel ultimately calls for empathy and understanding, and it shows that the soul is eternal, regardless of the circumstances of our lives.
One of the things that makes The Abyss so powerful is the way it depicts the cruelty and dehumanization that these beggars are subjected to. Pandaram is a ruthless businessman who sees these beggars as nothing more than commodities. He exploits them for their physical deformities, forcing them to beg in order to make money for him. He also uses them as a source of entertainment, forcing them to perform tricks and dances for his amusement.
The novel is not without its moments of humor, however. The beggars themselves are a diverse group of individuals, and they have a sharp wit and a keen sense of observation. They often use humor as a way to cope with their difficult circumstances. For example, one of the beggars, Ramappan, is afflicted with leprosy. He is constantly ridiculed and ostracized by others, but he uses humor to deflect their cruelty. He once told a group of children that his leprosy was caused by a curse from a goddess. The children were so scared that they ran away, leaving Ramappan alone.
Despite the cruelty and dehumanization that they face, the beggars in The Abyss never lose their sense of humanity. They are capable of love, compassion, and friendship. They also have a deep understanding of the human condition. For example, one of the beggars, Muthammai, is forced to have children in order to increase her begging earnings. She is a loving mother, but she also knows that her children will be forced to live the same life of poverty and exploitation that she has lived.
The Abyss is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a powerful and moving story that will challenge your assumptions about human nature. It is a novel that everyone should read.
Here are some additional thoughts on the novel:
* The novel is set in India, but the themes it explores are universal. The exploitation of the poor and the marginalized is a problem that exists in all societies.
* The novel is beautifully written. The prose is lyrical and evocative. The author does a masterful job of capturing the essence of the characters and the setting.
* The novel is thought-provoking. It raises important questions about the nature of human suffering and the possibility of redemption.
* The novel is ultimately hopeful. It shows that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope for redemption and transformation.
I highly recommend The Abyss to anyone who is looking for a challenging and thought-provoking read. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish it.
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