This translation of Premchand's Godaan is a majestic interpretation of a Hindi classic. I declare that it's one of the most moving and authentic representations of India that I've read.
A lovely, evocative review, as always. Growing up, I had to read several of Premchand's stories - in the original Hindi. Between my terrible Hindi and the even more terrible teaching I had to endure, poor Premchand was consigned to a dark pit, unappreciated and rejected. It was many years later, when I read his stories, translated into English (alas, I don't remember by whom) that I realized what a gem of a writer he was, bringing alive, as you wrote, an India that I knew very little about, in such a vivid and engaging way.
I loved the photos - how beautifully they complemented your writing!
Updated: “When you live in the water, see if you can make friends with the piranhas and get them to attack the crocodile, and especially eat its babies.” I write this as a guy who lived through the trump administration.
Although I have not read Premchand's work, your clear and poignant summary of his translated work took me right into his mind and how he sees things. Your precis, done to near perfection, of his work made me go and buy that book and breeze through its 500 pages, which I am going to do. I just finished the 1,000-page tome on Jefferson by Jon Meacham. He, too, has a gift of taking you right to Monticello as he describes TJ's adventures and life. Thanks for your generous gift, Kalpana!
Of course, Kalpana! At a deeper level this story captures a broader allegory of "Godan" we all yearn for. We struggle with making it happen all our lives for our own salvation. The hero of that story reflects all our struggles in our own ways!
A lovely, evocative review, as always. Growing up, I had to read several of Premchand's stories - in the original Hindi. Between my terrible Hindi and the even more terrible teaching I had to endure, poor Premchand was consigned to a dark pit, unappreciated and rejected. It was many years later, when I read his stories, translated into English (alas, I don't remember by whom) that I realized what a gem of a writer he was, bringing alive, as you wrote, an India that I knew very little about, in such a vivid and engaging way.
I loved the photos - how beautifully they complemented your writing!
Updated: “When you live in the water, see if you can make friends with the piranhas and get them to attack the crocodile, and especially eat its babies.” I write this as a guy who lived through the trump administration.
Hahahahahahaha! That is a gem. My husband will love this line from you. He’ll totally agree. Happy Father’s Day. Have a lovely day!!!!
Love it!!! I'm just seeing it now, after a whole year. Sorry, Peter!
Although I have not read Premchand's work, your clear and poignant summary of his translated work took me right into his mind and how he sees things. Your precis, done to near perfection, of his work made me go and buy that book and breeze through its 500 pages, which I am going to do. I just finished the 1,000-page tome on Jefferson by Jon Meacham. He, too, has a gift of taking you right to Monticello as he describes TJ's adventures and life. Thanks for your generous gift, Kalpana!
Oh wow!!!!! This is so cool, thank you for your kind words, Dilip! I feel like it’s worth having read and written about it….
Of course, Kalpana! At a deeper level this story captures a broader allegory of "Godan" we all yearn for. We struggle with making it happen all our lives for our own salvation. The hero of that story reflects all our struggles in our own ways!