Book Review

A parable in smart prose, wrapped in enigmatic magic realism

By
Randeep Wadehra

The Dollmakers’ Island by Anuradha Kumar
Gyaana Books. Pages: 240. Price: Rs. 225/-

It is a story of dollmakers… No, it is a story of Leela’s unflinching wait for her lover Shyam… No, no, it is actually history suitably fictionalized to cater to the taste of general readers. Perhaps it is all of these and more?! Perhaps it would be apt to describe it as a parable packed in enigmatic magic realism and decorated with smart prose.

Basically, the narrative is woven around the ever-elusive tribe of dollmakers. They live on an island which is situated plumb in the middle of a river somewhere in the eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Nobody has seen them, so none knows how they look like. Yet, they have been making their presence felt over the millennia. One or the other of their representatives, or their dolls, has been influencing or witnessing history’s flow right from the time of the Mauryan dynasty – more specifically King Ashok – right up to the time of India’s partition and aft. But they were always “invisible” – reluctant to attract attention to themselves. Whenever, powerful outsiders tried to reach them they would leave the island and return only if and when it was safe for them.

Added to the above are other elements. A tower with a ladder. Up in the tower is Leela who has lost her voice even as she pines for her lover Shyam – who has gone missing. One day the ladder vanishes, too, unfolding the tale of missing boats, forbidden love and elopements; of Clive’s acquisitiveness and Mir Jafar’s treason; of Curzon’s hubris and cowardice; and yes of the Indians’ inherent disunity and mutual suspicions as epitomized by the Headman and Mouldi. You watch in bemused amusement as the Headman exchanges spectacles with Gandhi when the latter is on his way to Noakhali. Then there are Jill and Anon…

The story barges through all barriers of time a la the crushing of levees by churning waters and intruding outsiders including “the government”, not to mention the climactic storm that rages later on…

As the story swings between different periods and characters in history one does not get to experience a continuous linear narrative as one would in a movie with no flashbacks. Instead, you get pictures/video clips – generally complete in themselves yet are part of the multi-faceted whole – flitting across your vision.

Although this reviewer prefers uncomplicated, linear storylines, he enjoyed “watching” various historical characters in unfamiliar settings and shades. Personally, I would have preferred a more robustly delineated plot with more tantalizing buildup to the climax. However, this does not take anything away from the book’s readability as its teasing imagery keeps one absorbed. For example, the unstable island, the forced compromise between the Headman and Mouldi and the vanishing tribe of dollmakers makes one think of the current situation in the subcontinent, doesn’t it?

1

 That was a very uncomplicated review of a complex tale.. Vey nice..

Ajay Kumar | September 5, 2010