Moments That Make Life (Book Review)

Book: The Goat Thief

Author: Perumal Murugan

Translated by: N Kalyan Raman

Publication: Juggernaut

Ordinary moments make life extra-ordinary

Yes, life is all about the small moments, when felt intensely forms a memorable part of lives. This is the thought that reverberates in all of the short stories. I am glad that I got this opportunity read works of the celebrated Tamil author Perumal Murugan, thanks to N Kalyan Raman’s translation. The Goat Thief is a collection of 10 simple stories that irradiates the rustic charm.

‘The Well’ the first story is extremely sweet; while the narration is on, you can actually feel the fun and frolic that you can experience only in a well in a village and not even in the plushest swimming pool. Likewise the other stories are small snippets of lives that can happen on a regular day, in our daily lives.

My personal favourite is ‘An Unexpected Visitor’. It is a story cute little anecdote of an ‘Ajji’ – a grandmother’s life that transforms completely after her grandson comes to visit her. The emotions of an old widow is beautifully displayed and is quite touching.

‘The Wailing Of A Toilet Bowl’ is not something I could comprehend much; the conclusion can be deciphered depending upon perspectives. Similar is the case with ‘Musical Chairs’, I am still thinking what exactly happened with the chair….. however, it is funny story.

As much as the praises to the author, the translator is also eligible for the credits. The narration smoothly flows into your head and dives deep, registering the moments into your memories.

My takeaway: At the cost of sounding repetitive, it is small moments in life if thoroughly lived and felt, makes life worth living and memorable.

My rating: 4 out of 5

I received a review copy of the book from Juggernaut in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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