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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