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Friday 18 December 2015

‘The Nomad Learns Morality’ : A crossroads of emotions and intellect..

 

In the current times when pulp fiction is in vogue “The Nomad Learns Morality” comes as a whiff of fresh air - invigorating and relaxing at the same time. The learned author, Mr. Tomichan Matheikal, leaves the readers of his work awed by his absolutely new outlook of the stories we all know since childhood..the anecdotes in Hindu and Christian scriptures and classical legends about great warriors, heroes and Royalty, philosophers, scientists and holy men in about first half of this book. 

Mr. Matheikal’s approach to the subject is remarkably rational and unbiased. He reaches in those obscure corners of the psyche of his characters where a conventional reader of scriptures would not dare to tread. In spite of his revolutionary foresight his treatment of the characters and the portrayal of their depth is so vividly wonderful that you would not feel hurt even if you don’t agree with his viewpoint.

In most of the places the final outcome is barely suggestive, in others it has been left to you to decide and in still others you wish you could have more to be able to reach a conclusion. This, I guess, is due to his mellowness of consideration of others’ opinions, for he from his side hasn’t left a loose end which might have confused the reader. When he throws light on an incident or a protagonist with the radicals which all may not find agreeable his manner is mild to the extent of becoming delicate!

These stories in their new avatar will definitely leave you aghast by their ingrained logic and common sense which we have rather been blind to see, leave alone appreciate till now. The twist at the end will stun you in many. The process of understanding will depend on a reader’s individual mental and psychological development..some may agree, some may not, and some might not build an opinion at all. There will also be quite a good number, like me, who will fall head over heels in love with them, mesmerized by the charm of the writer’s approach and his manner. Since most of us have a deep rooted conditioning about matters pertaining to ‘religion’(?) I would suggest that you read the stories as mature adults, objectively, impartially and unbiased. These are best read when we are open to receive. You will deprive yourself of the excitement and delight these stories lead you to, if you try to interpret them with rigid mindsets..so open up and let the elixir of enlightenment 
and bliss bathe you!

I’d rather have the conservatives read the book too to broaden up their horizons, and to at least have a different taste of the otherwise dull and routine. Agreement with the author, a sagacious philosopher, is not necessary but enrichment of ideas is. The stories not only provoke you to think afresh but also are a constant supply of fulfilling nourishment.

Although it has not been made into a separate section, but in about  second half of the book we meet commonplace people, girls and boys next door. The particular incidents in their lives narrated in the stories will amaze you with their simplicity and profundity of emotions woven together seamlessly. The author mocks, jeers and even ridicules the characters at places but the mellowness of his expression leaves no allowance for any controversies whatsoever. Here again his insight into the depth of their hearts and minds is wonderfully remarkable.

Brevity is the essence of this awesome work. The language is crisp ant curt. The extraneous details have been done away with and the reader cannot find an excuse to take a breath while reading, their deep interest is maintained throughout. I can imagine what a mammoth task the writer must have gone through editing and re-editing his own drafts. I read almost each story three times: the first reading to delight, the second to savour and the third to reach ecstasy.

I have resisted the temptation of quoting from the book and deliberately so, in the interest of the readers..or the real beauty of those words would have been marred without their context perhaps, that is why.  Mr. Matheikal’s observations and suggestions are solitaires of wisdom best fitted in their gold encasements.

Available with: OnlineGatha

24 comments:

  1. It has to be a good book.
    Thanks for the review.

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    1. It's a great book, Indrani!
      Thank you for liking the review:)

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  2. I am currently reading it. I am so struck by the richness of knowledge that Sir Tomichan has. The book is definitely something that needs to be read by a vast number of people. You are right, conservatives OUGHT to read it. You have brought up interesting points in your review here.

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    1. Glad you attest my views, Sunaina:) Thank you:)

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  3. From your review,it stands as 'A must read book.'

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  4. I am glad you did not quote from the book, that would have taken a bit of sheen off :)
    A good review.

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    1. Hai na? Glad you liked my idea:) Thank you Alok:)

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  5. Good review! He is a fantastic writer...I have always loved reading his blog. :)

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    1. That he is for sure! Thank you Deepa for liking the review too:)

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  6. I am charmed by your account (would not call it a review as there is never a flip side to the collection ).I am overawed by the brilliant and lavish use of words of praise for the author Mr. Matheikal and arousing in me a deep sense of intrigue and curiosity to read the book in all its spontaneity.

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    1. I liked your reason for not calling it a review:) I leave it on readers to discover a flip side:) The book outshines my 'brilliant and lavish words of praise', I promise! Thank you Sunita:)

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  7. Hi Tomichan,
    Feeling proud that once we were together aspiring to be someone different. Thanks for your genuine reviews & intellectual contributions.

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    1. Would you mind telling me who you are? I wonder what prompted you to write a comment here addressed to me!

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  8. I am overwhelmed by both Amit ji's review and the responses to it. I am humbled. In spite of the audacity and egoism that I grapple with in my personality, I tend to agree with Sunita (specs buffy) that the review ignores the "flip side" of the book. However, the author is not the right person to speak about either: the bright side or the flip side. I'm glad if my stories can inspire anyone. My main motive in publishing the collection was a suggestion by a number of bloggers and blog readers. The dedication of the book to a particular organisation and a particular person within it was the secondary reason: it was a therapeutic exercise for me.

    Whatever that be, each story in the collection was written because it had to be written. It had to be written because the feelings it contains were oppressive within me and writing the story was a way of dealing with them effectively.

    I'm obliged to a good number of people who were kind enough to tell me through various mediums that they found the stories inspiring in different ways. Thank you,each one of you.

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  9. A wonderful review Amit! Thanks for posting.

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  10. My pleasure, Rajeev:) Glad you liked:)

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  11. Loved the review of the book. Sunaina's review also speaks highly about Mr Matheikal's book.

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    1. Sunaina's review is better than mine:)
      Thank you Somali:)

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