- Book: Dolmen's in the Blue Mountain.
- Author: Dr. Kandathil Sebestian.
- Publication House: Leadstart Publication.
- Category: Fiction.
- Rating: 4/5.
Story-in-Short:
Most of us still dream and hope to find ways out beyond
violence and corruption. Using dolmens (single-chambered tombs constructed,
dates back to Neolithic period 4000 to 3000 BC), as a metaphor, Dolmens in the
Blue Mountain explores the meaning of life and death in the context of
migrations of Kerala’s Syrian Christian community, and the struggle for
survival of tribal communities in the Western Ghats mountain ranges.
The sotry revolves around the lives of three brothers. One
of them migrated to Canada. The second one joins a Delhi based NGO, bogged down
by a corrupt and callous system, was forced to quit his job on moral grounds.
The third one stayed back in Kerala, but got into conflict with the radicalized
tribal community.
Will the brothers, inspired by the dolmens, which taught
them the meaning of living in harmony with nature, without compromising the
resource needs of poor people and future generations, be able to fulfil their
dreams and aspirations?
In My View:
Some work of fictions look like interesting real stories. Similar is this
book of Dr. Kandathil Sebestian that I’ve just completed reading. The book
takes us back to the olden days of Kerala. It introduces a reader to Devasy, a
sincere and hardworking farmer. He has a son named Ouseph who constructs a
church in Ezacherry village of Kerala. Thomman who is keen to study is denied
education by Ouseph. Thoman, one day while coming home accosts a goon and
accidently the goon is murdered. Thomman faces jail for this murder. This drags
along suffering days for his intelligent and enthusiastic son Saju. But with
the help of a local politician Thomman gets bail.
Philipose, Dominic and Thevan are the other characters of
the book. Philipose goes to the extent of indulging in illegal acts to earn
more money while Thevan suffers. Dominic who goes to become a missionary priest,
feels victimized for being a hypocrite, conforming, submissing and appearing
personality. Dominic and Thevan share a very loyal friendship and relation.
Philipose sexually exploits Kannagi and this sparks the further and the crucial
portion of the story.
This book reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain, "It is no wonder that truth is stranger than Fiction. Fiction has to make sense." The Dolmen’s in the blue mountain actually is a fiction
novel but the narration style of the author gives it a realistic touch. I
really found Dr. Kandathil Sebestian’s writing style fascinating.
Over-all: The cover of the novel is appropriate and so is
its title. Both are enough to captivate a reader’s attention. The flow of the
story is good. The narration style of the author is praise-worthy.
Speaking about the drawbacks, there are a few grammatical
errors in the book which could have been avoided. Also, certain informative and
descriptive parts, included in the novel feel unnecessary. I am very sure that
the author will consider these things during his future projects.
Leaving these drawbacks, the book gives an enjoyable time to
a reader.
Considering everything, I would rate the book with 4/5. My best wishes to Dr. Sebestian! Hope he comes up with more such books!
Note: A reviewers copy of the book was provided by the author and the publication house.
Considering everything, I would rate the book with 4/5. My best wishes to Dr. Sebestian! Hope he comes up with more such books!
Note: A reviewers copy of the book was provided by the author and the publication house.
- You can get the book online: Amazon, Flipkart, Rediff books, India Book Store, Infibeam.
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