Book Review: Shedding the Metaphor by Nandini Sahu
Reviewed by Dr. Shaleen Kumar Singh
Dedicated to his son Parthasarathi,”Shedding the Metaphors” is a collection of twelve short stories by Prof. Nandini Sahu that invites the readers to view an intricate tapestry woven with themes of classicism, modernity, social responsibility, idealistic love, and human heartache. Nandini Sahu is a prolific writer and poet on the canvas of Indian Writing in English. She describes her creative journey as “profound exploration and expression, channelling her anxieties and celebrations” into her creativeoeuvres.
The present collection aims to engage and resonate with readers, drawing them into a shared experience transcending mere storytelling. This approach of Nandini Sahu reflects her staunch faith in the purity and sacredness of the written word, grounded in her social and traditional knowledge systems.
The concept of shedding metaphors is central to Sahu’s narrative—an evolution toward inclusivity, empathy, and acceptance. This theme mirrors life’s journey as one moves through various stages of misunderstanding and clarity, ultimately arriving at a state of nirvana where rationality and irrationality coexist.
The writings of Nandini Sahu are deeply informed by her personal and social beliefs, blending the symbolic and symbiotic connections between humanity, nature, and knowledge. One may witness that her characters are richly drawn, experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions and challenges, from love and mental health struggles to social and political upheavals. They are depicted as deeply connected to grassroots political movements and ecological consciousness, reflecting Sahu’s commitment to social and environmental justice.
The present collection also highlights the importance of language and literature in shaping and reflecting human experience. The stories of the present collection explore the dichotomy between nature and culture, encouraging readers to engage critically with the text. The author’s narrative style remains fluid and honest, providing a safe space for expressing truths that might be difficult to articulate otherwise.
Out of the twelve stories, the first, “A Very Different Story”, delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly the often ambiguous and fragile nature of love and emotional connections. The narrative centers around the protagonist’s relationship with Meeta, a woman who becomes an integral part of his life, and through their interactions, the story explores themes of love, longing, and emotional fulfillment.
The story depicts love as a multilayered emotion containing joy and sorrow. The protagonist’s love for Meeta is represented as deep and genuine, transcending physical attraction. One may see it evident when he describes his feelings for her as something he has been searching for all his life, suggesting a profound emotional connection. The narrative underscores the idea that true love involves understanding, support, and mutual respect, which the protagonist finds in Meeta.
The story highlights the sacrifices individuals make in relationships. This theme is further explored through the protagonist’s sacrifices as he navigates his feelings for Meeta while maintaining a facade of normalcy.
Another important story of the collection, “The Quarantined,” investigates the complexities of human relationships during the global crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, the protagonist, Joyita is a keen observer of the dynamics in her neighbourhood, especially the curious case of Sheela, her neighbour. The narrative explores themes of confinement, both physical and emotional, through the lens of the quarantine period.
The story juxtaposes Sheela’s overt struggle with Joyita’s subtle discontent. Though seemingly fulfilling, Joyita’s relationship with Jayant is tinged with unspoken compromises and silent battles against societal norms. The pandemic, the backdrop to the personal drama, intensifies the sense of entrapment. The lockdown not only restricts physical movement but also amplifies the emotional and psychological confinements of the characters. The portrayal of Sheela’s eventual quarantine in the hospital, devoid of any familial support, is a poignant observation of the bleak realities of societal and familial neglect.
The last story or memoir, “Being God’s Wife,” is a poignant echo of the enduring impact of a father, affectionately called Baba, on his daughter’s life. The story’s narrative is woven through memories and emotions. It illustrates the profound and lasting influence of Baba’s values, character, and actions on the author.
The opening poem of the memoir sets the tone. It expresses a deep, personal connection and the internalization of the father’s presence. The imagery of the grey sky and the father’s grave within the narrator emphasizes the profound loss and the intimate bond shared with Baba, who continues to live on in the narrator’s heart and actions. Here, Baba emerges as a figure of virtue, discipline, and unwavering support, particularly in a socio-cultural context that often undervalued daughters.
His commitment to education and women’s empowerment is a recurring theme, highlighted by his efforts to educate his six daughters despite societal pressures and financial constraints. This dedication underscores the transformative power of education and the importance of gender equality, themes that resonate throughout the memoir.
The memoir dips into Baba’s character, portraying him as a “Living God” who embodied saintly virtues and simplicity. The unwavering principles of Baba(such as refusing to engage in malpractice or bribery), reflect his strong moral compass. The anecdotes, such as his interaction with the goldsmith and his insistence on “real” flight tickets, add a tinge of humour and humanity to his portrayal, making him a relatable and endearing figure.
The memoir also tapsinto the theme of loss and the complexities of familial relationships. Baba’s hard battle with dementia and the narrator’s struggle with personal tragedies, such as miscarriages and domestic violence, reveal the painful realities of life.
Hence,”Being God’s Wife” is a tribute to Baba’s enduring legacy. The memoir celebrates the life of a father, his values, and the indelible mark he left on his family. The memoir is anhonestprobe of love, loss, and the lasting impact of a parent’s influence, offering a nuanced and deeply personal narrative that resonates with universal themes of family, resilience, and the quest for understanding and acceptance.
In the latest collection of stories, “Shedding the Metaphors,” storytelling transcends the boundary of mere fiction, offering readers a profound exploration of the human condition. The characters of the fiction writer Nandini are a testament to the resilience and complexity of the human spirit, making this collection a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the deeper connections between individual experience and the broader social and natural world. We crave more such stories and memoirs in the future.
(Dr. Shaleen Kumar Singh is anAssociate Professor, Head of English Department at Swami Shukdevanand Postgraduate College, Shahjahanpur, U.P., India. He edits an ezine Creative Saplings)
KV News
