Jabberwockiers book review
What does one do when her or his world comes crumbling down in just a moment? Sid, the narrator of the novel ‘Jabberwockiers‘ faces such a predicament one night when his “picture perfect life” (as he himself defines it) blows into smithereens with a revelation. Let’s understand what transpires.
Sid, his wife Kavita, and their one-year-old daughter, Samyu form a family that anyone might envy. While all three share a close-knit relationship, it’s the strong bond between Sid and Samyu that takes center stage. They aren’t just inseparable (well, most father and daughter duos are. Right?) but share a connection that goes beyond the usual. Not only do they understand each other’s feelings, what makes them stand apart is the Jabberwockiers (invented or meaningless language, as the dictionary tells us) that they engage in, making them the ‘Jabberwockiers’. Both Sid and Samyu hold a conversation in their babble that baffles even the mother. Not only are these inane-sounding talks but there’s a deeper connection between the two of them. The author Rajessh M Iyer beautifully brings forth the fact that the meaningful words that the world gives so much importance to holds no water compared to these inane words and even the unsaid messages of the hearts. As you sift through the pages, Samyu’s babbles — even when does in her sleep while perhaps dreaming of playing with her father — have a genuine impact on readers.
There’s no way one can live without another. Life, though, has different plans. The ‘darker hues‘ are ready to ‘blotch the pristine canvas’ (as the book’s blurb describes). And, to think it unravels on little Samyu’s first birthday. Eerie, to say the least.
When Kavita spills the secret, Sid has no clue how to react. He only wonders as to how he had no clue about it. However, it’s not Kavita’s decision that rattles Sid. It’s the unimaginable future of living without Samyu. Even in that state of his mind whirring madly, Sid knows with Kavita moving out, there’s hardly a court that would give him Samyu’s custody, especially considering the little one’s age.
Even as Sid tries to piece his fragmented life, he’s aware that there’s someone else in another part of the city who’s going through an equally harrowing agony. Well, how could a one-year-old Samyu make anyone aware of her predicament? Through her babble and Jabberwockiers? Poor her!
Despite knowing that he’s fighting a losing battle, Sid takes the legal recourse, finally breaking down during one of the hearings, knowing full well that the writing is on the wall. Separation is inevitable.
Smile-inducing, fear-inducing, and gut-wrenching at different times, ‘Jabberwockiers’ is an emotional journey for those ‘who don’t mind shedding tears’ (again unabashedly borrowing from the blurb). Also the haikus that Sid writes wring one’s heart. If you love tearjerkers, go for it. Seldom do you read a story that’s tender, yet so turbulent?
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
PGurus is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with all the latest news and views
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- The Scarlet Horizon: Sri Krishna and the feminine energy he believed could stop the war! - March 2, 2023
- ‘Jabberwockiers’ book review: Tender yet Turbulent - March 9, 2022
- An audience with Anant Pai in the true sense… - August 14, 2021
