MugiDa YuDDha (ಮುಗಿದ ಯುದ್ಧ) – Dr. K Shivarama Karanth

MugiDa Yuddha is many stories within a story – probably that is how mega novels are written, but I felt this was almost a deliberate style followed in this particular book.

The book is about the life and times of the protagonist Achyuta Raya, no doubt, but it is also about the socio-economic conditions in the villages of India during pre-second world war. The hardships and the dependency of poor people on uncertain factors such as rains, and on the unscrupulous money-lenders/rich, manipulative zamindars and traders are depicted extensively in the story. The book talks about teachers and their impact on the society or lack of it. There aren’t really villains in this saga – the culprit is the situation itself.

Although it is a bleak picture of the times of the past, it also paints wonderful and positive picture of the resilience of the people, especially the womenfolk. Most often than not, it is the women characters that come across strong, purposeful (Achyuta Raya’s mother and sister) and independent in thinking (Subbi the maid supporting Achyuta’s household)

What I liked the most about the book is that the author portrays the characters sensitively, without really judging anyone based on their morality. There isn’t anything right or wrong in the decisions taken by them – they are mostly the victims of their circumstances. The writing is highly descriptive, flows like a calm river that can just go on and on, however, it is never boring. Readers ought to keep one thing in mind, this book may not interest those who are not familiar with the geographical area (since there is not much of ‘action’ happening in the rural backdrop).

This book stayed with me much longer after I had finished it. It could also be because my roots are in these villages too.

I would rate this book 3.5/5.0

The Oxford Murders – Guillermo Martinez

The Oxford Murders is a translated novel, originally written in Spanish by the Argentinian writer Guillermo Martinez. The book was a huge success and was translated to English (by Sonia Soto).

The plot revolves around two mathematicians (an Argentinian student who has just landed in Oxford and a highly acclaimed mathematician who works in the university) who are forced to look at strange symbols, probably from an unknown mathematical series, as clues to a murder. They will have to solve it before it becomes a series of murders just like the aforementioned math series.

The story is light and well written – holds the interest of a reader (me, despite being the math-hater) – and can be read as a break from heavier subjects/books. The story is narrated from the perspective of the student (the protagonist). The two main characters are developed well. The same cannot be said of the others. On the mystery front, it is not on a firm ground, and although the end has an unanticipated twist, one doesn’t really feel satisfied with the climax leading to the ending. There are, of course, plot holes and unanswered questions about characters, yet it does not diminish the story completely.

I read the book on a plane and I thought it was engrossing and entertaining enough to manage the boring lay-over time in the airport.

Not a book for hard-core murder/mystery fans, I’d say. If one is looking for some light read, with a fresh premise, this is the book.

I would rate it a decent 3.0/5.0