Introduction
- ISBN 978-8-184-00054-2
- Genre Fiction
- Pages 310
- Publisher Random House India
- Price Rs. 295/- ( I got this book for review from the publisher)
Having learnt
Carnatic music (instrumental) for 8 years I share a very beautiful bond with
music. I believe music is the language of the soul. The biggest example for
this is my music teacher - who is suffering from Alzheimer’s today and has
forgotten everything but music; the moment you start playing any musical piece
her fingers automatically start drumming the talam. Isn’t it astounding?
There are many
reasons why I chose this book. Firstly and most importantly for it is about a guru
and a shishya, which reminded me of my teacher, secondly it about learning music
and thirdly it is about learning much more than just music. It is about
learning how to live, love, listen to your heart and most importantly know your
real self. All this makes The Music Room by Namita Devidayal a very special read
for me.
Behind the Book
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“Fantastic
! A must read for every musician and music lover!” – Pandit Ravi Shankar
About the author
Namita Devidayal was born in 1968 and graduated from Princeton
University. The Music Room, winner of the Vodafone Crossroad Popular Book Award
2007 and named an Outlook book of 2007, is her first book. A journalist with
The Times of India, she lives in Mumbai. To read more click here.
Me thinks
This book is biographical in nature wherein the
author has shared her own experiences of learning music with Dhondutai, a highly
respected music teacher from the Jaipur gharana. Like any ten year old Namita
is forcefully taken to a music class by her mother; which she resents. The
reason she resents is more because of the surroundings. The sentiments of Namita’s
mother behind sending her to a music class are very nicely depicted. As in the
olden days a girl well versed with the knowledge of music was considered to be
virtuous.
It is very touching to see Namita gradually fall in
love with music and absorb it into every part of her being. As Namita observes
Dhondutai’s dedication to music she realises that music is much more than just
ragas and taalams. Learning music opens
new windows for her through which she sees a different life. She sees the endless
possibilities that are spread out before her. She understands what dedication
is when she sees Dhondutai remain unmarried her entire life only for the sake
of music. She sees a new form of love when she feels music in her every heart
beat. She recognizes life as she hears music in almost everything around her. Dhondutai
sees her as next Kesarbai, a very famous singer; and it is her belief which
pushes Namita to keep giving her best till she succeeds.
This book is a well written one covering various
aspects of music in a lot of detail. The author has explained minute details
related to music like the various gharanas and their history. It is said when you
do something which is close to your heart, the results are fabulous. The author
has taken a subject which is very close to her heart. Her passion for the same
reflects in her writing creating a mesmerizing effect on the reader.
Previously I had read Aftertaste by the same author,
after which I was a bit reluctant to read another work by her. But this book
took me by surprise. This is undoubtedly one of the best works by the author
and hence has been graced with so many awards too.
If you are a music lover then you should read this
book as it makes you feel proud of our cultural heritage. I am not too sure if
a non-music lover would enjoy this book as much as there are certain portions
which might seem dull to them.
Foodie Verdict
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This
book has been received from Random House for review