Introduction
ISIN: 978-8192997568
Genre: Fiction
Publishers: Readomania
Price: Rs. 250/- (I received the book for review from the publisher)
The Dove's Lament is a journey that takes you around the world, bringing to life the human side of conflicts that tear people apart. From the genocide in Rwanda, to war-stricken Bosnia, from child marriages in India to prostitution and drug trafficking in Colombia, these stories traverse a microcosm of reality. Be it the manifestation of Bacha Baazi in Afghanistan, or the fight for paradise on Earth, Kashmir, the repertoire of stories lend a soul to what otherwise remain a muddle of news reports and statistics. Through these stories, Kirthi embroiders a tapestry of the unvanquished human spirit in varied shades, and shakes you up to the reality that surrounds you.
Behind The book
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| Source: Goodreads |
About the author
Kirthi Jayakumar is a Lawyer, specialised in Public International Law and Human Rights. She has diversified into Research and Writing in Public International Law, Arbitration and Human Rights, besides Freelance Journalism. Working as a UN Volunteer, specializing in Human Rights issues in Africa, India and Central Asia and the Middle East, Kirthi has worked extensively with grass root organizations that focus on women's rights, and also run a journal, academy and consultancy that focuses on International Law, called A38. Kirthi is also the founder of the Red Elephant Foundation, an organisation that works for the empowerment of women.
Me thinks
Paulo Coelho is my all time favourite author and yet there is one book of his I have never been able to complete - Veronica decides to die. There is so much of pain and apathy in it that it depresses me after sometime and I have to keep that book aside. Till date I have just managed to reach page no. 51 in it. I believe it takes a lot of effort to portray pain like this, where a reader can not only feel it but he/she also lives it long after the book is over.
I say this because in this book Kirthi manages that feat. She brings alive pain in a way that at times it becomes difficult to keep yourself detached from the story and continue reading it without bringing in your humane side to it.
I have read Kirthi's previous work as well and hence can very confidently say that she has grown as a writer. The depth in her writing has increased manifolds since then. Even then her stories had a certain magical grip that wouldn't let the reader's attention divert even for a moment. And in this that grip gets a bit more firmer.
In this book she takes us on a journey across the globe where she brings alive the problems thriving in each corner of the world. As you read each story you cannot help but feel their pain and trauma. What stands out is her sheer narration, she has a way with words that can make you envisage the scene and almost make it jump out of those pages.
One look at the cover and there are a thousands of questions that come to your mind regarding the contents of the book. The chaos reflected so aptly on it. When the publisher had added "Not a light read!" with this book I smiled as I felt having read her previous book this one wouldn't be much of a problem for me. But after reading a few pages I realized what he truly meant. This book makes you think. It makes you ponder on a lot of things and also question them at large.
My only complaint - I was expecting a global tour too along with it! On a serious note perhaps I was looking at experiencing those places described just beyond the feelings/ experiences of those people. What I experienced was a beautiful amalgamation of life, pain, joy, tears and hope.
Kudos to the author for managing this feat so brilliantly. She has raised the bar for herself with this one and she is definitely one to look out for. ( For me she is into the category of authors whose book can be bought without even reading the blurb, you will surely not be disappointed!)
Surely a recommended read for each one out there, just don't miss out on the warning - Not a light read :)
Foodie Verdict
This book is like Malai Sandwich - a perfect blend of sweet, crunch and subtle flavours to tingle your taste buds!
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