It is breezy, light, and meaningful. It is an excellent read, and an absolute page turner.
I am talking about Paritosh Uttam's maiden novel 'Dreams in Prussian Blue'.
Naina is the protagonist of the book. The book revolves around the lives of Naina, and her live-in boyfriend, and college art genius Michael Agnello.
Naina and Michael are both students at the Fine Arts college in Mumbai. Head over heels in love with Michael, Naina drops out of college with him, leaving behind her family and way of life. It is only after a while that she realises that life is not at all a bed of roses. All Michael is interested in doing is painting through the night. He refuses to share any of the other responsibilities at home, cranky and irresponsible most of the time. Naina struggles with many odd jobs, providing everything for Michael, including his painting supplies. Naina also works hard to get Michael some kind of recognition as a painting genius. The lack of Michael's cooperation on anything leads to failure in every aspect. Just when Naina's patience wears thin, and she is all set to leave Michael, tragedy intervenes. Michael loses his eyesight in an accident, and Naina is back to where she began in the first place. As she struggles to make both ends meet, and Michael happy, she has transcended to becoming a liar, and a cheat.
Will Michael ever forgive her for what she has done to him? Will she be able to forgive Michael, for pushing her to such ends? Or will there be two separate personal tragedies?
The novel is fast paced, and breezy. It delivers just what it promises to be, a Metro read. It goes to show the various nuances in the lives of live-in couples. It shows the consequences of rushing into any relationship without rational thought. It efficiently displays the sorrow, and despair prevailing in such life. It showcases the fact that a person with a passion, like art cannot be capable of adjusting in any other occupation. Blue seems to be the central theme of the book, as it is evident in the title. Whether it is Naina who is blue with sorrow, or Michael who in his blindness, cannot see anything else.
Almost throughout the book, the reader is sympathetic towards Naina. Naina has put all her dreams on hold for Michael's sake, who is insensitive to her needs, feelings or dreams. It is commendable that a male writer has been able to empathise so well, with what a woman goes through in such situations. What one must remember is that Michael is also a victim here, but merely of the circumstances. His views on life and materialism, though indifferent, ring the bell of truth.
The narrative technique is good. The time frame constantly shifts from the present to the past and back. It is something fresh, but definitely not something that is unheard of. It is character central. The characters have been dealt with very well.
It is fast paced, and leaves you dwelling upon the realities of life, as we know it. A good read.