Amitava Kumar is a celebrated voice in contemporary literature and needs no introduction. His writing has a distinct earthiness that takes readers on a journey exploring the circle of life, right from birth to death.
“My Beloved Life,” Kumar’s latest novel, revolves around Jadunath Kunwar also known as Jadu. At the outset, Jadu’s life may appear to be ordinary. But Kumar’s skillful juxtaposition of Jadu’s mundane existence with political and historical events makes this book truly remarkable.
The book is divided into four sections. The primary focus is on Jadu, a history professor. His story unfolds in the third person POV. Jadu’s daughter, Jugnu, a journalist with CNN in Atlanta, narrates a significant portion of the story in her own voice. These perspectives are intertwined so seamlessly that the reader becomes a part of the story.
Jadu’s journey begins in Khewali, a remote village in Bihar. His birth is nothing short of miraculous. And yet, his life is largely mundane, punctuated by occasional significant moments.
As the first in his family to attend college, Jadu embarks on a journey none of his kin has experienced. Curious by nature, and keen to find answers, Jadu becomes an observer.
His observations enlighten him. Although he is keen on sharing the story of his life and poor origins with his classmates, he remains silent and thus learns about others. From this point onwards, caste and class divide become a major theme of the story.
His ordinary life is disrupted when he lands in jail for a brief period. This experience results in his political awakening. Another major turning point in the story is when Jadu receives a Fullbright scholarship and moves to Berkeley. His letters to his wife are filled with descriptions of things he finds in the brightly lit stores. And yet a romantic would feel the subtle love in the words.
Throughout the novel, Jadu plays multiple roles. He is a son, brother, friend, husband, father, professor, and much more.
Jugnu’s story, though it begins in Patna, moves to a different content. And yet, both narratives offer insights into every aspect of their lives and relationships.
Kumar integrates historical, political, and global events seamlessly into the story, and each of them leaves a mark on the reader. Be it The Emergency, the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter protests, or the rise of Modi.
Beyond the themes of poverty, social discrimination, and inequality, the novel delves into close personal and relatable topics such as illness, death, ambition, marriage, failed love, and regrets.
Jadu’s life may be ordinary, but in Kumar’s words, it becomes extraordinary.
I am sharing a few lines verbatim from the book.
“Tragedy is a demon that has a tail attached to it. The tail is the lesson that you are supposed to draw from the tragedy. This is the truth that civilization has recognized through the ages so that you don’t feel robbed of everything. The demon burned down your house. Oh, but at least you got the chance to warm your hands on the fire.”
“—everyone had a story—in that sense, everyone you spoke to was a writer.”
“—this is what I have learned in my life. That there is no end to living. Things keep changing, people change, in ways that you had never expected or even imagined.”
“My Beloved Life” is truly a beloved piece of work. Kumar’s narrative is intimate and universal at the same time. This profound exploration of human experiences, life, and the events that shape our stories will deeply resonate with readers.
Rating: 5/5
Review author: Chandra Sundeep is an author, blogger, and book reviewer. Her short stories have been featured in various anthologies, online portals, and literary magazines. In 2023, she received the Bharat Award, recognizing her dedication to impactful storytelling. Additionally, she has been a recipient of esteemed awards such as the Asian Literary Society’s Sagar Memorial Award, Wordsmith Award, and Gitesh-Biva Memorial Award in 2021 and 2022.