Book Review : Sethji - Shobhaa De
Title : Sethji
Author : Shobhaa De
Published : 2012
Read on: 15th Nov, 20
The book blazes the lives of socialites – politician,
businessmen and people from film industry by torching their spiteful souls
whose lust and power greed runs flip-flop on a threadbare marital relationship.
It’s a tragic satire, a realistic fiction, an irony which highlights to what
extent a life could droop to achieve the ultimate heights perceived.
The story builds with description of characters associated
with Sethji intertwined with Kautilya’s Arthashastra. In Hindi, Seth means a
rich person and Ji is added to symbolize respect. The second most important
character which portrays a bigger role than Sethji is his daughter-in-law (Bahu
in Hindi). At times, it seems that the story is more about the bahu. Kautilya
or Chanakya or Vishnugupta authored ancient Indian political treatise.
The lifestyles, thought process and hypocrisy of each
character is brilliantly elaborated which gives a sense that you really know
them. It keeps you guessing how one character would be crossing the roads of
Sethji’s life. In one way, you feel that why Indians are orthodox and
conservative. On the other side it is actually open for everyone to peep and
puke. It’s just a thin wrap that saves the grace. It gives you a reality check.
If someone has seen plethora of Bollywood movies, the scenes
and scenarios are predictable. We know, it normally happens in a particular
way. Even the author does mention the same for some of the plots.
Also, there is a brief on the gaps between top notch people
in an industry and the bottom. The behaviour of the people at the bottom in
presence of a powerful person is clearly envisioned. More than the
materialistic aspect, the space in the minds have been captured. It covers all
layers of society from rags to riches who are part of the lives of elites.
In India, still talking about sex is a taboo. It’s an
uncomfortable topic to be discussed open among family members. Invariably, it’s
the most talked topic in this society with a camouflage. Not only talked, but
also much sought after pleasure. The author unveils this taboo as is.
Howsoever the talks of woman empowerment rings everywhere,
the primary task of woman remains to be housekeeping and up keeping family
(values, traditions, respect and what not) at her own stake. Within this set
up, a woman has to play hide and seek with own character to be dignified and powerful.
These shades are colourfully draped of the sole woman character in the book.
The climax of the story could be guessed by anyone who has
the habit of reading or watching Indian movies. The end doesn’t seem like an ending but, gives the reader
to imagine endless sequel to it.
We normally aspire for the lives of riches. What is takes to
reach there and be there is attempted to be covered in the book. It is for the
read for someone who wants to explore the lives Indian socialites at their
lowest times. It is certainly not recommended for a read for less than 18 years
old.
- Saranya
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