That’s Life !

This book describes the poor migrants’ daily struggle for existence in the slums of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the support extended by Christian Missionaries (prominently – a Polish priest named Stephan Kovalski). Descriptions of everything in the book – the characters, places, events – are so vivid and at times brutal, that they moved me to tears several times. The book is about Calcutta, but it brought to my sudden attention the ubiquitous pain and suffering that we so often see in Mumbai, but have learnt live with and to dismiss right away.

On the flip side, the book seems to bolster the stereotype image of India (or a ‘third world’ country) and seeks to exaggerate the facts – providing matinee entertainment for the western audience.

But, that image is superficial. At deeper level, you’ll know how people are still so rich of life, in spite of being poor; (no, it does not glorify poverty). I read every page with disbelief and learnt a how and why optimism, altruism and faith are essential ingredients of humanity. I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to absorb the meaning of life.

• “The Street Lawyer”, by John Grisham (1)
• “Night of January 16th” by Ayn Rand (2)
• “Abduction” by Robin Cook (3)
• Umrao Jaan (6)
• Return of the supermen (9)