I never thought to read this book or any fiction by Naipaul, until I saw this terrific post , likening one of Naipaul's books to a Gerald Durrell comedy. Really!!!! Wasn't Naipaul this grim, unsmiling guy who was terribly critical of everything and everybody? Could he possibly have anything humorous to say?
I am happy to be proven wrong. 'Mr Biswas' is hilarious, chronicling the life and endless trials of this luckless and rather ridiculous man,t rying to get ahead in rural Trinidad (I imagined Raghuvir Yadav playing him in the TV movie in my head) . A rather feeble attempt at flirtation ends up with Biswas getting married, and bound for life to the rather horrible Tulsi family, an enormous clan that he despises, yet is obliged to live with and even depend on for housing and a livelihood. Trapped in the crush of all these people, he struggles to find his space (in more than just the physical sense), and a house of his own becomes his ultimate ambition . Several times he tries to break away from the Tulsis, but is invariably forced to return, usually in extremely humiliating circumstances.Biswas' only weapon is his sharp tongue which he wields to defend himself and vent his barely concealed rage, though rarely with much success.
Biswas is not a very likable character- a bumbling ass, prone to hasty decisions and some really bad choices, and destined to suffer the consequences of these. He seldom conducts himself with dignity, and is the focus of much of the Tulsi clan's ridicule - a classic underdog. Yet Naipaul chronicles his life and misfortunes with such gentle humour that I found myself hooked to the story, and hoping he would land on his feet. Slowly Biswas does begin to assert himself. He talks himself into a job with a local paper that gradually helps him earn a standing of sorts with the Tulsis. More important, he finally begins to bond with his children. His dream of a house of his own eludes him for much of the book, but does come true eventually, though not without its own hassles.
This book is built on details - the little squabbles between the Tulsis, the rivalry that filters down from parents to kids, the elaborate dramatics the women get into, to manipulate household politics. It is truly a Gerald Durrell like caper.It also reminded me of Dickens' Pickwick Papers, another great book about bumbling but harmless characters made memorable by their individual quirks.
By the way, as a result of watching me get through this book, the Imp now mimics me by opening up a book at random, then throwing back her head and cackling wildly. Sadly, it's a pretty good impression, and will definitely end up being recorded on K's phone for our grandchildren to watch. If I annoy him enough, maybe even Youtube.
Sir Vidia, I blame you entirely.
I am happy to be proven wrong. 'Mr Biswas' is hilarious, chronicling the life and endless trials of this luckless and rather ridiculous man,t rying to get ahead in rural Trinidad (I imagined Raghuvir Yadav playing him in the TV movie in my head) . A rather feeble attempt at flirtation ends up with Biswas getting married, and bound for life to the rather horrible Tulsi family, an enormous clan that he despises, yet is obliged to live with and even depend on for housing and a livelihood. Trapped in the crush of all these people, he struggles to find his space (in more than just the physical sense), and a house of his own becomes his ultimate ambition . Several times he tries to break away from the Tulsis, but is invariably forced to return, usually in extremely humiliating circumstances.Biswas' only weapon is his sharp tongue which he wields to defend himself and vent his barely concealed rage, though rarely with much success.
Biswas is not a very likable character- a bumbling ass, prone to hasty decisions and some really bad choices, and destined to suffer the consequences of these. He seldom conducts himself with dignity, and is the focus of much of the Tulsi clan's ridicule - a classic underdog. Yet Naipaul chronicles his life and misfortunes with such gentle humour that I found myself hooked to the story, and hoping he would land on his feet. Slowly Biswas does begin to assert himself. He talks himself into a job with a local paper that gradually helps him earn a standing of sorts with the Tulsis. More important, he finally begins to bond with his children. His dream of a house of his own eludes him for much of the book, but does come true eventually, though not without its own hassles.
This book is built on details - the little squabbles between the Tulsis, the rivalry that filters down from parents to kids, the elaborate dramatics the women get into, to manipulate household politics. It is truly a Gerald Durrell like caper.It also reminded me of Dickens' Pickwick Papers, another great book about bumbling but harmless characters made memorable by their individual quirks.
By the way, as a result of watching me get through this book, the Imp now mimics me by opening up a book at random, then throwing back her head and cackling wildly. Sadly, it's a pretty good impression, and will definitely end up being recorded on K's phone for our grandchildren to watch. If I annoy him enough, maybe even Youtube.
Sir Vidia, I blame you entirely.
This was truly one of his best, if not the best!
ReplyDeleteHe painted a picture of a world that was both familiar and yet new. I'd read this decades ago- suddenly remembered Ma Tulsi and the bay rum.
hey thanks for the nice words! am glad you liked it, i need to read it again i think.
ReplyDelete