I have to admit I do not read novels from India often enough. But what inspires me to keep exploring is the thought that there might be more gems like Vivek Shanbhag’s Ghachar Ghochar out there.
This slim novella tells a story of an average family from Bangalore, who by a fortunate turn of events and with some wit involved, suddenly become wealthy thanks to their spice trading business. With a quick social class change, they are able to move houses and wed their two children (with varied results). No more worries about daily finances and new additions to their family shake up the dynamics – the relations inside the extended family begin to tangle up, more and more.
Every chapter puts another character to the spotlight – all lined up in a very neat hierarchy. There goes the witty uncle, Chikkappa, the good-natured Appa, three women: Amma, Malati – our narrator’s sister, Anita – his wife. Then the narrator himself, who kind of loiters around all of them, perhaps because his rightful place is at the very bottom of this family ladder. Despite the fact that the book is short, the author managed to portray all the characters in such vibrant colours, you will not be able to bid farewell to them easily.
Ghachar Ghochar (masterfully translated by Srinath Perur) is a phenomenal read, full of intricate details and not even one unnecessary word. It’s a story of a family, of money, relations, dark secrets and everything that in our life is – quoting Anita – a little gachar-gochar.
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