Authors:
Dr. Shayan Haq; Santosh Avvannavar
Publisher: Hoffen;
1 edition (2015)
Paperback:
58 pages
Our
behavioural traits are dictated by the society. Every person has to be a male
or a female to live with peace in the society. But, about the people who can’t
be classified as either a 'he' or 'she'? Society ignores them, and trans-genders
have been the victims of the irrationalities of the society since eternity.
The
authors have done a commendable job in
picking a unique plot with a bold and controversial topic that is supported by
a wonderful story.
She:
Ekla Cholo Re is a story of one such person, Kusum. The only way Kusum can
belong to our society is if she denies her own existence. Otherwise, she has to
walk alone in this over-crowded world which considers her a taboo.
She:
Ekla Cholo Re begins with Professor Raj, who finishes his class, and goes for a
long drive. He meets Kusum and gives her a lift. As their journey progresses
Kusum opens up to the sympathetic stranger, and reveals her story.
A
female, born in a male body, Kusum has difficulty following the behavioural
dictates of the society. She strives to understand herself while her family
tries to mould her to society’s expectations. Against her family’s wishes, she
follows her heart with dire consequences.
The
plot is tightly woven with lovely poems, which blend with the narrative. The
book is a quick read, but it lingers with the reader for a long long time. It
depicts how much we so called ‘normal people’ are insensitive to the plight of
those we don’t consider 'normal'.
Kusum
is an extremely likeable, courageous character. Since, Kusum tells her story to
Raj, their conversation in the car forms the crux of the story. The simple and
lucid language is easy to follow. There are a few grammatical errors, and typos
though.
The
design of the title is interesting; the 'S' in SHE appears inverted, signifying
the gender issue of Kusum and the image of Howrah bridge is embedded within
SHE, symbolically representing the Bengali origin of the theme song, 'Ekla
Cholo Re'.
The
tag-line of the novelette - "a story meant to motivate all and sundry irrespective
of their circumstances", perfectly holds true. Kusum’s courage to stand up
for herself, and her determination to continue her path even after being
abandoned will surely inspire everyone.
Kudos
to the authors for writing Kusum’s story and bravely and vividly portraying the
picture of a person caught up in a dilemma. Some stories need to be told, and
read so that our society rises above some social stigmas.
This
book deserves appreciation because it completely engrosses you with quick and
focussed narration rather than setting the scene or irrelevant character
structure. A touching love story, subtly wound around Kusum's internal
conflicts and the book emphatically reiterates the fact that 'transgenders' are
normal people too of great self-respect and admiration.
To
those of us who have never come in close association with the life of a
transsexual, Kusum's story shall give a new understanding of a unique kind of
human emotion. And I recommend readers to spread this genuine social message
far and wide.
As it
is said “Good things come in small packages”, 'She: Ekla Cholo Re' very aptly
justifies it! It’s a sweet and a very short story with the pungent message that
says, 'Never give up and move on even if you are alone. Don’t live the way, the
society expects you to.'
Highly
recommended for those who are looking for a good yet thought provoking book. Overall,
this is a book to remember. I admire the way the authors have packed so much in
just 58 pages!
Rating
- 4.8/5
P.S: A
review copy was provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
