In Custody, Author: Anita Desai, Genre: Fiction
In Custody, a fiction novel written by Anita Desai was first published in 1984. It was ceremoniously adapted into a Bollywood movie with the same name. Released in 1994, starring mainstream actors like Shashi Kapoor, Om Puri and Shabana Azmi, this movie is rated 7.1 on IMDb.
Fiction is not on the top of my preferred genres. This book came as a suggestion from my partner (Guddu). Ironically, she bought it basis a recommendation in an Instagram reel, and she hasn’t read it yet! That means, I read a book that I didn’t buy, which was recommended in an Instagram reel I didn’t see. Well, it’s a testimony to the power of social media, or to the influence of my wife. Admittedly though, I am always on the watch out for interesting work done by Indian authors. (Do you have any strong recommendations for me?)
Should you read ‘In Custody’?
When it comes to books, to each his own is quite appropriate, and this one totally fits the bill. Honestly, given this book was nominated for Booker prize in 1984, I do feel the pressure while sharing my opinion. Objectively speaking, forty (40!) years later, it really didn’t blow me away but I admired some aspects of it.
The quality of writing is fantastic! From a reader’s perspective, Anita Desai’s gift for vivid descriptions and relatable imagery is mouth watering. As a writer, I felt inspired by the way Ms. Desai commands the words into a coherent stream of captivating language. Characters are crafted with finesse. The scenes and surroundings come to life, augmented by exquisite description. On several occasions, I felt I was witnessing the scenes as if watching a live play!
Ironically, the captivating reading experience also felt labored at times. I wished the story paced on but it stayed ‘still’ for long periods. Perhaps, aptly in tune with the era in which it was written.
Additionally, I couldn’t relate to the main protagonist, Deven Sharma, who was a nice yet thoroughly insufficient individual. The ending of the story felt uncertain. Yet, it still managed to mildly tease me into thinking what would have happened next?
Content Summary
The plot is based around the life of main protagonist, Deven Sharma. He works as a Hindi teacher in Mirpore, a remote town on the outskirts of Delhi. His cunning friend, Murad, bullies and manipulates him into accepting to work on a momentous project. Smitten by his unconditional love for Urdu poetry, Deven goes on a hesitant quest to interview his idol and celebrated poet, Nur Shahjahanabadi.
The 230 page story is about the trials and tribulations of Deven’s arduous journey. Interestingly, some of Deven’s troubles are his own while he inherits many others courtesy the flippant characters around him. For instance, Nur’s two uncharacteristic wives and the incompetent young boy thrust upon Deven to record his conversations with Nur. In addition, the unexpected realities of Nur’s fragile and decaying personal life constantly sweep Deven off his feet. While the dissonance is palatable in almost every page of this book, the story ends on a peculiar note too. Eventually, when Deven finishes his project, he faces a quagmire of insurmountable challenges. As he cowardly awaits a dreaded end, even the book shuts the door on him. Metaphorical indeed!
Recommendation
Overall, the book made me feel involved, bored, ambivalent and intrigued. I felt sad for Deven and at the same time, felt irritated by his timid and helpless attitude. At times, I just wanted to enter the scene and make things move faster, for Deven’s sake and my own. Honestly, the book invoked varied emotions in me but not the excitement and inspiration that I seek as a reader. On the contrary, will I remember the story and captivating writing style? Absolutely yes!
How you see the world is a reflection of who you are, and books aren’t immune to that principle! I am curious to know, which side are you on? Happy Reading!
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