✨Book : The Mysterious Dance of Vintage Follies
✨Author : Hema Savithri
✨Genre : Realistic Contemporary Fiction
✨Pages : 330
✨Publication: 2021, Penman Books
✨Format : Paperback
✨Book Cost : 299

4.5 /5

Blogpost by Dhanu

“You have never seen me. I am sure, and you will never see me. I see everyone, though. I am that invisible ‘everyman’ in every village and small town. I do not have a particular name. You can call me Kesu.” p. 4

One of the best ever introductions for the protagonist that I have ever come across.

The storyline narrates the story of Kesavan and the life scenarios of the people in Kavampuzha, a remote imaginary village. This realistic fiction portrays the class differences, superstitions, suppressions and other psychotic and societal dysfunctions such as child abuse, oppression, casteism, marital disharmony and so on in naturistic view. The story effortlessly carries the plot and exposes the beast behind the beauty.

Kesavan is a Koladari, Theyyam performer who is living with his wife, Latha and two daughters, Malu and Mira. Theyyam is thousand years old tradition which happens during the month of January till April. It is a seasonal dance performance and is believed that it is a channel to God and the people worship the performer as God Himself.

The characterization of the novel has a unique part of the novel. Sreedhara Menon and Suresh Chandran are two main authoritative figures in Kavampuzha and have played huge distinctive roles in this novel. The other similar potential characters are Evelyn, Mayukhi, Vasudara, Ravi, Kannapan and a few other characters who have crucial roles for the entire storyline. The characters are well-framed with solid background about their life in a well-structured and detailed manner. The book meticulously meets the dots with its mesmerizing narrations of incidents without any hassles.

The writing style is easy with the flow while reading which attentively depicts the tiniest details of each incident. The language is beginner-friendly and meticulously describes the ambience of Kerala, God’s Own Country. In terms of the setting, the author has beautifully captured the spirit of Kerala within the remote village of Kavampuzha, complete with its unique fragrance of nature. On the whole, the novel gives a magical experience while reading and makes the readers understand and overcome the darkest shades of life and society.

I highly recommend this novel for everyone for engaging plotline and countryside experiences with a microscopic view on society.

Happy Reading!