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A review by joeesomething
Six Acres and a Third: The Classic Nineteenth-Century Novel about Colonial India by Fakir Mohan Senapati
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Actual Rating: 3.7 stars
What do these six and a third acres represent? It is said that the Kohinoor, the world-famous diamond, destroyed every family that owned it. The fate of kings from Allauddin to Ranjit Singh is shining proof of this. And yet, ever since this jewel has adorned the crown of our highly revered, greatly honored empress of India, who dwells in the White Island and who manifests like our goddess Kamala, the fame and power of England have spread all over the globe. The poison that kills everyone else glows around the throat of Lord Mahadeba, the God of gods, and expresses his supreme divinity. The point of this is that nothing in its rightful place is ever a source of trouble.
What a book! It's hard to believe that this was published in 1896.
The concept and the execution of the book is admirable indeed. The book talks about a colonial India where zamindars, or landlords/landowners were granted a lot of power by the British Raj. It's written in a socio-poltical view, with satire as the main theme, but then transitions to a more social view on the society. Takes into account the author's observations of rural Orissa during the 1830s.
The satire is ideally what makes the book a forward-thinking realistic one, but then I have come to realise that I personally don't like satire THAT much, hence the lesser rating.
However, if you are an Indian, it's a must read for sure.
What do these six and a third acres represent? It is said that the Kohinoor, the world-famous diamond, destroyed every family that owned it. The fate of kings from Allauddin to Ranjit Singh is shining proof of this. And yet, ever since this jewel has adorned the crown of our highly revered, greatly honored empress of India, who dwells in the White Island and who manifests like our goddess Kamala, the fame and power of England have spread all over the globe. The poison that kills everyone else glows around the throat of Lord Mahadeba, the God of gods, and expresses his supreme divinity. The point of this is that nothing in its rightful place is ever a source of trouble.
What a book! It's hard to believe that this was published in 1896.
The concept and the execution of the book is admirable indeed. The book talks about a colonial India where zamindars, or landlords/landowners were granted a lot of power by the British Raj. It's written in a socio-poltical view, with satire as the main theme, but then transitions to a more social view on the society. Takes into account the author's observations of rural Orissa during the 1830s.
The satire is ideally what makes the book a forward-thinking realistic one, but then I have come to realise that I personally don't like satire THAT much, hence the lesser rating.
However, if you are an Indian, it's a must read for sure.