THE EXECUTIONER!

It was when reading didn't feel fascinating, I picked up Aarachar. Till date, my decision never made me feel bad. Even though reading was not my cup of tea then, Libraries always made me feel serene. Visiting them invoked a sense of tranquillity in me. The book laid still on my desk for almost 3 days. I get hold of it.. read the first few pages... leave it there on the table. This tradition kept on going for a week. At last, the exact juncture made me finish the entire book. 

Now 5 years passed by, Still, remember the storyline crystal clear.  

        The novel, as the name goes, is about a family in Kolkata, where all the male members commit to the job of Executioners. The narration takes place from the perspective of Chetna Gridha Mallik, who is fierce in inheriting this profession.  It is due to the financial crisis, Chetna gives up her hope of Studying further and struggles to pass on their lineage. Her family members try to make ends meet at her home, in all possible ways. The outline of the story mainly is of the struggles Chetna makes for her livelihood. It's at that phase, Jatheendranath Bannerjee's mercy petition awaits the result. The entire Mallik family is keen to know whether Phanibushan( Chetna's father) will be the Hangman for his execution. The story of Jatheendranath's execution is covered by a reporter named Sanjeev Kumar Mithra. Chetna is attracted to Sanjeev Mithra for his appealing character. Later when Jatheendranath's execution is to be done by Phanibushan, he tries to convince the government to hand over the charge to Chetna, making her the first hangwoman in the country. The book ends when Chetna is married to Sanjeev Mithra.

        The book is highly fruitful in portraying the strength of women. A novel that can be and should be read by everyone, regardless of age and gender. Even language cannot be held a deterrent as this book by K.R Meera, is translated into English under the title Hangwoman: Everyone Loves a Good Hanging by J.Devika.

 

No wonders why this book bagged multiple awards & honours. 

Remarkable work!

- Namratha