The Fractals - book review

THE FRACTALS
  by Shanti Chitra

Title: The Fractals (2016)
Genre: Fiction
Author: Shanti Chitra

"Her themes strive to stir and disturb the tranquility and monotony of life" describes her bio. You'll immediately agree when you read this novel. It revolves around the unspoken world of women in our society and also about the men who seem to complete it. This is the story of yet another family made up of friends, colleagues and relatives. Whose stories are unheard or rather not disclosed, who aren't bound to the society and given up on their happiness, the essential element in one's life. The characters are consciously etched with socio-cultural backstory. Aeons of women's suffering is questioned her barriers and potentials are brought to light but never there is the usage of word "feminist". Breaking the taboo. The "what ifs" and "why not" will turn into "yeah that's not wrong". Her anger is vented out which tumbles out as words seeking revenge. Plenty of questions may arise. 

The relationship, love, desire, lust, affection is it temporal or eternal? Relative or unconditional? Should it be expressed be expressed to one person alone? forever? How powerful is love? who created it? The mankind? was it bestowed by nature? How often is it misinterpreted and misunderstand? Does it take age, gender, sex, creed into consideration? Does the pleasures of human beings adulterate it? How broadminded are we? Are we ready to accept our loved ones being different? Do we give them their space or ridicule them? Is it wrong even if they don't harm or hurt anyone or disturb their lives?  Why do we brand others? in what basis? Who are we to blame? Is it right or wrong? Dutiful or sinful? who are we to judge? Is it relative too?

Should the society and family decide who he/she should spend his/her life with? It is a disturbing journey in a fantasy land. The perspectives may strongly differ. Yet the Author will put you in a state of dilemma. Referring to excerpts from the ancient texts along with its meaning put into life scenarios and connecting the readers by the usage of Tamil words and making the journey through pages delightful as the essence of a language is lost partly in translation. Morality and reality may seem like parallel tracks leading to a same point. The characters may question you or leave you disturbed. But can assure you'll have a pleasingly unpleasant experience.

- Lohithaksha Sreedharan  

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