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holly_ey's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
raulbime's review against another edition
4.0
After years of running a loud, busy and crowded household as the wife of a university vice-chancellor, and raising many children and grandchildren, Nanda Kaul settles herself away in the picturesque town of Kasauli in an infamous house called Carignano. Alone—with the exception of Ram Lal, her old servant, she indulges herself in that which she's craved for years and hardly ever found: solitude. In Carignano, she reads her books, meditates, recollects, and enjoys the solitary peace she's found in old age. That is until her great-grandchild, Raka, and a childhood friend, Ila Das, unsettle her peace in different ways.
At first when the news of Raka's arrival is discovered, Nanda broods over the demands a child would place on her, but soon realizes that Raka–just like her–desires solitude above all else, preferring the company and stories of Ram Lal. Her ways change then and she tries to include a reluctant Raka into her stories and memories. Then Ila Das, a daughter of an upper-class family gone to financial ruin, and currently working as a government official in the area, also intrudes when she pays Nanda a visit, bearing memories precious to both her and a reluctant Nanda.
Anita Desai has a brilliant way of writing about the inner lives of her characters. All of the main characters, with the exception of the young Raka, reflect on their different pasts. Her writing, deceptively simple and crisp, turns them out and pulls them back into their settings. Then with great subtlety she writes of important matters such as colonization and its effects, class and how it shapes lives, gender violence, and others, so that they're perfectly enmeshed into the narrative without unsettling the story itself. The characters here need different things from each other, which mostly requires inconvenience and disruption from the other, and creates conflict brilliantly portrayed by Desai. It's only Ram Lal, who can't properly interact with the others due to class barrier, that seems to be completely (emotionally) dependent.
This particular book interested me because Desai mentioned in a interview how this was the book through which she finally found her artistic voice. I haven't read the books that precede it and so I don't have the material to compare, but her interest in the forlorn and marginal in society, her mastery of language and enviable control of narrative, encountered in the later works, are all here. The only difference – I think – being that the tragic ending of this story, which felt abrupt, and blatantly and calculatedly done—and so stands out compared to the rest of the story, would have been handled differently by an older Desai. An incredible story all the same.
At first when the news of Raka's arrival is discovered, Nanda broods over the demands a child would place on her, but soon realizes that Raka–just like her–desires solitude above all else, preferring the company and stories of Ram Lal. Her ways change then and she tries to include a reluctant Raka into her stories and memories. Then Ila Das, a daughter of an upper-class family gone to financial ruin, and currently working as a government official in the area, also intrudes when she pays Nanda a visit, bearing memories precious to both her and a reluctant Nanda.
Anita Desai has a brilliant way of writing about the inner lives of her characters. All of the main characters, with the exception of the young Raka, reflect on their different pasts. Her writing, deceptively simple and crisp, turns them out and pulls them back into their settings. Then with great subtlety she writes of important matters such as colonization and its effects, class and how it shapes lives, gender violence, and others, so that they're perfectly enmeshed into the narrative without unsettling the story itself. The characters here need different things from each other, which mostly requires inconvenience and disruption from the other, and creates conflict brilliantly portrayed by Desai. It's only Ram Lal, who can't properly interact with the others due to class barrier, that seems to be completely (emotionally) dependent.
This particular book interested me because Desai mentioned in a interview how this was the book through which she finally found her artistic voice. I haven't read the books that precede it and so I don't have the material to compare, but her interest in the forlorn and marginal in society, her mastery of language and enviable control of narrative, encountered in the later works, are all here. The only difference – I think – being that the tragic ending of this story, which felt abrupt, and blatantly and calculatedly done—and so stands out compared to the rest of the story, would have been handled differently by an older Desai. An incredible story all the same.
sawyerbell's review against another edition
4.0
After a lifetime of serving others, Nanda Kaul retreats to a life of solitude in the mountains. Her independence is shattered by the arrival of a great-grand-daughter, a girl who turns out to love solitary explorations even more than her great-grandmother does.
Not much happens in this very short novel however Desai moved me with the characters she created, with her descriptions of the natural world and the ease with which she moved from dark comedy to tragedy. I know this book will linger on in my mind for some time to come. This was the first Desai I've read and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
Not much happens in this very short novel however Desai moved me with the characters she created, with her descriptions of the natural world and the ease with which she moved from dark comedy to tragedy. I know this book will linger on in my mind for some time to come. This was the first Desai I've read and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
afahrmg's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
ro_o's review against another edition
5.0
Length~ A Novella
Perfect for~ A rainy day with drink of choice
Your mood to match~ Sombre
Rating~ 5 vanilla frosted cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles
Why this book caught my eye~
The desire to break free and clear your life of all the clutter, the screechy irritations of the modern age in which we continually find ourselves inexplicably connected with the rest of the world via the internet of things, awaken forbidden wishes within us-more often than we would like- to run away from it all.
Nanda Kaul does just that, and when I read the back of the book, that's what attracted me. The perfect retirement plan from being a mother, a wife and the rest of the duties the society expects, or at least excepted from a woman back in the day, a few years after India's independence. In that attraction, the book did not disappoint. Nanda Kaul was inscrutably content, that is, till her great- grandchild arrived.
The people you'll read about~
As you would have guessed, Nanda Kaul is not your average great-grandmommy- all love and baked gingerbread cookies, no.
She doesn't want to be disturbed. But then her wary aloofness and nonchalance and want of solitude has apparently skipped two generations. As her great-grandchild Raka displays even stronger signs of wanting to be left alone, Nanda Kaul starts to become uncharacteristically clingy. She wants to pull the quiet moonchild out of her shell. She starts down the path of experimental storytelling, making up tall claims about her childhood and the home she knew as a young girl.
Raka is connected to nature in a way most of us fail to achieve. She is restless to get her hands dirty exploring the mountains and wild paths of Kasauli. Raka is not drawn to her namesake moon, as much she is drawn to the chaos and destruction of brilliant fires that the forests are prone to.
The story of Ila Das made me break down and cry and it climaxed towards the very end of the novel in a way that would make a readers' heart twist and head pound. No, I am still in half denial. The still quiet of the novel, weighed down with memories, stories, feelings and rare speech, is broken by the sudden vicious thorn plunged in its amidst.
Why this novel shines out~
This novel is different from most others in a way that it is fast paced not in actions, but in the speedy transitions of human thoughts. The descriptions of the cantonment established in the times of British Raj are vivid and run like a movie. Anita Desai grounds the demented and tortured strands of life in a way that is refreshingly beautiful.
Perfect for~ A rainy day with drink of choice
Your mood to match~ Sombre
Rating~ 5 vanilla frosted cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles
Why this book caught my eye~
The desire to break free and clear your life of all the clutter, the screechy irritations of the modern age in which we continually find ourselves inexplicably connected with the rest of the world via the internet of things, awaken forbidden wishes within us-more often than we would like- to run away from it all.
Nanda Kaul does just that, and when I read the back of the book, that's what attracted me. The perfect retirement plan from being a mother, a wife and the rest of the duties the society expects, or at least excepted from a woman back in the day, a few years after India's independence. In that attraction, the book did not disappoint. Nanda Kaul was inscrutably content, that is, till her great- grandchild arrived.
The people you'll read about~
As you would have guessed, Nanda Kaul is not your average great-grandmommy- all love and baked gingerbread cookies, no.
She doesn't want to be disturbed. But then her wary aloofness and nonchalance and want of solitude has apparently skipped two generations. As her great-grandchild Raka displays even stronger signs of wanting to be left alone, Nanda Kaul starts to become uncharacteristically clingy. She wants to pull the quiet moonchild out of her shell. She starts down the path of experimental storytelling, making up tall claims about her childhood and the home she knew as a young girl.
Raka is connected to nature in a way most of us fail to achieve. She is restless to get her hands dirty exploring the mountains and wild paths of Kasauli. Raka is not drawn to her namesake moon, as much she is drawn to the chaos and destruction of brilliant fires that the forests are prone to.
The story of Ila Das made me break down and cry and it climaxed towards the very end of the novel in a way that would make a readers' heart twist and head pound. No, I am still in half denial. The still quiet of the novel, weighed down with memories, stories, feelings and rare speech, is broken by the sudden vicious thorn plunged in its amidst.
Why this novel shines out~
This novel is different from most others in a way that it is fast paced not in actions, but in the speedy transitions of human thoughts. The descriptions of the cantonment established in the times of British Raj are vivid and run like a movie. Anita Desai grounds the demented and tortured strands of life in a way that is refreshingly beautiful.
trsr's review against another edition
3.0
Began to enjoy the writing and the possibilities of the story and the setting, but was somewhat disappointed towards the end the way it all panned out and with a rather gratuitously violent ending.
ciea's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Rape, Grief, and Murder
_askthebookbug's review
4.0
| Book Review | Fire On The Mountain.
•
"If Nanda Kaul was a recluse out of vengeance for a long life of duty and obligation, her great-granddaughter was a recluse by nature, by instinct. She had not arrived at this condition by long route of rejection and sacrifice-she was born to it, simply." - Anita Desai.
•
I remember reading In Custody by Anita Desai and feeling underwhelmed. Years later, I decided to read my second book by the author and ended up choosing Fire On The Mountain. Over the years, this particular novella has received mixed reviews and only after reading it did I realise how difficult it might be to rate it. It's rather a simple story narrated in three parts and before I knew it, I was flipping through the last page. All through my experience of reading In Custody, I was immensely captivated by her ability to narrate the surroundings. The city in which her plot unravels is always described in greatest detail. This book was no different. In fact, I enjoyed this much more than her previous one.
•
Nanda Kaul is of an age where she prefers solidarity. She resides in Kasauli in a particularly secluded house called Carignano in which many English gentlemen and ladies have previously lived. She has only her cook Ram Lal for company and seeks refuge in the barren lands and ravines surrounding her abode. Her husband was the vice-chancellor and after his demise, she buys Carignano. Her children are married and live elsewhere, busy with their own lives and Nanda Kaul continues to live her life in silence. Her peace is shattered one fine day when she receives a letter from her daughter, Asha announcing the news that her great-granddaughter Raka, will be sent to Kasauli for a span of few weeks. Upon receiving this sudden news, Nanda Kaul worries about her privacy.
•
When Raka arrives at her great-grandmother's house, she doesn't show a hint of interest. To Nanda Kaul's surprise, Raka refrains from seeking comfort in her great-grandmother's presence. Instead she chooses to explore the surrounding area like a wild child. She doesn't need cajoling or stories but prefers being completely alone. Nanda Kaul is impressed but later turns desperate in grabbing Raka's interest. She is amused by the uninvited jealousy that sprouts up as she watches Raka sharing her adventures with the cook. Throughout her stay, Nanda Kaul feels tempted to write down the house in Raka's name in her will. She feels the need to be Raka's favourite person and weaves stories of magic to keep her interested. A sudden call from Nanda Kaul's childhood friend, sours her mood for she is no condition to entertain anyone else.
•
When Ila Das imposes her presence upon Nanda Kaul, she has no choice but to invite her to tea. Being a Welfare Officer, Ila shares her stories about the plight of villagers and her attempts at educating them. Nanda Kaul cannot stand Ila's shrill voice and prays for her immediate leave. As the friends bid goodbye post tea, a series of terrible events leads for the truth to emerge in a grave manner. Nanda Kaul's life isn't what it seems to be. Raka's fascination with the forest turns into something darker. Ila's fate takes a grim turn. The book is conveniently divided into three parts. Nanda Kaul's life in Carignano, Raka's entrance and Ila's visit. I particularly enjoyed Anita Desai's vivid description of the place and people. I could feel a faint coat of dust on my face as she narrated the murky hills. The story is unique and even though it felt a bit stretched, the ending was worth it. I recommend it.
•
Rating - 4.2/5
•
"If Nanda Kaul was a recluse out of vengeance for a long life of duty and obligation, her great-granddaughter was a recluse by nature, by instinct. She had not arrived at this condition by long route of rejection and sacrifice-she was born to it, simply." - Anita Desai.
•
I remember reading In Custody by Anita Desai and feeling underwhelmed. Years later, I decided to read my second book by the author and ended up choosing Fire On The Mountain. Over the years, this particular novella has received mixed reviews and only after reading it did I realise how difficult it might be to rate it. It's rather a simple story narrated in three parts and before I knew it, I was flipping through the last page. All through my experience of reading In Custody, I was immensely captivated by her ability to narrate the surroundings. The city in which her plot unravels is always described in greatest detail. This book was no different. In fact, I enjoyed this much more than her previous one.
•
Nanda Kaul is of an age where she prefers solidarity. She resides in Kasauli in a particularly secluded house called Carignano in which many English gentlemen and ladies have previously lived. She has only her cook Ram Lal for company and seeks refuge in the barren lands and ravines surrounding her abode. Her husband was the vice-chancellor and after his demise, she buys Carignano. Her children are married and live elsewhere, busy with their own lives and Nanda Kaul continues to live her life in silence. Her peace is shattered one fine day when she receives a letter from her daughter, Asha announcing the news that her great-granddaughter Raka, will be sent to Kasauli for a span of few weeks. Upon receiving this sudden news, Nanda Kaul worries about her privacy.
•
When Raka arrives at her great-grandmother's house, she doesn't show a hint of interest. To Nanda Kaul's surprise, Raka refrains from seeking comfort in her great-grandmother's presence. Instead she chooses to explore the surrounding area like a wild child. She doesn't need cajoling or stories but prefers being completely alone. Nanda Kaul is impressed but later turns desperate in grabbing Raka's interest. She is amused by the uninvited jealousy that sprouts up as she watches Raka sharing her adventures with the cook. Throughout her stay, Nanda Kaul feels tempted to write down the house in Raka's name in her will. She feels the need to be Raka's favourite person and weaves stories of magic to keep her interested. A sudden call from Nanda Kaul's childhood friend, sours her mood for she is no condition to entertain anyone else.
•
When Ila Das imposes her presence upon Nanda Kaul, she has no choice but to invite her to tea. Being a Welfare Officer, Ila shares her stories about the plight of villagers and her attempts at educating them. Nanda Kaul cannot stand Ila's shrill voice and prays for her immediate leave. As the friends bid goodbye post tea, a series of terrible events leads for the truth to emerge in a grave manner. Nanda Kaul's life isn't what it seems to be. Raka's fascination with the forest turns into something darker. Ila's fate takes a grim turn. The book is conveniently divided into three parts. Nanda Kaul's life in Carignano, Raka's entrance and Ila's visit. I particularly enjoyed Anita Desai's vivid description of the place and people. I could feel a faint coat of dust on my face as she narrated the murky hills. The story is unique and even though it felt a bit stretched, the ending was worth it. I recommend it.
•
Rating - 4.2/5