Parsa

by Gurdial Singh

A Brahmn by caste, peasant by occupation and a gurmukh by faith, Parsa, the eponymous hero of the novel, brings together these characteristics in what is a unique portrayal in Punjabi ficition.

Genres: Novels, Classics

About the author

Gurdial Singh Rahi (Gurdi'āl Sigh; 10 January 1933 – 16 August 2016) was a Punjabi language writer, novelist and Migration Agent from Punjab, India. He started his literary career in 1957 with a short story, "Bhaganwale”. He became known as a novelist when he published the novel Marhi Da Deeva in 1964. The novel was later adapted into the Punjabi film Marhi Da Deeva in 1989, directed by Surinder Singh. His novel Anhe Ghore Da Daan was also made into a film of the same name in 2011 by director Gurvinder Singh. Singh was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1998 and Jnanpith Award in 1999.

Reviews

[Kanarese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parsa is set in rural Punjab and follows the life of Parsa (a shortened form of Parsa Ram, derived from Lord Parashuram) an unconventional Bahman. After the early death of his wife, Biro, the responsibility of raising their three sons falls entirely on him. As they grow up, each chooses a different path in life, Jetha and Pohla drift away from their father, while the youngest, Basanta, remains with Parsa to look after the family's farmland.

Much of the novel revolves around Parsa's quiet, contemplative life. He spends his days singing traditional verses and engaging in discussions on dharma and karma with his Raagi friend, Pala. The narrative moves at an unhurried pace.

Characters such as Savitri, Muktiar Kaur, and the Sant enter the story almost accidentally, yet their lives intertwine naturally with Parsa's, reminding us how unexpected encounters often shape our destinies.

Spanning the period from pre-Independence to post-Independence rural Punjab, it captures the continuity of village life, where despite political change, everyday existence remains largely the same. While slow-paced, the novel concludes on a satisfying note.

[Gurpreet Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book

[Sukh Saigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite navel in my mother tongue language ..i wish this navel never end ..plz someone write next part of this novel :(

[Prabal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple writing with so much deep and meaningful messages. Finest book I read in my mother tongue. This book contains every aspect of life. Must read

[Simran Mahajan]

Agr kise kol pdf haigi is book di
Ta plz
Mahajanmithi1528@gmail.com te mail krdo
Plz

[Jagseer Sidhu · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an amazing, inspiring and bold but rigid character Parse. The way he deals with life's problems, can fill you with full of courage and hope.

[Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

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