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The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao
'My story may end with sadness, but I want you to remember that it started with love. Mumbai has moved on now. It doesn't think about 1992 or 1993 because it doesn't want to. People in big cities like to think that the past is not as important as the future. But the past doesn't just disappear.'
Mumbai, in the early 90s. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement is at its peak, and the Babri Masjid has just fallen. Decades later, in a corner of the metropolis, a retired postman living alone in a dilapidated room tries to recall those months of madness and how they changed everyone he knew.
This is the story of Rameshwar Shinde and Ravinarayan Kumar, a young woman called Janaki, and the neighbours they live with, in the shadows of towers. It is a story of families torn apart by bigotry, an unmissable retelling of the epic Ramayana set at a time when blood mixed with the grime of Mumbai's streets. A tale more pertinent than ever, in a country once again teetering on the edge.
Mumbai, in the early 90s. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement is at its peak, and the Babri Masjid has just fallen. Decades later, in a corner of the metropolis, a retired postman living alone in a dilapidated room tries to recall those months of madness and how they changed everyone he knew.
This is the story of Rameshwar Shinde and Ravinarayan Kumar, a young woman called Janaki, and the neighbours they live with, in the shadows of towers. It is a story of families torn apart by bigotry, an unmissable retelling of the epic Ramayana set at a time when blood mixed with the grime of Mumbai's streets. A tale more pertinent than ever, in a country once again teetering on the edge.
- GenresIndian Literature
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 15, 2023
Do the gods need us to fight over them?
After One Small Voice I dove into Memoirs of Valmiki Rao with much enthusiasm since both these books focus on riots that happened in Mumbai due to the Demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992.
This is my first book by Pereira and I wonder how did I miss reading his debut Gods and Ends.
Memoirs of Valimiki Rao is set in the chawls of Parel, Mumbai and focus on the impact of religious riots on marginalised communities, Pereira satirises how the ones who are the most actively involved in carrying out these religiopolitical campaigns are the most ill informed about their agendas.
The characters of the book are built around Ramayana where in Ram becomes Ramu, Sita becomes Janaki and Ravan is in the image of a giant south Indian, Ravi. The book begins with a curious Valmiki Rao witnessing a dejected Ramu whose world came crumbling down after the riots of 1992 when he loses Janki.
This book in a way is a modern retelling of Ramayana amidst modern problems. Now I found this a brilliant but this will not sit well with everybody. I read a few reviews that disliked the author’s way of using the epic in such a controversial manner. In my opinion, this only proves a point of why such books are needed all the more.
In a world where we place gods and their idols before living breathing humans this book is a wakeup call.
I had a mixed experience with the book though, the first 40% of the book is entertaining and kept me hooked with its reality checks but later the book based more plot based and got distracted from the social commentary.
A recommended read over all if you can keep an open mind.
After One Small Voice I dove into Memoirs of Valmiki Rao with much enthusiasm since both these books focus on riots that happened in Mumbai due to the Demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992.
This is my first book by Pereira and I wonder how did I miss reading his debut Gods and Ends.
Memoirs of Valimiki Rao is set in the chawls of Parel, Mumbai and focus on the impact of religious riots on marginalised communities, Pereira satirises how the ones who are the most actively involved in carrying out these religiopolitical campaigns are the most ill informed about their agendas.
The characters of the book are built around Ramayana where in Ram becomes Ramu, Sita becomes Janaki and Ravan is in the image of a giant south Indian, Ravi. The book begins with a curious Valmiki Rao witnessing a dejected Ramu whose world came crumbling down after the riots of 1992 when he loses Janki.
This book in a way is a modern retelling of Ramayana amidst modern problems. Now I found this a brilliant but this will not sit well with everybody. I read a few reviews that disliked the author’s way of using the epic in such a controversial manner. In my opinion, this only proves a point of why such books are needed all the more.
In a world where we place gods and their idols before living breathing humans this book is a wakeup call.
I had a mixed experience with the book though, the first 40% of the book is entertaining and kept me hooked with its reality checks but later the book based more plot based and got distracted from the social commentary.
A recommended read over all if you can keep an open mind.
January 21, 2025
3/5 STARS
The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao is the story about a clash between two chawls for reasons unknown causing disruption among the lives of many amid the Babri Masjid demolition which led to the 1992-93 riots in Mumbai, and all of this with a Ramayana retelling and social commentary. Sounds fascinating, isn’t it? I thought so too before I read the book. I think this book was equal parts fascinating, annoying and eventually insufferable.
When I started reading the book, what I found fascinating was how such a story was written with the hints of being a Ramayana retelling. The clues were there making it less predictable, but every time some major event mirrored the epic saga, I was amazed at how the author brought it about. Sure, this made it predictable, but the socio-political theme sustained it. Talking about the theme, I felt that the author put forth all his thoughts about socio political aspects right at the beginning of the book, and then later forgot about it and moved on to putting all the efforts into making it a successful retelling, albeit a little preposterous. In the initial 50 pages itself, we are bombarded with social commentary around Hindu-Muslim hate, the poverty that makes the city of Mumbai, the rich-poor contrast, class differences, political parties, existentialism in a kholi which is 150 square meters, school system, life of a common man and much more. It’s jarring.
When you get used to this intensity, the story slows down. Ironically this part should have been intense, but the writing made it quite mundane. The main plot goes where our main characters replicate Sita haran, Hanuman burning Lanka and then the actual fight. If it would have been a task to write it, it was also a task to read it. The writing felt slow, repetitive, and charmless when I just couldn’t continue reading. There was quiet when there should have been action. There was action when there should have been restraint. And, there was restraint when there should have been chaos.
And just like that, the book ended. It certainly was ambitious, but it tried to become too many things leading to it becoming not even one. I don’t usually read novels from this genre, and after reading this one, I doubt I will again.
Full Review: Mindscape in Words
The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao is the story about a clash between two chawls for reasons unknown causing disruption among the lives of many amid the Babri Masjid demolition which led to the 1992-93 riots in Mumbai, and all of this with a Ramayana retelling and social commentary. Sounds fascinating, isn’t it? I thought so too before I read the book. I think this book was equal parts fascinating, annoying and eventually insufferable.
When I started reading the book, what I found fascinating was how such a story was written with the hints of being a Ramayana retelling. The clues were there making it less predictable, but every time some major event mirrored the epic saga, I was amazed at how the author brought it about. Sure, this made it predictable, but the socio-political theme sustained it. Talking about the theme, I felt that the author put forth all his thoughts about socio political aspects right at the beginning of the book, and then later forgot about it and moved on to putting all the efforts into making it a successful retelling, albeit a little preposterous. In the initial 50 pages itself, we are bombarded with social commentary around Hindu-Muslim hate, the poverty that makes the city of Mumbai, the rich-poor contrast, class differences, political parties, existentialism in a kholi which is 150 square meters, school system, life of a common man and much more. It’s jarring.
When you get used to this intensity, the story slows down. Ironically this part should have been intense, but the writing made it quite mundane. The main plot goes where our main characters replicate Sita haran, Hanuman burning Lanka and then the actual fight. If it would have been a task to write it, it was also a task to read it. The writing felt slow, repetitive, and charmless when I just couldn’t continue reading. There was quiet when there should have been action. There was action when there should have been restraint. And, there was restraint when there should have been chaos.
And just like that, the book ended. It certainly was ambitious, but it tried to become too many things leading to it becoming not even one. I don’t usually read novels from this genre, and after reading this one, I doubt I will again.
Full Review: Mindscape in Words
December 5, 2024
Valmik Rao is a 70 something retired postmaster who lives in a Ganga Niwas chawl in Mumbai, the same house he grew up in. Never married and with no dependents, he is the quintessential observer. He sees all that happens in his chawl, he empathises with the struggles of people, and he offers no judgement. During his life, he witnessed multi generational family dynamics among the residents of the chawl. A chawl which had only Hindus families- no Muslims, no Christians, no Parsis- most of them lower caste families from the same area in Ratnagiri. Most of the original inhabitants of the chawl were mill workers who had migrated to Bombay, and without going into the history, the author tells the story of how the influence of the largely communist trade unions on the political landscale of the city was gradually replaced by that of the more militant Shiva Sena.
The major part of the book is set in 1992-93, the period where India in general witnessed religious frenzy of the kind not seen since Partition. Most people in Bombay would have struggled to place Ayodhya on the map, they knew that it was unlikely they would ever visit Ayodhya and pray at the Ram Mandir, yet so many of them was invested in ensuring that the Babri Masjid came down and the temple came up. You see how the Shiv Sena was able to capture the loyalty of the youth, not by offering them anything tangible, but merely by letting them know that they and their frustrations were visible to the party. The book offers a sociological background to the growing radicalisation of youth, and of how they were manipulated into considering people with whom they have no personal interaction as the ‘enemy’.
The Memoir of Valmik Rao, is not as much a retelling of India’s favourite epic, as much as it is a re-imagining of the same. The characters can be easily identified. Ramu is a promising young lad born to parents who doted on him. He remains the ‘golden boy’ even after his mother passes away, and his father brings home a younger second wife who is determined to ensure that her step children are cut off. He falls in love with Janaki, the daughter of a (relatively) wealthy shopkeeper, who reciprocates his advances. Ravi Anna, from the ‘enemy’ chawl also falls in love with Janaki and with the help of his sister plots to kidnap her. Sundar is the quintessential boy who lives and works in a roadside chai stall- he has little idea about his family, but he is fiercely loyal to Ramu. The story plays out against the backdrop of the riots that erupt in the city. The story of Ramu and Janaki could be the story of countless others- pawns in a larger political game over which they have no control.
Without it being the central theme, the book speaks of how women are often silenced in society. A woman might do no wrong, yet she is blamed. And she is the one expected to suffer in silence because of decisions made by ‘her’ men. In one of the most poignant scenes of the book, Janaki confronts Ramu who has gone visibly cold, and when he turns around accuses her, in sheer distress, she rushes out into a rioting city. Her’s is the story of many women, caught between the whims of fathers, brothers, and lovers each of whom act as if their honour rests in her vagina.
The book is full of small details which bring the city to life. He talks of how life would come to a standstill on Sundays when entire families would gather around the TV to watch Ramayana. He describes how Govindas would make a human pyramid to break the matka on Gokulashtami, and how families would throw water on them from windows. He talks of carrom tournaments conducted under naked blubs, and chai tapris with unnamed and unseen young boys rushing around. He describes how chawls gradually give way to co-operative housing societies, but how nothing else really changes. The book is set in the past, but it remains a cautionary tale for the present. It clearly articulates how no matter who wins or loses the political battles, it is the common man who pays the price.
This is definitely one of the best books I read this year.
The major part of the book is set in 1992-93, the period where India in general witnessed religious frenzy of the kind not seen since Partition. Most people in Bombay would have struggled to place Ayodhya on the map, they knew that it was unlikely they would ever visit Ayodhya and pray at the Ram Mandir, yet so many of them was invested in ensuring that the Babri Masjid came down and the temple came up. You see how the Shiv Sena was able to capture the loyalty of the youth, not by offering them anything tangible, but merely by letting them know that they and their frustrations were visible to the party. The book offers a sociological background to the growing radicalisation of youth, and of how they were manipulated into considering people with whom they have no personal interaction as the ‘enemy’.
The Memoir of Valmik Rao, is not as much a retelling of India’s favourite epic, as much as it is a re-imagining of the same. The characters can be easily identified. Ramu is a promising young lad born to parents who doted on him. He remains the ‘golden boy’ even after his mother passes away, and his father brings home a younger second wife who is determined to ensure that her step children are cut off. He falls in love with Janaki, the daughter of a (relatively) wealthy shopkeeper, who reciprocates his advances. Ravi Anna, from the ‘enemy’ chawl also falls in love with Janaki and with the help of his sister plots to kidnap her. Sundar is the quintessential boy who lives and works in a roadside chai stall- he has little idea about his family, but he is fiercely loyal to Ramu. The story plays out against the backdrop of the riots that erupt in the city. The story of Ramu and Janaki could be the story of countless others- pawns in a larger political game over which they have no control.
Without it being the central theme, the book speaks of how women are often silenced in society. A woman might do no wrong, yet she is blamed. And she is the one expected to suffer in silence because of decisions made by ‘her’ men. In one of the most poignant scenes of the book, Janaki confronts Ramu who has gone visibly cold, and when he turns around accuses her, in sheer distress, she rushes out into a rioting city. Her’s is the story of many women, caught between the whims of fathers, brothers, and lovers each of whom act as if their honour rests in her vagina.
The book is full of small details which bring the city to life. He talks of how life would come to a standstill on Sundays when entire families would gather around the TV to watch Ramayana. He describes how Govindas would make a human pyramid to break the matka on Gokulashtami, and how families would throw water on them from windows. He talks of carrom tournaments conducted under naked blubs, and chai tapris with unnamed and unseen young boys rushing around. He describes how chawls gradually give way to co-operative housing societies, but how nothing else really changes. The book is set in the past, but it remains a cautionary tale for the present. It clearly articulates how no matter who wins or loses the political battles, it is the common man who pays the price.
This is definitely one of the best books I read this year.
September 25, 2023
Name : The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao
Author : Lindsay Perreira
Genre : Socio-political fiction, mythological retelling
This is the first time I am reading a socio-political Indian fiction book and that too, a retelling of the Indian epic, Ramayana, set in the 1990's Mumbai amidst the Ram janmabhoomi movement.
I had always assumed that Mahabharata was the one with many political elements and twists and Ramayana felt quite simple compared to it. But Lindsay Perreira's plot, set in such turbulent political era of India, opened my eyes at many social and political aspects that are valid even today.
I am not someone who follows politics or ever had a keen interest in history. But this whole Hindu vs Muslim and India vs Pakistan rivalry has always baffled me. The narrator of the story, Valmiki Rao, put my exact thoughts in his writing: just because we bow before different Gods, does that mean we HAVE TO hate each other? I remember I had this conversation with my best friend about this topic a few years ago where I had come to the conclusion that humans LIKE fighting, they NEED these fights and bloodspills in order to give some meaning to their lives. Because, at the end of the day, what do we mean to the universe anyway? Our significance is nothing more than a small ant. We make ourselves forget about our impending oblivion by consciously ignoring it and losing ourselves in entertainment and daily life's activities of serving our society - which in a way is kind of our lives' purpose. But take away that purpose and the feeling of belonging in a society, you literally have nothing to live for. In rural areas and slums, when life doesn't give the people there an iota of chance to live and breathe and belong, by constantly making them seem small in the eyes of others, they default to violence in order to force others show them respect and give them a purpose. I was so shocked to discover that my thoughts are so much in common with the author.
Ganga Niwas is a Mumbai chawl where all the characters in this book live in kholis. I had to Google how kholis look like in order to get a better grasp of the plot. The way these kholis managed to influence everyone's lives and the plot of this story, completely astounded me. The continuous tension of uproar and riots constantly uprooting the lives of Indians at that time made me feel lucky that I am not living in that era...
..but not as lucky since I am a woman. When have we women ever been treated fairly? Sita's agnipariksha is proof of that. I have always felt contempt towards Ram for Sita's fate, but this book made me get closure when I realised this : Ram is a man written by another man, so of course Sita's respect was never put in consideration. It was ALWAYS about his respect and ideals. The saddest part is, even today in India (can't speak for other countries), if something happens involving a woman, in some way or another, it's always the woman to whom majority of people point fingers to. Sita's agnipariksha isn't fiction, it's a reality we women are still living in. The character Ramu (representing Ram in this book) proved my point.
I really liked Valmiki as a narrator. His words almost seemed like ramblings or a conversation he's having with us. He was a bystander in the story and was not even present during most of the incidents first hand. Like other common people and bystanders, he collected local information from others and knit together this story. So it's up to the readers to trust him as a narrator and I liked this concept.
Sundar turned out to be my favourite and character in the story, which didn't surprise me. His character is inspired from Hanuman, the only mythological male character I have utmost respect for.
This is a must read book for everyone, no matter from where you hail from. 🙌
Author : Lindsay Perreira
Genre : Socio-political fiction, mythological retelling
This is the first time I am reading a socio-political Indian fiction book and that too, a retelling of the Indian epic, Ramayana, set in the 1990's Mumbai amidst the Ram janmabhoomi movement.
I had always assumed that Mahabharata was the one with many political elements and twists and Ramayana felt quite simple compared to it. But Lindsay Perreira's plot, set in such turbulent political era of India, opened my eyes at many social and political aspects that are valid even today.
I am not someone who follows politics or ever had a keen interest in history. But this whole Hindu vs Muslim and India vs Pakistan rivalry has always baffled me. The narrator of the story, Valmiki Rao, put my exact thoughts in his writing: just because we bow before different Gods, does that mean we HAVE TO hate each other? I remember I had this conversation with my best friend about this topic a few years ago where I had come to the conclusion that humans LIKE fighting, they NEED these fights and bloodspills in order to give some meaning to their lives. Because, at the end of the day, what do we mean to the universe anyway? Our significance is nothing more than a small ant. We make ourselves forget about our impending oblivion by consciously ignoring it and losing ourselves in entertainment and daily life's activities of serving our society - which in a way is kind of our lives' purpose. But take away that purpose and the feeling of belonging in a society, you literally have nothing to live for. In rural areas and slums, when life doesn't give the people there an iota of chance to live and breathe and belong, by constantly making them seem small in the eyes of others, they default to violence in order to force others show them respect and give them a purpose. I was so shocked to discover that my thoughts are so much in common with the author.
Ganga Niwas is a Mumbai chawl where all the characters in this book live in kholis. I had to Google how kholis look like in order to get a better grasp of the plot. The way these kholis managed to influence everyone's lives and the plot of this story, completely astounded me. The continuous tension of uproar and riots constantly uprooting the lives of Indians at that time made me feel lucky that I am not living in that era...
..but not as lucky since I am a woman. When have we women ever been treated fairly? Sita's agnipariksha is proof of that. I have always felt contempt towards Ram for Sita's fate, but this book made me get closure when I realised this : Ram is a man written by another man, so of course Sita's respect was never put in consideration. It was ALWAYS about his respect and ideals. The saddest part is, even today in India (can't speak for other countries), if something happens involving a woman, in some way or another, it's always the woman to whom majority of people point fingers to. Sita's agnipariksha isn't fiction, it's a reality we women are still living in. The character Ramu (representing Ram in this book) proved my point.
I really liked Valmiki as a narrator. His words almost seemed like ramblings or a conversation he's having with us. He was a bystander in the story and was not even present during most of the incidents first hand. Like other common people and bystanders, he collected local information from others and knit together this story. So it's up to the readers to trust him as a narrator and I liked this concept.
Sundar turned out to be my favourite and character in the story, which didn't surprise me. His character is inspired from Hanuman, the only mythological male character I have utmost respect for.
This is a must read book for everyone, no matter from where you hail from. 🙌
November 13, 2023
The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao by Lindsay Pereira took me on a poignant journey, one that felt strangely close to home. Having grown up hearing vivid accounts of the 1990s Mumbai riots from my parents and grandparents, this book struck a chord deep within my heart.
Lindsay Pereira's narrative allowed me to immerse myself in a world of socio-political complexities that had, until now, been a distant tale. It revealed a time of unrelenting upheaval, particularly during the fervent Ram janmabhoomi movement. The book delved into the deep-seated religious tensions that had torn through the very fabric of India, making me ponder the persistent question: Why do differences in beliefs create such strong hatred? I am pretty sure anyone who will read this book will have the same question on their mind.
The narrator, Valmiki Rao, a retired postman became a familiar voice, echoing the very questions and sentiments I had heard from my own family.
The stories I heard from my family about those dark days in Bombay came rushing back as I read about the constant undercurrent of riots that had profoundly disrupted the lives of those living in the chawl of Ganga Niwas. This narrative painted a vivid picture of the hardships faced by middle and lower-income groups as they struggled to eke out a living in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, a city unforgiving in its demands.
However, as I read this adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana in this turbulent political setting, it seemed unnecessary. My limited exposure to such adaptations left me wondering whether this was the most fitting way to explore the themes of corruption, and the ceaseless pursuit of power. This book challenged me to connect the stories of my family with the profound and deeply rooted issues it so eloquently addressed. In reading it, I felt that I was somehow bridging the gap between the narratives of my family and the events of history, drawing closer to an understanding of the disturbing period in India's past.
Lindsay Pereira's narrative allowed me to immerse myself in a world of socio-political complexities that had, until now, been a distant tale. It revealed a time of unrelenting upheaval, particularly during the fervent Ram janmabhoomi movement. The book delved into the deep-seated religious tensions that had torn through the very fabric of India, making me ponder the persistent question: Why do differences in beliefs create such strong hatred? I am pretty sure anyone who will read this book will have the same question on their mind.
The narrator, Valmiki Rao, a retired postman became a familiar voice, echoing the very questions and sentiments I had heard from my own family.
The stories I heard from my family about those dark days in Bombay came rushing back as I read about the constant undercurrent of riots that had profoundly disrupted the lives of those living in the chawl of Ganga Niwas. This narrative painted a vivid picture of the hardships faced by middle and lower-income groups as they struggled to eke out a living in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, a city unforgiving in its demands.
However, as I read this adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana in this turbulent political setting, it seemed unnecessary. My limited exposure to such adaptations left me wondering whether this was the most fitting way to explore the themes of corruption, and the ceaseless pursuit of power. This book challenged me to connect the stories of my family with the profound and deeply rooted issues it so eloquently addressed. In reading it, I felt that I was somehow bridging the gap between the narratives of my family and the events of history, drawing closer to an understanding of the disturbing period in India's past.
October 3, 2023
As I immersed myself in this novel, I couldn’t help but be moved by its portrayal of Mumbai in the early ‘90s. The characters, like Rameshwar Shinde and Janaki, became friends, their stories echoing the profound impact of those turbulent times. The author’s skillful integration of the Ramayana into the gritty cityscape added layers of meaning that left me pondering long after the last page. This book is a powerful reminder of the enduring scars of communal strife, resonating deeply with our country’s current challenges.
April 25, 2024
Blasphemous or allegorical – I’d say, blatantly blasphemous. Treacherous/Seditious/Secessionist or satirical – I’d say, covertly the former. This is purely a Hinduphobic book in the guise of being a parody. I challenge this author spewing out such scurrilous bilge to write something in a similar vein about islam.
August 21, 2024
Lindsay Pereira is one of the saddest writers of our times (and I mean this in a good way), through a story set in early 90s that mirrors what India is going through today, this is a tragic tale, told beautifully and should be recommended reading, especially for those who might be tempted to bigotry in the current times
September 14, 2023
Begins like Kiran Nagarkar's classic, Ravan & Eddie and then takes the form of a modern-day Ramayana, set in chawls in Parel, Mumbai, this is a beautiful ode to the Mumbai of early 1990s.
October 25, 2023
The art of sowing hate.
Allow me to quote Nelson Mandela (not verbatim), "Love is natural, hatred is always taught." And hence, the headline. I'm not saying it is an art in a positive sense; rather, I'm appalled by how the old men in power succeed in pitting us against each other.
Lindsay Pereira's recent novel is a sketch of the early 1990s of Mumbai city of India in a turbulent phase, through a retelling of the Hindu epic of Ramayana. Early 1990 in Mumbai was truly no less than a society depicted in our ancient epics - a time of prosperity, liberalisation of economy, new mediums of art, but also - bitterness towards fellow humans, rising ego, diminishing empathy, and a passion for absolute destruction.
Set in 2 rival chawls of Mumbai - Ganga Niwas and Sri Niwas - the novel mirrors the Ramayana- a victory of virtue over vice. Ramu, a respected member of a political party which uses muscle power on the streets, has to go through a rough childhood only to be grown up and fight for the woman he loves - Janaki, first; mentally against what the society would say, and second; against Ravi Anna, a well known underworld figure of Mumbai. Janaki is kidnapped by Ravi Anna at a time when the city is actively facing a riot. We Indians have grown up listening to the story of Lord Ram's triumph over Ravan, then how good does this novel perform in reiterating?
What I admire about this book is how well it paints Mumbai of the 1990s alongside all the social commentaries. The author possesses both - the wit and the literary potential to narrate or rather depict the rise of hate in the Indian society, the disturbing class & gender inequality. I am worried because I would also say this book in many ways unearths the myth of the 'city of dreams.' While the consistency of the plot throughout the book is debatable; Dramatic, original, humourous, tragic & thought-provoking are some of the adjectives I'd like to assign to the novel in the meantime.
Allow me to quote Nelson Mandela (not verbatim), "Love is natural, hatred is always taught." And hence, the headline. I'm not saying it is an art in a positive sense; rather, I'm appalled by how the old men in power succeed in pitting us against each other.
Lindsay Pereira's recent novel is a sketch of the early 1990s of Mumbai city of India in a turbulent phase, through a retelling of the Hindu epic of Ramayana. Early 1990 in Mumbai was truly no less than a society depicted in our ancient epics - a time of prosperity, liberalisation of economy, new mediums of art, but also - bitterness towards fellow humans, rising ego, diminishing empathy, and a passion for absolute destruction.
Set in 2 rival chawls of Mumbai - Ganga Niwas and Sri Niwas - the novel mirrors the Ramayana- a victory of virtue over vice. Ramu, a respected member of a political party which uses muscle power on the streets, has to go through a rough childhood only to be grown up and fight for the woman he loves - Janaki, first; mentally against what the society would say, and second; against Ravi Anna, a well known underworld figure of Mumbai. Janaki is kidnapped by Ravi Anna at a time when the city is actively facing a riot. We Indians have grown up listening to the story of Lord Ram's triumph over Ravan, then how good does this novel perform in reiterating?
What I admire about this book is how well it paints Mumbai of the 1990s alongside all the social commentaries. The author possesses both - the wit and the literary potential to narrate or rather depict the rise of hate in the Indian society, the disturbing class & gender inequality. I am worried because I would also say this book in many ways unearths the myth of the 'city of dreams.' While the consistency of the plot throughout the book is debatable; Dramatic, original, humourous, tragic & thought-provoking are some of the adjectives I'd like to assign to the novel in the meantime.
December 22, 2023
f you want to see the real underbelly of Mumbai - the everyday squirmishs of water cutoffs, queuing for public restrooms, living in in a chawl with tiny rooms and no iota of privacy - then this is the book for you. Not only do we get a glimpse of the fiery living conditions but we also are witness to a great political upheaval following the Ayodhya Babri Masjid incident of 1992.
With a Ramayana retelling in the mainframe, complete with a Raavan (Ravi) kidnapping Sita (Janki) and sequestering her in his chawl, along with an elaborate plan to rescue her by Ramu (Ram), and then everything going up literally in flames, this book makes for a great reading experience.
The political backdrop of the rising Hindutva movement with the Shiv Sena learing its evil grasp on the ‘Marathi Manus’ in the 1990’s and the Ayodhya Janmabhoomi Crisis which brought Mumbai to its knees with communal riots made the narrative very atmospheric and informative giving a glimpse of what really happened behind the scenes.
The book is written as a diary by Valmiki Rao, a retired Postmaster, who has penned it in a gurgling stream of consciousness, lightly interjecting his thoughts as he narrates the story, and embellishing the scenes where he was not present. His observations are quite clever, pointing out the unfortunate political scenario which governs small Chawls especially during festivals like Govinda which are used as propaganda of Hindutva in the name of culture and Hinduism. The underlying bigotry is not lost on us, especially when an event happening miles away takes a toll on a peace loving chawl, where Muslims do not reside and neither do they have any enemity towards them.
This book is a fascinating study into Mumbai as we see it today and is a must read for all Mumbai History enthusiasts.
With a Ramayana retelling in the mainframe, complete with a Raavan (Ravi) kidnapping Sita (Janki) and sequestering her in his chawl, along with an elaborate plan to rescue her by Ramu (Ram), and then everything going up literally in flames, this book makes for a great reading experience.
The political backdrop of the rising Hindutva movement with the Shiv Sena learing its evil grasp on the ‘Marathi Manus’ in the 1990’s and the Ayodhya Janmabhoomi Crisis which brought Mumbai to its knees with communal riots made the narrative very atmospheric and informative giving a glimpse of what really happened behind the scenes.
The book is written as a diary by Valmiki Rao, a retired Postmaster, who has penned it in a gurgling stream of consciousness, lightly interjecting his thoughts as he narrates the story, and embellishing the scenes where he was not present. His observations are quite clever, pointing out the unfortunate political scenario which governs small Chawls especially during festivals like Govinda which are used as propaganda of Hindutva in the name of culture and Hinduism. The underlying bigotry is not lost on us, especially when an event happening miles away takes a toll on a peace loving chawl, where Muslims do not reside and neither do they have any enemity towards them.
This book is a fascinating study into Mumbai as we see it today and is a must read for all Mumbai History enthusiasts.
November 12, 2023
#bookhoarderreviews
Valmiki Rao, a content single resident of Ganga Niwas Chawl in Mumbai, reflects on the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid incident in his memoir. Focused on the life of chawl resident Ramu, the narrative draws parallels with the Ramayana, offering a profound exploration of societal structures and the enduring impact of political events, even decades later.
The memoir skillfully navigates Ramu's journey from childhood to his current struggle with alcohol. It serves as a poignant commentary on the societal and political landscape, emphasizing the unfortunate recurrence of past mistakes. Through the characters of Ramu, Janaki, and Ravi Anna, the author weaves an engaging and relatable narrative, shedding light on the detrimental effects of party politics on the unsuspecting populace.
The book captivates readers with its well-crafted characters and a narrative that avoids unnecessary details. The author maintains an unbiased perspective, prompting thought-provoking questions throughout the story, encouraging readers to reevaluate their political beliefs. A tactfully written yet simple exploration, this book effectively uncovers the harsh truths of politics and society, making it a compelling and relevant read.
Valmiki Rao, a content single resident of Ganga Niwas Chawl in Mumbai, reflects on the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid incident in his memoir. Focused on the life of chawl resident Ramu, the narrative draws parallels with the Ramayana, offering a profound exploration of societal structures and the enduring impact of political events, even decades later.
The memoir skillfully navigates Ramu's journey from childhood to his current struggle with alcohol. It serves as a poignant commentary on the societal and political landscape, emphasizing the unfortunate recurrence of past mistakes. Through the characters of Ramu, Janaki, and Ravi Anna, the author weaves an engaging and relatable narrative, shedding light on the detrimental effects of party politics on the unsuspecting populace.
The book captivates readers with its well-crafted characters and a narrative that avoids unnecessary details. The author maintains an unbiased perspective, prompting thought-provoking questions throughout the story, encouraging readers to reevaluate their political beliefs. A tactfully written yet simple exploration, this book effectively uncovers the harsh truths of politics and society, making it a compelling and relevant read.
December 8, 2023
Simply put, I loved my time with The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao.
This is an excellent piece of literature that, at its very core, exemplifies the value of adaptation as a tool for examining the socio-economic apparatus of a recent shared history. The strength of Lindsay Pereira's storytelling is in how he tackles socio-political challenges and how his characters embody the tensions that create those issues.
Pereira doesn't flinch when it comes to giving the full brunt of poverty's effects from a chawl's heyday to its overall gentrification. Through Valmiki's narration, we see the direct impact of these struggles and a better understanding of the community's perspective of it all. There's some real good emotional resonance with the way that Valmiki recalls and patchworks his way through the shared experiences and struggles of Ganga Niwas.
This is a superb sophomore release for an already accomplished author such as Mr.Pereira and is a solid read for those seeking more out of their Socio-Political fueled fiction. I can't wait to see a Western release.
This is an excellent piece of literature that, at its very core, exemplifies the value of adaptation as a tool for examining the socio-economic apparatus of a recent shared history. The strength of Lindsay Pereira's storytelling is in how he tackles socio-political challenges and how his characters embody the tensions that create those issues.
Pereira doesn't flinch when it comes to giving the full brunt of poverty's effects from a chawl's heyday to its overall gentrification. Through Valmiki's narration, we see the direct impact of these struggles and a better understanding of the community's perspective of it all. There's some real good emotional resonance with the way that Valmiki recalls and patchworks his way through the shared experiences and struggles of Ganga Niwas.
This is a superb sophomore release for an already accomplished author such as Mr.Pereira and is a solid read for those seeking more out of their Socio-Political fueled fiction. I can't wait to see a Western release.
May 1, 2024
Pereira presents a jarringly accurate narrative of the India of today. He offers a perspective on the Ram Janmabhoomi movement that has long been lost in the bigotry and jingoism that has shown it's ugliest (and truest) face in Modi's India.
As far as retellings of the Ramayan go, Pereira offers readers the tragically enticing story of Janaki's ordeal that shows a rare sensitivity towards Ram's treatment of Sita, reminiscent of Chitra Banerjee's 'The Forest of Illusions'.
The narrative, through the eyes of Valmiki Rao - a neutral but extremely astute observer - is compelling and keeps the reader hooked throughout.
As far as retellings of the Ramayan go, Pereira offers readers the tragically enticing story of Janaki's ordeal that shows a rare sensitivity towards Ram's treatment of Sita, reminiscent of Chitra Banerjee's 'The Forest of Illusions'.
The narrative, through the eyes of Valmiki Rao - a neutral but extremely astute observer - is compelling and keeps the reader hooked throughout.
April 17, 2024
Indian fiction in history something diff than I read but decent read
November 9, 2024
Drop everything and read this today
July 11, 2024
The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao by Lindsay Pereira is a plot that promises a taste of the reality of everything it intends to portray.
Valmiki Rao, is a retired postman who revisits his youth and the world around him through the pages of the book. Rao’s memoir is eventful as he goes back in time to detail his life and that of his neighbours in the Ganga Niwas chawl and the opposite chawl-Sri Niwas, at Parel.
The author works his way to portray the plunder of the 1992-93 Mumbai riots with emphasis on the lows people can sink to in their quest for power and control. Vices like lust, greed, petty-politics, corruption, hypocrisy, manipulation and what not seep deep into the lives of those on this unfortunate journey.
This book does well when it details the hardships of middle and lower income groups trying to survive in the demanding city of Mumbai. But it’s also a very skewed and naive reimagination of a great epic like the Ramayana, using a few instances and similar names for characters from an epic that is immensely profound without fairly hypothesizing and comparing.
This plot is interesting and well written but I fail to understand the need to use a religious/ spiritual text like the Ramayana to compare fanaticism, corruption and a quest for power without grasping the essence of the revered text. These human vices don’t need to be detailed using the Ramayana as the scaffolding for the plot. Reinterpretations and re-imaginations have the power to do wonders because they can alter perspectives, help in discovery and better understanding of aspects one fails to grasp the profound meaning from symbolism but this plot does nothing of the sort.
Is it necessary to use Hindu texts in such a manner and call it a re-imagination, I don’t think so!
Valmiki Rao, is a retired postman who revisits his youth and the world around him through the pages of the book. Rao’s memoir is eventful as he goes back in time to detail his life and that of his neighbours in the Ganga Niwas chawl and the opposite chawl-Sri Niwas, at Parel.
The author works his way to portray the plunder of the 1992-93 Mumbai riots with emphasis on the lows people can sink to in their quest for power and control. Vices like lust, greed, petty-politics, corruption, hypocrisy, manipulation and what not seep deep into the lives of those on this unfortunate journey.
This book does well when it details the hardships of middle and lower income groups trying to survive in the demanding city of Mumbai. But it’s also a very skewed and naive reimagination of a great epic like the Ramayana, using a few instances and similar names for characters from an epic that is immensely profound without fairly hypothesizing and comparing.
This plot is interesting and well written but I fail to understand the need to use a religious/ spiritual text like the Ramayana to compare fanaticism, corruption and a quest for power without grasping the essence of the revered text. These human vices don’t need to be detailed using the Ramayana as the scaffolding for the plot. Reinterpretations and re-imaginations have the power to do wonders because they can alter perspectives, help in discovery and better understanding of aspects one fails to grasp the profound meaning from symbolism but this plot does nothing of the sort.
Is it necessary to use Hindu texts in such a manner and call it a re-imagination, I don’t think so!
November 8, 2023
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙞𝙧𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙞𝙠𝙞 𝙍𝙖𝙤 by 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙖
🪟 You know styling gives a unique to an individual's work and when it comes to literature it becomes more important, with certain other factors such as theme, story and narratives.
🪟 The Book, "The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao" is a contemporary fiction, which has been set up in the early 1990's in the streets of Mumbai. It's about the recollection of memories of the main character, 10 years later and connecting the dots with his perspective of today.
🪟 The book has a couple of things to consider unique, the inclusion of Riots of Mumbai as a socio-political touch, using the bond between the main character to provide the essence of relationship in real life and using ramayana as significancing for the retelling.
📌 The book offers a variety of perspectives and has been written with a beginner friendly approach. It's also shares various aspects of life for the people who are living in the urban gaint landscape.
📌 Though the use exact events Hindu epic Ramayana casually as a portrayal for human baises and current socio political affair might affect the narrative of the title.
📌 For those who love reading book which offer new perspectives and find the above mentioned needful, this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
🪟 You know styling gives a unique to an individual's work and when it comes to literature it becomes more important, with certain other factors such as theme, story and narratives.
🪟 The Book, "The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao" is a contemporary fiction, which has been set up in the early 1990's in the streets of Mumbai. It's about the recollection of memories of the main character, 10 years later and connecting the dots with his perspective of today.
🪟 The book has a couple of things to consider unique, the inclusion of Riots of Mumbai as a socio-political touch, using the bond between the main character to provide the essence of relationship in real life and using ramayana as significancing for the retelling.
📌 The book offers a variety of perspectives and has been written with a beginner friendly approach. It's also shares various aspects of life for the people who are living in the urban gaint landscape.
📌 Though the use exact events Hindu epic Ramayana casually as a portrayal for human baises and current socio political affair might affect the narrative of the title.
📌 For those who love reading book which offer new perspectives and find the above mentioned needful, this might be a good fit for your bookshelf.
November 14, 2023
The Memoirs of valmiki Rao
How has Mumbai changed post 1992-93 through its struggle for Ram Janmabhoomi and Babri Masjid. This is interestingly a literary take on how events have unfolded ...how did the politics or political groups have played their crucial part/power grabbing tactics. Based on the authors academic background in literature..the events are unfolded through life's OS people of Ganga Niwas and Sri Niwas (Mumbai). Them happened to be the main characters where story unfolds or changes course of their life.
Do you ever get that feeling of if things have had happened way differently..then how the present unfolds a new trajectory of life. The author takes a subtle notion in writing emotions of happiness, sad and love. In a way they neither makes us feel extremities of it ..but rather allows us stay neutral in both happy and gloomy situations.
As everyone know how things have changed post 92 ..but even after decades there's always a new question popping up when ever there is a debate upon this. It talks about lifes of people of sri niwas and Ganga Niwas on how fighting together or against have led to a changed course of Mumbai's lifestyle. This rather ends on a note of how..No, place on Earth for human life be replaced by Heaven or Hell.
How has Mumbai changed post 1992-93 through its struggle for Ram Janmabhoomi and Babri Masjid. This is interestingly a literary take on how events have unfolded ...how did the politics or political groups have played their crucial part/power grabbing tactics. Based on the authors academic background in literature..the events are unfolded through life's OS people of Ganga Niwas and Sri Niwas (Mumbai). Them happened to be the main characters where story unfolds or changes course of their life.
Do you ever get that feeling of if things have had happened way differently..then how the present unfolds a new trajectory of life. The author takes a subtle notion in writing emotions of happiness, sad and love. In a way they neither makes us feel extremities of it ..but rather allows us stay neutral in both happy and gloomy situations.
As everyone know how things have changed post 92 ..but even after decades there's always a new question popping up when ever there is a debate upon this. It talks about lifes of people of sri niwas and Ganga Niwas on how fighting together or against have led to a changed course of Mumbai's lifestyle. This rather ends on a note of how..No, place on Earth for human life be replaced by Heaven or Hell.
November 9, 2023
The memoirs of Valmiki Rao by Lindsay Pereira
A thought provoking read with its feet in socio-political reality and head in fictional retelling of the epic- Ramayana. The narrator Valmiki poses questions and provides vivid answers to the various questions we have as readers. What is the true significance of religion, different gods and rivalry?
Set in the 90's Mumbai, the story will take you back to the tumultous riots which brought with it a great deal of violence, otherness and the lust for power and deep-rooted corruption. You will understand the Ram Janmabhoomi debacle better, along with class divisions of the Mumbai life.
Although it had an intriguing plotline, as we explore the life of Valmiki, the parallels drawn with Ramayana, the character name similarities or even the character traits leave an unnecessary aftertaste which could have been avoided.
Read this one to get a unique perspective and explore the socio-political realities through the eyes of our protagonist.
A thought provoking read with its feet in socio-political reality and head in fictional retelling of the epic- Ramayana. The narrator Valmiki poses questions and provides vivid answers to the various questions we have as readers. What is the true significance of religion, different gods and rivalry?
Set in the 90's Mumbai, the story will take you back to the tumultous riots which brought with it a great deal of violence, otherness and the lust for power and deep-rooted corruption. You will understand the Ram Janmabhoomi debacle better, along with class divisions of the Mumbai life.
Although it had an intriguing plotline, as we explore the life of Valmiki, the parallels drawn with Ramayana, the character name similarities or even the character traits leave an unnecessary aftertaste which could have been avoided.
Read this one to get a unique perspective and explore the socio-political realities through the eyes of our protagonist.
August 30, 2023
Not sure how to describe this one because even though it says it is based on the Ramayana it is also about Mumbai and the riots. Both stories should not work but somehow do and I am amazed because it is also so moving. I loved Gods and Ends so much which is why I knew I had to read this as soon as it came out. Very happy with it. Love the book.
January 14, 2024
Promising plot. Pieces of brilliance in capturing the relentless forces of politics , religion impacting the common man. But the overall impact average.
September 30, 2023
Sad love story in the background of political struggles in Mumbai, India. Nice to read while visiting India.
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