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Idris, hoeder van het licht
Het is het jaar 1659. Idris, een zeer bereisde Somalische koopman, ontmoet door een speling van het lot zijn zoon Kandavar, die hij niet kende. Kandavar is de vrucht van een middernachtelijk rendez-vous in Malabar, India, nu bijna tien jaar geleden. Omdat Idris zo dicht mogelijk bij zijn zoon in de buurt wil zijn, sluit hij zich aan bij het huishouden, tot diens oom hem vraagt de jongen op andere gedachten te brengen in zijn droom om krijger te worden. Idris neemt zijn zoon dan mee op een reis die hen van Malabar naar Ceylon brengt, van Toothukudi naar de mijnen van Golkonda - en daar ontmoet Idris zijn nieuwe liefde. Zal hij de moed hebben haar achter te laten om mee terug te reizen naar het land van zijn zoon, en naar een onzekere toekomst? Een klassieke avonturenroman en een sprookje voor volwassenen, op basis van grondig historisch onderzoek, en vol prachtige wetenswaardigheden over het leven in de zeventiende eeuw, een tijd waarin veel havens in het zuiden van India in die tijd in het bezit waren van de 'Hollanders', ofwel de V.O.C.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
14 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Anita Nair
95 books472 followersAnita Nair is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of the novels The Better Man, Ladies Coupé, Mistress, Lessons in Forgetting, Idris: Keeper of the Light and Alphabet Soup for Lovers. She has also authored a crime series featuring Inspector Gowda.
Anita Nair’s other books include a collection of poems titled Malabar Mind, a collection of essays titled Goodnight & God Bless and six books for children. Anita Nair has also written two plays and the screenplay for the movie adaptation of her novel Lessons in Forgetting which was part of the Indian Panorama at IFFI 2012 and won the National Film Award in 2013. Among other awards, she was also given the Central Sahitya Akademi award and the Crossword Prize. Her books have been translated into over thirty one languages around the world. She is also the founder of the creative writing and mentorship program Anita’s Attic.
Anita Nair’s other books include a collection of poems titled Malabar Mind, a collection of essays titled Goodnight & God Bless and six books for children. Anita Nair has also written two plays and the screenplay for the movie adaptation of her novel Lessons in Forgetting which was part of the Indian Panorama at IFFI 2012 and won the National Film Award in 2013. Among other awards, she was also given the Central Sahitya Akademi award and the Crossword Prize. Her books have been translated into over thirty one languages around the world. She is also the founder of the creative writing and mentorship program Anita’s Attic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 16, 2018
"I am Idris Maymoon Samataar Guleed, previously of Dikhil. Now a traveller of the world, seeking the measure of earth and man"
At the end of the book, I don't think I got the measure of any of the characters. The book seemed almost a 2D portrayal of what the author considered an adventure, which is more a no strings attached journey that just spans like 300 pages.
Idris Maymoon lands at Kozhikode during the Mamangam of 1659 where an attempt is made on the then Zamorin Asuwathi Thirunal by the Chevars. He discovers Kandavar, his 9 year old son, a product of a one-night stand (for the lack of better word) during the last Mamangam, when he was last here. The book then unravels episode after episode of stories from 17th century society of the caste system, Kalari, the trade and an almost sacrilegious love story.
In order to make his son appreciate life than throw it on a suicide mission, he takes him under his wings and sets out on his travel across the different ports of South India, where they meet different people and have 'adventures' (again lack of better word). When you are to tell stories of different shores, there needs to be a binding factor which is notably missing. I take an episode at random and I can still read the entire story without needing to know any backdrop. Then what is the point of the book?
Idris was touted as an adventure but it seems more a glorified journal entry of a traveler/trader. There is no resistance and it is almost too easy. Aside, none of the characters actually are explored/tested. Even the traders are honest, straight forward people, for crying out loud!
When you have read a decent number of books you realise there are only 2 kind of things that keep you invested in a book. The What-Why (of happenings or events) or Who (characters who you get to know). In this book neither worked.
An insipid attempt at historical fiction..
At the end of the book, I don't think I got the measure of any of the characters. The book seemed almost a 2D portrayal of what the author considered an adventure, which is more a no strings attached journey that just spans like 300 pages.
Idris Maymoon lands at Kozhikode during the Mamangam of 1659 where an attempt is made on the then Zamorin Asuwathi Thirunal by the Chevars. He discovers Kandavar, his 9 year old son, a product of a one-night stand (for the lack of better word) during the last Mamangam, when he was last here. The book then unravels episode after episode of stories from 17th century society of the caste system, Kalari, the trade and an almost sacrilegious love story.
In order to make his son appreciate life than throw it on a suicide mission, he takes him under his wings and sets out on his travel across the different ports of South India, where they meet different people and have 'adventures' (again lack of better word). When you are to tell stories of different shores, there needs to be a binding factor which is notably missing. I take an episode at random and I can still read the entire story without needing to know any backdrop. Then what is the point of the book?
Idris was touted as an adventure but it seems more a glorified journal entry of a traveler/trader. There is no resistance and it is almost too easy. Aside, none of the characters actually are explored/tested. Even the traders are honest, straight forward people, for crying out loud!
When you have read a decent number of books you realise there are only 2 kind of things that keep you invested in a book. The What-Why (of happenings or events) or Who (characters who you get to know). In this book neither worked.
An insipid attempt at historical fiction..
January 10, 2015
From the book cover: The year is 1659. Idris, a Somali trader, is in Malabar to attend the Zamorin’s Mamangam festivities. Everywhere he goes, his jewelled eye evokes a sense of wonder and incredulity. Then, by a strange twist of fate, Idris meets his nine-year-old son, Kandavar, born of a mysterious midnight tryst in this very land. Anxious to remain close to him for as long as possible, he joins the Nair household headed by Kandavar’s uncle, and is charged with a crucial task: of distracting the boy from his dream of becoming a Chaver, a warrior whose sole ambition is to assassinate the Zamorin, in a tradition whose beginnings have been lost in time.
In an attempt to stave off the inevitable, Idris embarks with his son on a voyage that takes them from Malabar to Ceylon, and from Thoothukudi to the diamond mines of Golkonda, where he meets the queenly Thilothamma, as solitary a being as he is. Will the mines reward him? Will he find the strength to leave his new-found love and journey back to his son’s land – and to an uncertain future?
Packed with adventure and passion, and full of fascinating insights into life in the seventeenth century, Idris: Keeper of the Light will keep you riveted and hungry for more.
My take: I bought this book seeing all the raving reviews that it has been getting. Besides it was by one of my favorite authors. So I might have bought it anyway. The book I bought was the hard bound version (I don't think they have a paperback version as yet). Of late, I have been having a thing for hard bound books. And I'm glad I got it because this one is definitely for keeps.
Historical fiction is a genre that I'm not a huge fan of. Mainly because it reminds me of my school days where mugging up dates for my history exam gave me nightmares. For this very reason, I was skeptical when I picked it up. But I couldn't have been more wrong. A few pages into the book and I was hooked. Nair is an author who does her homework and the amount of research that has gone into into it is vast and it shows.
Idris breaks the stereotype of the typical hero. He is black as the night and tall like a palm tree. With his one gold eye and his passion for adventure and star gazing, Idris grows on you. In his own words, he was Idris Maymoon Samataar Guleed. Previously of Dikhil. Now an eternal traveller seeking the measure of earth and man.
The language that Nair has used is poetic. This has made reading Idris an absolute joy. The sprinkling of various words in Malayalam, Arabic or Telugu in any other context might have been putting off for the readers, but here, it somehow makes the novel more endearing. They are necessary for the story much like its protagonist who is a jack of all trades.
At 380 odd pages and the subject dealt with, the book is not an easy read, but I found myself racing through the book along with Idris and Kandavar. I finished the book in three days straight and I'm still stuck somewhere between the pages. There are a lot more that I would like to find out about Idris but unfortunately, looks like I will have to wait till the remaining two books of the trilogy comes out. Yes, you heard that right. It's a trilogy. Considering the nature of the subject, I think it's only fair. Besides, if this is the type of writing then I'm looking forward to some bulkier reads.
Like all of Nair's previous works, the women characters in the novel are well etched out. Be it Kuttimalu- Kandavar's mother or Margarida, the child prostitute or Thilothamma, a strong and independent woman who finds solace in the company of her dogs, all of whom changes Idris's life in one way or the other. I only wish they had been given more space as these were characters who were anything but cliched. But then, I guess the story would have deviated from the title, which wouldn't have been fair to Idris.
The other characters that Idris meets across the span of his journey all contribute to the story in their own ways. Idris is not just a novel about him but it surrounds the people that influence his life in one way or the other. Be it the faithful Sala Pokkar who joins him and Kandavar on their journey or Chandu Nair, Kandavar's uncle or Golla, an attendant who is introduced towards the latter part of the story.
The other thing that I loved about the book was that Nair has weaved in many intricate stories into the main one. Like the story of Venkata Reddy, Thilothamma's great-grandfather with a secret that he took to his grave. The flashes of memory which takes back to Idris's past are as enchanting as well.
On the whole, Idris is a well written, well researched novel which offers insights into the seventeenth century. But more importantly, it is the story of a man who loves to travel and not belong. Who refuses to be tied down. It is the story of a star gazer who is on the path of discovering himself; of a journey that takes us across the seas and then some more.
It is the sort of book that upon completion you need to pause and really reflect on what just happened. I finished this book last night and needed some time to just think about it before penning this review. This one deserves a five star rating and no less!
In an attempt to stave off the inevitable, Idris embarks with his son on a voyage that takes them from Malabar to Ceylon, and from Thoothukudi to the diamond mines of Golkonda, where he meets the queenly Thilothamma, as solitary a being as he is. Will the mines reward him? Will he find the strength to leave his new-found love and journey back to his son’s land – and to an uncertain future?
Packed with adventure and passion, and full of fascinating insights into life in the seventeenth century, Idris: Keeper of the Light will keep you riveted and hungry for more.
My take: I bought this book seeing all the raving reviews that it has been getting. Besides it was by one of my favorite authors. So I might have bought it anyway. The book I bought was the hard bound version (I don't think they have a paperback version as yet). Of late, I have been having a thing for hard bound books. And I'm glad I got it because this one is definitely for keeps.
Historical fiction is a genre that I'm not a huge fan of. Mainly because it reminds me of my school days where mugging up dates for my history exam gave me nightmares. For this very reason, I was skeptical when I picked it up. But I couldn't have been more wrong. A few pages into the book and I was hooked. Nair is an author who does her homework and the amount of research that has gone into into it is vast and it shows.
Idris breaks the stereotype of the typical hero. He is black as the night and tall like a palm tree. With his one gold eye and his passion for adventure and star gazing, Idris grows on you. In his own words, he was Idris Maymoon Samataar Guleed. Previously of Dikhil. Now an eternal traveller seeking the measure of earth and man.
The language that Nair has used is poetic. This has made reading Idris an absolute joy. The sprinkling of various words in Malayalam, Arabic or Telugu in any other context might have been putting off for the readers, but here, it somehow makes the novel more endearing. They are necessary for the story much like its protagonist who is a jack of all trades.
At 380 odd pages and the subject dealt with, the book is not an easy read, but I found myself racing through the book along with Idris and Kandavar. I finished the book in three days straight and I'm still stuck somewhere between the pages. There are a lot more that I would like to find out about Idris but unfortunately, looks like I will have to wait till the remaining two books of the trilogy comes out. Yes, you heard that right. It's a trilogy. Considering the nature of the subject, I think it's only fair. Besides, if this is the type of writing then I'm looking forward to some bulkier reads.
Like all of Nair's previous works, the women characters in the novel are well etched out. Be it Kuttimalu- Kandavar's mother or Margarida, the child prostitute or Thilothamma, a strong and independent woman who finds solace in the company of her dogs, all of whom changes Idris's life in one way or the other. I only wish they had been given more space as these were characters who were anything but cliched. But then, I guess the story would have deviated from the title, which wouldn't have been fair to Idris.
The other characters that Idris meets across the span of his journey all contribute to the story in their own ways. Idris is not just a novel about him but it surrounds the people that influence his life in one way or the other. Be it the faithful Sala Pokkar who joins him and Kandavar on their journey or Chandu Nair, Kandavar's uncle or Golla, an attendant who is introduced towards the latter part of the story.
The other thing that I loved about the book was that Nair has weaved in many intricate stories into the main one. Like the story of Venkata Reddy, Thilothamma's great-grandfather with a secret that he took to his grave. The flashes of memory which takes back to Idris's past are as enchanting as well.
On the whole, Idris is a well written, well researched novel which offers insights into the seventeenth century. But more importantly, it is the story of a man who loves to travel and not belong. Who refuses to be tied down. It is the story of a star gazer who is on the path of discovering himself; of a journey that takes us across the seas and then some more.
It is the sort of book that upon completion you need to pause and really reflect on what just happened. I finished this book last night and needed some time to just think about it before penning this review. This one deserves a five star rating and no less!
February 21, 2017
La premessa era ottima: un commerciante somalo, Idris, che viaggia attraverso l'India del XVII secolo vivendo mille avventure. Amando libri che parlano dell'India pensavo che anche questo potesse essere interessante. Il libro, in effetti, parla di viaggi e avventure, ma è di una noia mortale e non ne sono rimasta coinvolta, anzi, non vedevo l'ora che finisse. Il linguaggio è piatto e la traduzione lascia a desiderare. Oltre a questo, il personaggio principale è perfetto, un super figo che tutti amano: tutti gli si affezionano e lo ammirano, è saggio, sa sempre cosa dire scegliendo il momento giusto per parlare e per tacere, è un leader nato e tutti pendono dalle sue labbra, fa solo ottimi affari e, ovviamente, è anche un figo della madonna e le donne s'innamorano subito di lui. All'inizio del libro incontra un ragazzino che riconosce subito come suo figlio perché alcuni anni prima aveva avuto una relazione con una donna indiana. Ovviamente i parenti del ragazzino permettono a un perfetto sconosciuto di portarsi il bambino in viaggio per toglierli dalla testa l'idea di diventare un guerriero. Il commerciante somalo sarà ovviamente un padre perfetto anche se non potrà confessare al ragazzino di essere il padre naturale perché altrimenti la madre verrebbe buttata fuori dalla sua casta.
Ho avuto l'impressione che gli accenni storici e culturali dell'India, che erano sicuramente interessanti, rimanessero in sottofondo perché oscurati dalla perfezione di Idris. In primo piano c'è sempre e soltanto lui e la sua perfezione.
English
I rated it 2* only because I was able to finish it but it was so boring! It's a book full of adventures and trips of a Somali merchant who travels in India during the 17th century so the premise was very interesting but I didn't like the writing style and everything was so boring: the description of the characters, their trips, etc. It could have been much better. Perhaps the fault is also of the translation because I had to read some sentences twice before understanding what was written.
The main character seems also the perfect man who knows everything, everyone likes him, he has a lot of luck with his trades...everything is too perfect. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and didn't like any of them.
Ho avuto l'impressione che gli accenni storici e culturali dell'India, che erano sicuramente interessanti, rimanessero in sottofondo perché oscurati dalla perfezione di Idris. In primo piano c'è sempre e soltanto lui e la sua perfezione.
English
I rated it 2* only because I was able to finish it but it was so boring! It's a book full of adventures and trips of a Somali merchant who travels in India during the 17th century so the premise was very interesting but I didn't like the writing style and everything was so boring: the description of the characters, their trips, etc. It could have been much better. Perhaps the fault is also of the translation because I had to read some sentences twice before understanding what was written.
The main character seems also the perfect man who knows everything, everyone likes him, he has a lot of luck with his trades...everything is too perfect. I couldn't relate to any of the characters and didn't like any of them.
February 5, 2014
It is 1659. The place, Malabar. He is ‘Idris, Idris Maymoon Samataar Guleed. Previously of Dikhil, Now an eternal traveller seeking the measure of earth and man’, a man who is more at home among the heavenly bodies than the earth he walks.
Idris is expected to prevent his son from following the Chavers who have traditionally sworn to kill the Zamorin. Idris and his son Kandavar, who he hadn’t previously suspected existed, go on a voyage.
Anita Nair makes the voyage is as real as it is metaphorical. They travel from place to place, his good eye as unwinking as his enamel one, even at night, when his only true companions are the stars of the night sky. He moves from relationship to relationship, searching, searching… Perhaps Kandavar learns more than he bargained for, merely being with Idris.
Anita Nair paints an exotic yet fully believable picture of 17th century Malabar. Pearl diving at Thoothukkudi, trading at Serendip, diamond prospecting at Golconda… the story moves on, always keeping the reader interested.
the amount of research the author has put in, not in recording imperial and noble lives, but in figuring out how the average man-on-the street must have lived, is truly impressive.
We are left with a sense of completion with respect to Idris, who has muscled his way into the book and dominated it, but questions remain of Kandavar. How much has he changed? What are these strange premonitions he has had leading up to? does he still dream of assassinating the Zamorin?
I for one am eager to lay my hands on the rest of the trilogy as soon as they are published.
Idris is expected to prevent his son from following the Chavers who have traditionally sworn to kill the Zamorin. Idris and his son Kandavar, who he hadn’t previously suspected existed, go on a voyage.
Anita Nair makes the voyage is as real as it is metaphorical. They travel from place to place, his good eye as unwinking as his enamel one, even at night, when his only true companions are the stars of the night sky. He moves from relationship to relationship, searching, searching… Perhaps Kandavar learns more than he bargained for, merely being with Idris.
Anita Nair paints an exotic yet fully believable picture of 17th century Malabar. Pearl diving at Thoothukkudi, trading at Serendip, diamond prospecting at Golconda… the story moves on, always keeping the reader interested.
the amount of research the author has put in, not in recording imperial and noble lives, but in figuring out how the average man-on-the street must have lived, is truly impressive.
We are left with a sense of completion with respect to Idris, who has muscled his way into the book and dominated it, but questions remain of Kandavar. How much has he changed? What are these strange premonitions he has had leading up to? does he still dream of assassinating the Zamorin?
I for one am eager to lay my hands on the rest of the trilogy as soon as they are published.
February 2, 2016
"I am Idris Maymoon Samataar Guleed, previously of Dikhil. Now a traveller of the world, seeking the measure of earth and man." This is how Idris introduces himself. And that is exactly what he is.
A Somali trader, he ends up at the Malabar coast to watch the Mamangam which is held once in every 12 years, where the chavers or the select warriors of a tribe set out to kill the Zamorin, the cruel ruler. A chance encounter with Kandavar, who resembles him in every way, makes Idris realize that he is his son. Kandavar is determined to become a Chaver. He is born into a family of brave Chavers and he can't wait to fight the Zamorin.
To distract him, Chandu Menon, Kandavar's uncle and Kuttimalu, his mother, asks Idris, the man who has travelled the world to take the boy with him in his travels. To make him understand that the world outside is marvellous. And that becoming a soon-to-be-forgotten war hero for a lost cause was not worth it.
They travel along the coast of southern India, via Ceylon, Thoothukudi and Paliacatta, and finally reaches the diamond mines of Kolar. The book takes you through the adventures that come their way along with many side stories that give us glimpses of the various traditions, myths and history that surrounds the lives of the various characters that flit in and out of the story.
The book is a pleasant experience with its lyrical writing and quiet flow. Being fiction, the clever author has chosen not to bore the reader with the explicit detailing of the times. But yet, we travel with Idris, Kandavar and Sala Pokkar to the various places, see what they see and feel how they feel.
All in all, it is a gem of a book.
Highly recommended.
A Somali trader, he ends up at the Malabar coast to watch the Mamangam which is held once in every 12 years, where the chavers or the select warriors of a tribe set out to kill the Zamorin, the cruel ruler. A chance encounter with Kandavar, who resembles him in every way, makes Idris realize that he is his son. Kandavar is determined to become a Chaver. He is born into a family of brave Chavers and he can't wait to fight the Zamorin.
To distract him, Chandu Menon, Kandavar's uncle and Kuttimalu, his mother, asks Idris, the man who has travelled the world to take the boy with him in his travels. To make him understand that the world outside is marvellous. And that becoming a soon-to-be-forgotten war hero for a lost cause was not worth it.
They travel along the coast of southern India, via Ceylon, Thoothukudi and Paliacatta, and finally reaches the diamond mines of Kolar. The book takes you through the adventures that come their way along with many side stories that give us glimpses of the various traditions, myths and history that surrounds the lives of the various characters that flit in and out of the story.
The book is a pleasant experience with its lyrical writing and quiet flow. Being fiction, the clever author has chosen not to bore the reader with the explicit detailing of the times. But yet, we travel with Idris, Kandavar and Sala Pokkar to the various places, see what they see and feel how they feel.
All in all, it is a gem of a book.
Highly recommended.
March 2, 2014
This is a gripping tale of adventure set in 17th century South India. Idris, a trader of Somali origin, sails across the seas and travels across India. This powerful personality seems too noble to be true; a man who needs nothing, who cannot be tempted or corrupted. Yet, in the course of the novel, he discovers that he does indeed need something; that special place and person to call his own.
The book is well-researched. The author does a great job of bringing another age to life. If you loved Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies and River of Smoke, and Kunal Basu's The Yellow Emperor's Cure, you're sure to enjoy this one.
The book is well-researched. The author does a great job of bringing another age to life. If you loved Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies and River of Smoke, and Kunal Basu's The Yellow Emperor's Cure, you're sure to enjoy this one.
August 3, 2016
Este libro me anime a leerlo ya que me llamo mucho la atención la nacionalidad de la autora, la india es un lugar rico en cultura y eso me gusta, así como también que decía que es basado en el siglo XVII y que es una historia de un padre e hijo, y yo amo las historias de lazos familiares.
Cuando lo comencé a leer me di cuenta que Anita Nair tiene un estilo muy propio en su narrativa, son de esos libros que te muestra las emociones, que tienen descripciones ricas en alegorías pero sin exageras, de esos libros que logran transporta a través del tiempo. Sin embargo si es un libro el cual te tienes que tomar el tiempo necesario para leer, ya que si es cierto que la narrativa no es densa pero si de esas que requieren reflexionarse, así como tiene muchas palabras en indu, entonces eso podría ser algo complicado para los que no están acostumbrados a leer libros de este tipo, pero no se asusten que al final la autora se encarga de dejar un pequeño glosario de algunas palabras.
La temática en si de la historia es muy bueno e interesante, los personajes son creíbles, aunque se utiliza aveces elementos religiosos y sobrenaturales, pero están basado todo en las creencias indues. Me encanto como la autora nos describe la personalidad del padre y de su hijo, los cuales a pesar que la sangre los une, no se han complementado del todo, pero el viaje que realizaran en el libro les ayudara a eso, a conocerse mejor tanto a ellos mismos como el uno al otro. También cabe mencionar que el libro tiene su toque de amor y erotismo, pero nada cargado si no lo que tiene que ser.
Es un libro muy recomendable :)
September 7, 2018
My first book by Anita Nair. An unusual tale set in the 1600s about a journey and a destiny intertwining two different cultures and human lives. I loved the way the author has layered the story. How each character sort of acts as a window for another. One of the few fictional works in India that describes the matriarchal system that was present in those time in Kerala. The topographical detail was so refreshing to read...From Kerala shores to Ceylon, Thoothukudi and Golconda - She brings you the scene in your head as you read the lines. And of course, the intrinsic poet that she is, her writing does take a fantastic route that conveys more than it reads! I was entranced by bot Idris' journey in land and in mind. One of the best books about a part of India in the Seventeenth century - well researched and very well written!
May 29, 2016
* un clásico cuento para adultos
* con una hermosa narración
* llena de historias atrapantes y fascinantes
* con una mezcla de historia, realidad y magia en todo momento
* acompañada de personajes inolvidables (principalmente Idris y Thilothamma) 3
* que nos transporta a algún lugar de la fantástica y misteriosa India
Para leer la reseña completa, visita: http://myworldbetween.blogspot.com.uy...
* con una hermosa narración
* llena de historias atrapantes y fascinantes
* con una mezcla de historia, realidad y magia en todo momento
* acompañada de personajes inolvidables (principalmente Idris y Thilothamma) 3
* que nos transporta a algún lugar de la fantástica y misteriosa India
Para leer la reseña completa, visita: http://myworldbetween.blogspot.com.uy...
November 10, 2019
I borrow Girishs words An insipid attempt at historical fiction..looks like the author researched much about this period and wanted to include everything in one book..the result is a shallow portrayal of many events..had she probed deeper into any one of them it would have been more interesting.. Notwithstanding Idris was a well written character but without enough backstory and too many characters and events in his life.
April 4, 2021
Debo decir que Anita Nair escribe precioso y que realmente se ha informado e investigado antes de publicar el libro para que no haya fallos en la época en que transcurre la historia.
Básicamente un hombre descubre que tiene un hijo y, por diferentes motivos, terminan haciendo un viaje juntos en el que ambos aprenden diversas maneras de ver y, sobre todo, valorar la vida. Amé como Idris y Kandavar formaban la relación padre-hijo, me pareció de lo más dulce.
Por otro lado considero que es una historia llana, por momentos me aburrió porque sentía que no se estaba dirigiendo a ningún lado y ya solo quería terminarla. Del mismo modo percibí a Idris como un personaje pretencioso, no me convenció, aunque acabo de enterarme que al parecer hay -o va a haber- más libros donde la autora sigue desarrollándolo, si se llegasen a conseguir en español, dependiendo la trama, por ahí los lea.
Algo que destaco es que los personajes son muy diferentes entre sí en aspecto físico, cultural, edad y religión. Considero que hay pocos personajes femeninos, los que aparecen con mayor relevancia están bien construidos, sin embargo solo se encuentran a merced de Idris o Kandavar como mujer de deseo, interés romántico o madre.
Creo que empecé el libro muy emocionada por la premisa principal, pero el ritmo lento hizo que la experiencia no fuera tan entretenida ni me mantuviera enganchada como en las primeras partes.
Básicamente un hombre descubre que tiene un hijo y, por diferentes motivos, terminan haciendo un viaje juntos en el que ambos aprenden diversas maneras de ver y, sobre todo, valorar la vida. Amé como Idris y Kandavar formaban la relación padre-hijo, me pareció de lo más dulce.
Por otro lado considero que es una historia llana, por momentos me aburrió porque sentía que no se estaba dirigiendo a ningún lado y ya solo quería terminarla. Del mismo modo percibí a Idris como un personaje pretencioso, no me convenció, aunque acabo de enterarme que al parecer hay -o va a haber- más libros donde la autora sigue desarrollándolo, si se llegasen a conseguir en español, dependiendo la trama, por ahí los lea.
Algo que destaco es que los personajes son muy diferentes entre sí en aspecto físico, cultural, edad y religión. Considero que hay pocos personajes femeninos, los que aparecen con mayor relevancia están bien construidos, sin embargo solo se encuentran a merced de Idris o Kandavar como mujer de deseo, interés romántico o madre.
Creo que empecé el libro muy emocionada por la premisa principal, pero el ritmo lento hizo que la experiencia no fuera tan entretenida ni me mantuviera enganchada como en las primeras partes.
June 18, 2019
Pienso en Idris como en una figura entrañable y en Kandavar un heredero de lo mejor de un mundo abierto: más allá de lo religioso pero con la pena de la atadura a los sistemas qué prevalecen hasta hoy: la codificación del otro como un extraño al qué no se le puede perdonar su alteridad.
Al mismo tiempo, la novela es un ejemplo sobre el ritmo esperado en la lectura, que en su aproximación al final resulta lento y el final mismo, en ese sentido, contrastante. Me gusta que Idris sea referido de forma indirecta en esos momentos.
Al mismo tiempo, la novela es un ejemplo sobre el ritmo esperado en la lectura, que en su aproximación al final resulta lento y el final mismo, en ese sentido, contrastante. Me gusta que Idris sea referido de forma indirecta en esos momentos.
October 15, 2014
Idris, a Somali trader running from his own demons, fathered Kandavar during a moonlight tryst on a previous visit to Malabar, and when fate brings father and son together in unlikely fashion, neither has an idea of how far it will take them. From Malabar to Ceylon to Thoothukudi (present-day Tuticorin) and finally to the diamond mines of Golkonda, “seeking the measure of earth and man” and more. Anita Nair delivers an unforgettable tale, a blend of adventure and passion, love and longing. Even though she does not claim to have been historically accurate, she paints a spellbinding canvas of life in the 1660s and thereabouts in the region we now know of Kerala. (For those in search of more information, the bibliography is a good place to start -- or the Internet if one is in a hurry. In fact, a little background only will keep a reader from being overwhelmed by the terminology, especially towards the beginning of the book, and it certainly adds to a fuller enjoyment of Idris.)
August 2, 2016
Lo interesante de la historia es su recreación, los lugares, hechos todo lo referente a su cultura lo que llaman mas la atención, por lo que se puede apreciar, la autora se a documentado para realizar un trabajo con muy bien detallado con por supuestos sus dotes de imaginación y creatividad.
Nuestro principal personajes es Idris si bien su hijo también lo es pero este en mi caso no me atrapo del todo, siendo mas Idris un personajes muy bien logrado con una muy marcada personalidad y en cuanto a sus rasgos físicos.
Muy buenas descripciones de los lugares, locaciones atrapantes, variados personajes que dan su buena cuota a la historia, aprenderemos sobre su cultura, viajaremos al pasado y conoceremos el sur de la India con un hombre cautivador y su hijo ávido de curiosidad en busca de respuestas para lograr un futuro estable y prometedor.
Mi reseña original: http://zonaexentrica.blogspot.com.uy/...
Nuestro principal personajes es Idris si bien su hijo también lo es pero este en mi caso no me atrapo del todo, siendo mas Idris un personajes muy bien logrado con una muy marcada personalidad y en cuanto a sus rasgos físicos.
Muy buenas descripciones de los lugares, locaciones atrapantes, variados personajes que dan su buena cuota a la historia, aprenderemos sobre su cultura, viajaremos al pasado y conoceremos el sur de la India con un hombre cautivador y su hijo ávido de curiosidad en busca de respuestas para lograr un futuro estable y prometedor.
Mi reseña original: http://zonaexentrica.blogspot.com.uy/...
May 19, 2014
Oh boy, I was so engrossed I didn't realize Anita Niar had charmed me into walking around a circle with an expected denouement!
What a read! Never did the charm wear off or the mind wander on wasted words and lines.
Eyes dart across the many words in Somali and Arabic to Malayalam and Telugu. After the initial hitch, you get along quite well.
The hero is tall, handsome and striking, and, 'black'. Has only one eye. He is Muslim.
It speaks of places in India which we continue to know very little of and read about in fiction even lesser.
Anita Nair busts a zillion prejudices in instating IDRIS. She sets a stage and casts actors that would have an audience rippling in applause and asking for more!
What a read! Never did the charm wear off or the mind wander on wasted words and lines.
Eyes dart across the many words in Somali and Arabic to Malayalam and Telugu. After the initial hitch, you get along quite well.
The hero is tall, handsome and striking, and, 'black'. Has only one eye. He is Muslim.
It speaks of places in India which we continue to know very little of and read about in fiction even lesser.
Anita Nair busts a zillion prejudices in instating IDRIS. She sets a stage and casts actors that would have an audience rippling in applause and asking for more!
October 3, 2018
Me costó trabajo iniciar la historia, pero una vez que comprendí de qué iba el asunto me enamoré de la relación de Idris y Kandavar, este chiquillo tiene una personalidad encantadora y la relación es entrañable, tanto hasta el final en que sabe lo que tiene que hacer para conservar ese vínculo.
Sala Pokkar es otro personaje entrañable.
Lo que me gusta de la narración es cómo se tejen vínculos entre los personajes, por supuesto desde la piedra angular que es Idris; y no sólo se tejen vínculos humanos fraternos o amatorios, se tejen hermosísimos vínculos con los animales. Eso corona una historia que a mí sí me gustó, aunque esta vez tardé más de lo que habría querido, pero no por la historia sino por temas personales.
Sala Pokkar es otro personaje entrañable.
Lo que me gusta de la narración es cómo se tejen vínculos entre los personajes, por supuesto desde la piedra angular que es Idris; y no sólo se tejen vínculos humanos fraternos o amatorios, se tejen hermosísimos vínculos con los animales. Eso corona una historia que a mí sí me gustó, aunque esta vez tardé más de lo que habría querido, pero no por la historia sino por temas personales.
December 4, 2018
15th to 16th centuries were the eventful times in Kerala history, no wonder the story is set in this period.
"Idris" (Arabic) is supposed to be the biblical "Enoch" (English) - somebody who is said to have walked with God. Idris, here, travels where destiny takes him.
The astrological (Venusian - Al Zahra?) associations on the character are highlighted: One-eye, Diamonds, Horse-rides, Polyglot, Sensuality, Un-orthodoxy etc.
Good read.
"Idris" (Arabic) is supposed to be the biblical "Enoch" (English) - somebody who is said to have walked with God. Idris, here, travels where destiny takes him.
The astrological (Venusian - Al Zahra?) associations on the character are highlighted: One-eye, Diamonds, Horse-rides, Polyglot, Sensuality, Un-orthodoxy etc.
Good read.
February 11, 2014
Mystery , intrigue, compassion, sensualism ....and more.... What a smorgasbord !!! Anita's an amazing story teller. And ... fantastic research. By far her best. Just loved it. Waiting for the rest of the trilogy.
April 1, 2015
It's a lovely book set in the 17th century and in South India. It's a historical fiction but is framed with a fair bit of poetic fantasy. The concept of home for the protagonist is most interesting - as an eternal traveller it's the sky with its familiar studded stars for him it's a must read!
September 20, 2018
Di solito gli scrittori indiani non mi deludono mai, hanno sempre un tocco mistico che mi piace molto e mi coinvolge nella lettura. Questa storia è bella, a tratti toccante, ma l'inserimento di tanti vocaboli stranieri (indiani e arabi), hanno reso la lettura lenta e noiosa.
December 25, 2014
Interesting read. Gives you some insights into the 17th Century Malabar and south India. Appreciate the research which has gone into this book.
Dragged it towards the end, other wise a good book.
Dragged it towards the end, other wise a good book.
January 27, 2016
Good story.
December 4, 2017
It provides you an outlook on how Kerala was a very long time back. Idirs is like the lone ranger way long back. An adventurer without a home.
January 19, 2018
Idris es un viajante que conoce a su hijo y se le lleva para que conozca mundo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
"Idris" is the first book I read by Anita Nair. While it might not be her most known work, I was hooked on her writing from page one. This historical fiction depicts the adventures of a Somali man in 1660 Kerala, India.
The book is well researched. What’s impressive is the amount of work she went through to depict the average life. Her books feel all so more real and palpable. Seeing India through the gaze of a Muslim foreigner is also an interesting choice if you are familiar with India’s demographic and current politics. The land has almost 14% Muslims. Unfortunately, the community is currently facing nationalist and islamophobics parties. As an Indian Muslim myself, it's really interesting to see how Anita Nair depicts faith, communities and cast system in that period. Seeing the melding of culture that India already was at that time but also observing the society through different characters that Idris meets, gives us a commentary about the present as well.
I particularly loved Idris for not being an impetuous hero. He is an observer and a poet, a lover and passionate about philosophy and humanity. But he is also scarred: of ties – because he may lose his loved ones - of losing his freedom – because he is a lover of the world. I found his insecurities relatable – how many of us today are also afraid of commitment that may tie our dreams while longing for that warmth that familiarity gives us. His dilemma and his relationship with his son is another highlight of the book. The women that we meet along this journey are also loveable, strong and vulnerable. I enjoyed reading about them.
The book is written in a lyrical style that gives the impression of a tale whispered in the ear. The author adds words in Malayalam, Arabic or Telugu, which made it even more beautiful to read.
Some of the downsides of the books are the following. If you are looking for an adventure high in colours and obstacles, Idris may not be the historical fiction for you. The journey of Idris is more within and the writing is very contemplative of society. And, if you lack any knowledge about India, the book may seem very boring to you. But in case, you are familiar with India’s current sociological dynamics, you may find subtle commentary in the book about casteism, love, women and so much more. There are often two “main” drives in a book: plot-driven or character-driven. I would say, Idris, is a more relationship-driven and setting-driven book.
But that said, I would say that sometimes the book felt too “easy” and lacked a bit of challenge and conflict. I have learned that it’s supposed to be a trilogy so I am interested to see how the story will unfold.
This was a great introduction to Anita Nair's writing and I am looking forward to reading more.
The book is well researched. What’s impressive is the amount of work she went through to depict the average life. Her books feel all so more real and palpable. Seeing India through the gaze of a Muslim foreigner is also an interesting choice if you are familiar with India’s demographic and current politics. The land has almost 14% Muslims. Unfortunately, the community is currently facing nationalist and islamophobics parties. As an Indian Muslim myself, it's really interesting to see how Anita Nair depicts faith, communities and cast system in that period. Seeing the melding of culture that India already was at that time but also observing the society through different characters that Idris meets, gives us a commentary about the present as well.
I particularly loved Idris for not being an impetuous hero. He is an observer and a poet, a lover and passionate about philosophy and humanity. But he is also scarred: of ties – because he may lose his loved ones - of losing his freedom – because he is a lover of the world. I found his insecurities relatable – how many of us today are also afraid of commitment that may tie our dreams while longing for that warmth that familiarity gives us. His dilemma and his relationship with his son is another highlight of the book. The women that we meet along this journey are also loveable, strong and vulnerable. I enjoyed reading about them.
The book is written in a lyrical style that gives the impression of a tale whispered in the ear. The author adds words in Malayalam, Arabic or Telugu, which made it even more beautiful to read.
Some of the downsides of the books are the following. If you are looking for an adventure high in colours and obstacles, Idris may not be the historical fiction for you. The journey of Idris is more within and the writing is very contemplative of society. And, if you lack any knowledge about India, the book may seem very boring to you. But in case, you are familiar with India’s current sociological dynamics, you may find subtle commentary in the book about casteism, love, women and so much more. There are often two “main” drives in a book: plot-driven or character-driven. I would say, Idris, is a more relationship-driven and setting-driven book.
But that said, I would say that sometimes the book felt too “easy” and lacked a bit of challenge and conflict. I have learned that it’s supposed to be a trilogy so I am interested to see how the story will unfold.
This was a great introduction to Anita Nair's writing and I am looking forward to reading more.
August 16, 2024
This book is everything I wanted it to be and not at the same time. In my journey to read only Indian books this year, I picked this book up as its premise promised something that I have not read in an Indian book before. A father and a son on an adventure in the south of India in the 1600s. But the book took very long to get to the point. I understand that this book is a part of a trilogy but does that give it the excuse to be such a slow read? The book picked up pace at the 60% mark.
I definitely love the sections about what the characters learn and experience in each destination. But I am craving to learn more about Idris. I don’t fully understand his emotions and motivations yet. Will this come in the later part of the series?
The best second of the book was the description of the doro wat meal cooked by Idris. Such amazing writing. A whole chapter about a meal being cooked, written so beautifully!
Recommendation- give it a read if you have the patience to read a trilogy to understand the whole story.
Pros - interesting premise and quality of writing
Cons - extremely slow, requires a lot of patience to read
I definitely love the sections about what the characters learn and experience in each destination. But I am craving to learn more about Idris. I don’t fully understand his emotions and motivations yet. Will this come in the later part of the series?
The best second of the book was the description of the doro wat meal cooked by Idris. Such amazing writing. A whole chapter about a meal being cooked, written so beautifully!
Recommendation- give it a read if you have the patience to read a trilogy to understand the whole story.
Pros - interesting premise and quality of writing
Cons - extremely slow, requires a lot of patience to read
August 20, 2020
Now, this book is about Idris, a Somali trader who learns of the existence of his nine-year-old son while in Kerala to attend the Mamangam festivities. To keep his son close and to teach him the value of life, Idris embarks with him on a voyage that ends in the diamond mines of Golconda. And the story is just that, the tale of a journey.
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Now, I listened to this book on @audible. I must sadly admit that the narration was flatter than the story itself. There were 2 or 3 occasions when the narrator fumbled which shouldn't have been the case. Also, from the books I have listened to so far, I feel that the narrator's job is also to breathe life into the characters. For example, he or she should pronounce words in whatever language and dialect those are as per the context. As for Idris, the narrator fell woefully short. As you can imagine, that ruined the experience already.
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Also, I didn't find anything special about the tale. It was just one long journey. I must say I really tried but somehow I failed to connect. While the character of Idris is well written and the period well researched, I felt there is nothing else in the story. There is no doubt though that Idris is a book that mustn't have been easy to write. But it just didn't work for me.
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I'm going to read her other books though because I know she is an exceptional writer. This time maybe, I'll opt to read instead of listening to her books.
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Now, I listened to this book on @audible. I must sadly admit that the narration was flatter than the story itself. There were 2 or 3 occasions when the narrator fumbled which shouldn't have been the case. Also, from the books I have listened to so far, I feel that the narrator's job is also to breathe life into the characters. For example, he or she should pronounce words in whatever language and dialect those are as per the context. As for Idris, the narrator fell woefully short. As you can imagine, that ruined the experience already.
.
.
Also, I didn't find anything special about the tale. It was just one long journey. I must say I really tried but somehow I failed to connect. While the character of Idris is well written and the period well researched, I felt there is nothing else in the story. There is no doubt though that Idris is a book that mustn't have been easy to write. But it just didn't work for me.
.
.
I'm going to read her other books though because I know she is an exceptional writer. This time maybe, I'll opt to read instead of listening to her books.
October 20, 2019
It was my first book of Anita Nair. Although I had The Better Man with me, I decided to start with Idris. The language was quite simple but it contained a lot of people malayalam words. The initial parts were a bit boring for my taste, which is why I took comparatively longer time to complete it. Even though it lacked a gripping quality that I like so much in my books, it compensated for it by the complex emotional framework. Towards the end of the novel, I started to feel for Idris and his obligations as a father. Even though the novel ends in a hopeful note, it ends rather abruptly for my taste. The book will suit you only if you are a serious reader (which I'm not ;) ).
September 23, 2019
It could have been more engaging; if written in a magical realism style. At one occasion the novel does have that angle- when the boy kills the snake. The mother s character lacks meat though at first she was developed as a bold and independent woman. The importance of the novel comes from the fact that it is the first novel with a Chaver backdrop (even in Malayalam we never had such a back drop). The haunting visual of a boy's head on its way to Manikkiner follows me when someone mentions Thirunavaya.
January 26, 2022
El libro está muy bien ambientado en la época y muy documentado con todos los sucesos. Narra las aventuras del viajero Idris y de su hijo Kandavar viajando por la India. Se me ha hecho un poco pesado por la mayoría de palabras desconocidas, viene con un glosario pero aún así se hace complicada la lectura. Dato positivo: he conocido un poco más de la cultura musulmana e hindú. Y una buena visión de la mujer en dichas culturas.
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