The Man from Motihari comes as a need of the hour. The novel speaks in the almost now – we are surrounded by the kind of historical events which form the background of the story. Though set in a small region of one particular nation, such unfortunate happenings are being echoed around the world in our now. In a sense, Abdullah Khan captures this universality by sending his protagonist across the globe in the later part of the story.
The story serves another and much more reasonable function then telling us about these times. I use the word reasonable in the sense of a thing which can be reasoned out and which can thus prove functional. The Man from Motihari wants to write. He writes across all possible challenges of his circumstances. And his foray into this profession so unlikely in his world exposes him to all the steps and tips and traumas of writing. The book thus becomes a valuable guide or manual for those who want to write.
As mentioned, novels with many dimensions sparkle like diamonds with every facet they task themselves to bring to light. So Abdullah Khan has well-honed his work and besides all the robust functions I’ve discussed above, he brings to the reader the clarion call for good quality education especially for girls.
Lest you
imagine that since this book is so diverse in what it covers it might be
boring, let me hasten to reassure you. It is a most delightful entertainer and
a page turner feast. It has all the spicy delight to tickle the Indian palate
and enough cosmopolitan garnish to please the epicure from elsewhere.
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