‘My Beloved Life’ by Amitava Kumar: Truth, memories, and what we leave behind

An elderly lady, who used to be a doctor in the villages of Jharkhand, tells Jugnu that her husband once said to her there was no point in being “fanatical” about the truth. Memories become distorted and disappear with time, people come into our lives and vanish mysteriously, leaders who once appeared capable become hateful monsters. There’s little surety in life besides its transient nature and facts morphing into fiction.

Amitava Kumar’s new novel My Beloved Life is like looking at a family – and nation’s – photo album. It makes the phrase “larger than life” seem redundant, for our life, even in its limitations and sorrows is stranger and grander than any we could’ve imagined. Each photo in this album may appear unidimensional at first, but once we’re made aware of the backstory, we realise how infinite the experiences of each individual can be.

Time’s endless loop

Jadunath Kunwar’s (Jadu) first memory is from a time before he was born. His mother was bitten by a snake and the valiant efforts of his father and neighbours not only ensured she lived but also that he was born healthy and happy. The incident, now a part of his personal history, becomes a source of Jadu’s strength. If he could...

Read more