AMBAI - Two Novellas And A Story by C S Lakshmi, from the Katha stable is a fantastic collection of feminist stories that evokes multitude of feelings and opinions about the state of women, especially in India
The first story of "The Wrestling" showcases how a man endeavors to subdue a talented woman by building walls of relationship. Driven by inferior complex, Shanmugam uses the institution of marriage to uses the chains of relationship to bind a superior artist in Shenbagam, his wife. This story creates vivid pictures of the subtle yet complex moves by either of them. The fitting climax brings to fore the eruption of a valcano. Valconic eruptions are normally violent, but in this story, the eruption is so subtle yet no less in its impact.
The second one about "Unwritten Manuscript" again provides insights of a professionally successful woman who had to face many hurdles to reach such a position. Having lost the father, being stamped a psychopath and abused by a jealous husband, the woman rises above all through sheer courage. The author beautifully describer her drive to gain a status and how she becomes role model for her daughter. As usual, the climax showcases the innate ability of a woman to forgive.
The Deer in the Forest is a melodramatic elaboration of a woman who has not been bestowed with the ability to bear children. She rises above the loss of the husband to another woman and being the laughing stock of a community obsessed with fertility. She still manages to become the bedrock of love and affection to the whole family. Her amazing resilience and patience is something to be admired.
The topping of this wonderful serving is the essay about women. This essay beautifully brings out the essence of the whole book with an encapsulation of all the messages from the stories.
An apt artifact about the greatness of women.
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