Author- Sarah Joseph
Translator- Vasanthi Sankaranarayanan
‘The Vigil’ by Sarah Joseph,translated by Vasanthi Sankaranarayanan is a mythological tale of Raman,Ravana,Sugrivan,Vali,Angadan portrayed in a different prospective. No matters how many times historical stories repeat,it holds the same essence and gives an ethentic pleasure.
As the back cover says-‘Interpretations of Valmiki’s poem about the epic battle between Raman and his nemesis,Ravanan,tend to focus on the glory and virtues of the hero.But in the Malayalam modern classic Oorukaaval-translated here as The Vigil-Sarah Joseph tells a turbulent tale:that of Angadam,who believes that Raman killed his father Vali against all principles of dharma.
Unlike the celebrated central characters who are blind to or choose to ignore that which is inconvinient,Angadam is acutely aware of the silent sufferings of the weak and disempowered.Over and over,the tormented young vanara prince sees Raman act against justice and fair play,not the least of which is his consent to Sita’s fire ordeal.Ultimately,though,it is the person most wronged by Raman-Sita who provides him redemptiom from his searing quest of revenge.
In the Vigil,the familiar rhythm of the original poem is stirred up by Angadan’s ascetiv touch.Sarah Joseph gives a new spin to the grand old story,bringing in contemporary concerns such as the environment,peace and women’s empowerment,and provides a new path, a fresh way of understanding it.’
In the beginning,recognizing names was quite tough for me as I went through this story from this perspect for the first time, but as the story paces up ,it laces its aroma around my mind. Vasanthi Sankaranarayanan has done fabulous task of translating this book.She not only translated it eloquently ,but made the articulation in a gracious way.A layer of soothness imparted in the writing skill and presented in a impressive writing fashion.
This story tells us that Angadam being an innocent child turned to a strong and powerful man who raised his power and with the growing time,the lava inside him of revenge increases. How the search for Sita was on the nerves of Raman and Sugrivan and how the expenditure goes to find her.This is again a great mythology tale of winning good over bad ,but it doesn’t end on a positive note ,as Sita was left all alone at the end, being the victim of Ravana’s abduct .The tale is portrayed on a political prospect rather what we read on Ramayan’s tale.
As the story moves further,one would get more drowned into it.I’ve been gone numerous times through the story of Rama-Ravana.But this time ,I read the tale of Angadan,son of Vali, where the same story revolves being Angad as the exemplar.The way author ends it,leaves one with a native feel and it emotionally drenched you in it.This book has mingled flavor of emotions plugged to it-pain ,longingness, pleasure, power, grief, fear,revenge, where every flavour manages to speak up at its best.
A tale which wooes one with the magic of an old fume and lasting effect.For all lovers of mythological tales,this book could be worth to read,to make one learn more about Angad’s life and his revenge-taking journey.It feels great to reach to the same story from a different path.
Rating- 4.5/5
Reviewer- Shweta Kesari