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BOOK REVIEW |
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BOOK REVIEW |
True Tales A senior police officer
tells stories of human suffering and misfortune By A CORRESSPONDENT This compilation of short stories written
by a senior police officer provides rare insights into the lives of the Nepalese people
and the multiplicity of challenges they have to surmount each day. From his professional
vantage point, Mahesh Bikram Shah has a total grasp over his plots. From the story of women and children of
Maoist-affected Rukum district in western Nepal to a plethora of social issues, Shah's
mastery over his subject matter is undiminished. He describes in vivid clarity the
traditional work pattern of the police and local administration in investigative
procedures. During his stints in diverse and remote
parts of the country, Shah has accumulated a wealth of experience. His personal
connections with people in difficult circumstances stand out in his narration. Be it the
story of people living in the uncertainty that has gripped Maoist-affected districts or
that focusing on the lives of wives of policemen, Shah's writings exude reality. Written in Nepali, "Sipahi Ko
Swasni" is successful in retaining readers' attention. Based on vignettes of everyday
life, Shah's focus primarily falls on human tragedy and ignorance. In "Mol", Shah tells the story of
a married couple arrested on a false charge of prostitution. He paints a picture of a
typical Nepalese investigation where innocent people are easily trapped. The couple is
forced to pay bribes to free themselves from the government attorney and police. Shah obviously comprehends the difficulties
of the wives of policemen. In his main story, he brings alive many of their agonies and
frustrations. At a time when the country is experiencing a violent insurgency, nobody is
certain when or where one comes across bad news. "Story writer Mahesh Bikram Shah's
imagination, new styles, humanitarian approach and deep observation have established him
as a leading story writer of the country," says Mohan Raj Sharma, a prominent critic.
"His stories are interesting and impressive enough to deeply impress the
readers." In "Khuma", Shah relates the
story of a school-going child living in Rukum, one of the worst insurgency-affected
districts. Although many books and stories about the problems in the Maoist-affected
districts have come out in recent years, Shah narrates them through the common people
living in the shadow of terror. Writing about Khuma, who is caught in the crossfire of the
police and insurgents, Shah tells the story of a generation of young girls who are
deprived from basic education.
Shah tries to explain the sense of
duty of police officers who want to win the trust of the rural people. He also gives rare
insights into the attitudes and behavior of police officers working amid the uncertainties
of remote danger zones. The book also contains a story set in East Timor, where Shah
worked as part of the transitional United Nations police force. One of the important features of Shah's
stories is their powerful portrayal of human feelings and the commitment of police
officers toward society and country. In "Santrasta Man", Shah does not mind
exposing some bad practices that result in the arrest of innocents on false charges.
Although they represent different perspectives and settings, Shah's characters have a
direct link with the realities of human life. Sipahi Ko Swasni (Wife Of A
Soldier) |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
