Bhaskar Parichha
There is a poignant story behind this novel. Ansudhar, author of ‘Honest Expressions’ is no more with us. He left for heavenly abode thirteen years ago. The onus of publishing this book fell entirely on Ansudhar’s father. Words can’t describe that loss.
Ansudhar, as the blurb says, had a great love for English literature. His yearning for prose was so riveting that he could master the language at a very early age. He migrated to Canada some twenty years ago -where he established his successful business -; yet his yearning for literature hadn’t stopped. ‘Honest Expressions’ is the product of those challenging times. The novel had first appeared online much before e-books became the reality.
‘Honest Expressions – A dive into the human abyss’ is a fictional account wherein the author tries to entwine elements of human drama into a malodorous narrative.
Alex the main protagonist of the novel is a very passionate man with a deep understanding and wants to experience life in many of its hues and colors. The author unwittingly tries to follow the inner monologue of Alex’s thoughts and emotions. Alex’s globe-trotting and frenetic chase for a fulfilling romantic relationship and the the impediments he faces in that relationship is what the novel is all about.
The characterization, the setting, the conversations and the swift actions make the novel an engaging one. The travails of life make Alex only a little wiser. He faces hardships with gusto and grew up accepting those challenges. Indeed the introduction to the novel itself says what kind of an individual Alex was and how different from the rest. If Alex had an altogether different upbringing, this reflected on his life and his mission.
As the novel progresses, the reader comes across various characters: Nancy (the female protagonist), Sam, Jack, Sofia the Irish biology teacher, Angela and so on. Each of these characters adds to the moral strength of Alex as he finds the world changing faster than he would expect.
What is significant about this novel is the protagonist’s concerns about the societal upheaval. It has allusion to family, technology, business, education and all the flip-sides of society. Somewhere Alex says, ‘Entire nations were transformed into war machines and the social fabric spun from civil fibers of mortal security, economic struggle and family life, was torn to shreds’’. Or this one: ‘With the advent of the information age and with the huge wealth of information available to every individual.’
In the pursuit for a contented and blissful life however Alex had to stop thinking about Nancy as they are unable to get along with each other.
In the epilogue of ‘Honest Expressions’, there is a word of realism and affirmation: ‘Alex is not the only example and there have been others who have surrendered completely to their passion, but their tales have been colorful and inspiring. Theirs was a full of life, for they chose to face the avalanche of truth and close encounters.’
Honest Expressions (Novel)
By Ansudhar
BlueRose Publishers
Ansal Bhawan, First Floor,
16, KG Marg, Connaught Place,
New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Rs 255
