‘Of Marriages and Madness’ by Sacheth is an easy-to-read anthology around Marriage. The 8 short stories across 112 pages are simple, and they pick on one central incidence to weave magic around it. The language is simple, and the description is crafty enough to help you visualise the characters and the surroundings; however, only a few stories push the emotional trigger.
The title of the anthology and the skewness towards only the darker and the not-so-beautiful part of the institution called Marriage is a shortcoming. It may be seen as an advantage and the writer’s choice because no one wants to read the ‘they lived happily ever after’ stories. In the process, it deprives the reader of a broader spectrum.
Each of the stories picks a central thread and one aspect of Marriage. From the dream of the prince in shining armour to the match-making to quirks- it is all there. The stories are about incompatibilities, expectations, idiosyncrasies and changing relationships. It will be wrong to say that the stories fail to present the other side of Marriage of adopting, understanding, trade-offs, compromises, and interdependence. They simply end up as a disaster. One can understand the absence of a hero in such a scenario. The stories don’t even have a stated villain- other than the circumstances and that I found a weak link. Some of the readers may find it more liberating and acceptable.
STEREOTYPING AND PREDICTABILITY.
There is heavy use of acceptable character stereotypes. The alcoholic husband, the wife with perfection OCD, the young lady troubled with delay in Marriage, and the well-to-do couple with domestic violence and living a charade for the public. The author gives enough space to develop the situation and background, to help you feel the character and possible emotions but then rushes to close the story.
Not all situations and storylines are predictable, and not all the stories are gripping enough for you to ask- so what next. In a few stories, the end leaves you thinking of the possibilities, which is a plus point; however, that is not a pattern the author uses.
FROM THE BOOK
I quote the last paragraph of the title story – ‘of marriages and madness’. ‘After a bit, Ved walked over to Sejal. He took her hand and drew her close with a gentle tug. He slid his other arm around her waist, ad they began swaying slowly to the music. But all this while, he was preoccupied with the thought that marrying Sejal could eventually drive him crazy like Mihir’s alleged friend. Now, he began picturising scars on Sejal’s fine face. Then he had another image. He saw himself sitting alone- drunk, scruffy, and helpless- in a dark room littered with cigarette packs and bottles of whisky, waiting for the right woman who never appeared and going crazy with isolation. At that moment, he realised that either way, he was going to get mad; there was no escape. He could only choose how he lost his mind.’
YOU COULD READ IT.
Maybe married people may enjoy the book and the stories more. And I would like to caution the unmarried not to base their future decisions and expectations on these stories without a happy ending. They can try to self-analyse the cause and effect of the situations and have their own strategies for a better and happy married life. Maybe it will guide them to check different aspects of their partner before committing to a potential relationship.
MY CHOICE OF STORIES
I loved ‘Spark’- which asks one to keep the chemistry alive by being open and willing to balance and adapt. The other story I enjoyed for it having some fun and action was ‘A responsible man’.
NET NET
I would pick ‘Of Marriages and madness’ if I was on a short journey. And maybe I will even read the next set of stories by the author.
DISCLAIMER.
The author shared the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program . OF MARRIAGEs AND MADNESS by Sacheth. 112 pages. Kindle eBook/Paperback. Price 295 India. You can order your copy here.
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