- Stars:
- Pages: 202 Pages
- Time to Read: 4 hours
- Authors: Purushottam Laxman Deshpande
- Type of Book: Short Stories
TL;DR
P.L. Deshpande’s “Vyakti ani Valli” is a masterclass in character sketching, a book so riveting it exemplifies how literature can breathe life into words. Celebrated in Maharashtra for his sharp wit and layered humor, Deshpande crafts a collection of portraits that are both deeply individual and universally relatable. The result is an awe-inspiring and effortlessly entertaining read that remains a timeless classic.
What is the book about?
The magic of “Vyakti ani Valli” lies in Deshpande’s impeccable ability to infuse his characters with vibrant detail and intricate personalities. Written over two decades, from 1944 to 1968, these sketches feel so authentic that readers will inevitably find echoes of these personalities in the people they know. The narrative, presented as the musings of a common man, is captivating and makes you feel like a part of the stories. Despite its depth and insight, the book is a wonderfully light read, tickling the funny bone with a nonchalant grace.
From the dedicated Chitale Master to the tragically cursed Nanda Pradhan, each story is meaningful without ever being preachy. Deshpande observes humanity with a keen and compassionate eye, celebrating the ordinary and finding the extraordinary within it.
Key Takeaways!
The book introduces a diverse cast of twenty individuals, each unique in their glories and flaws. Among them, we meet:
- Narayan: The omnipresent but invisible force at every wedding, ensuring everything runs smoothly from the background.
- Sakharam Gatne: A hilarious purist so devoted to the perfect form of the Marathi language that he forgoes marriage to remain “loyal to literature.”
- Namu Parit: The comically unreliable laundryman who is perpetually late, breaks buttons, and remains blissfully unaware of his own faults.
- Peston Uncle: The quintessential kind and flawless Parsi gentleman, beloved by all.
- Bhaiyya Nagpurkar: A paradoxical figure—a Brahmin by birth with the mannerisms of a Muslim, a college criminal who loves music, and a fan of both Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Antu Barva: A man so detached from worldly concerns that he and his followers practically created their own slang, living above life, death, and even art.
Worth the Read?
“Vyakti ani Valli” is more than just a collection of stories; it is an experience. It’s a book that lives up to its meaning and, in turn, adds meaning to our lives. An outstanding and essential work, this is a must-read for fans of P.L. Deshpande and new readers alike. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest examples of Marathi literature.
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