tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286821619549757823.post8241440158683482517..comments2023-06-21T13:33:18.520+05:30Comments on kriticulture: Book Review of ShikargahRajesh Sharmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11144914400704668707noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286821619549757823.post-92180363436985779202010-10-16T13:51:32.261+05:302010-10-16T13:51:32.261+05:30Dear Rajeshji,
As you will recall, I'd t...Dear Rajeshji,<br /><br /> As you will recall, I'd the opportunity to briefly comment on your review of "The Sikh Memory".<br /><br /> I would begin by reiterating what I had said then: You do not introduce the text you mean to evaluate, often harshly. In consequence, the reader is unable to judge whether or not your criticism is fair and legitimate. <br /><br />You will agree that any particular<br />detail in a fictional or non- fictional narrative needs to be grasped in relation to its stuctural logic. Therefore, one would first like to ask what the structure of Shikargah is. Does your essay answer this question at any level or at any stage. No.<br /><br />Take one example about the presence of lesbianism in girls' hostel at Srinagar. In what manner is the reaction of a traditional village girl to what she had seen inappropriate? Now, relate her response to the later observation in the text that probably Rashmi - the helpless Pandit girl - was a victim of the ill-reputed Naheed and you have the exposure of 'terrorism'in all ts brutality and grotesqueness. <br /><br />Your comment on lesbianism makes no sensee at all. So do many of your other observations, e.g., 'Romantic situations are not her forte'! This is a gratuitous if not<br />altogether absurd observation, given the way Nikky-Raj relationship is delicately handled<br />and described.<br /><br />I ask you an all-important methodological question: why should<br />the reader accept your interpreta- tion of the novel as objective, accurate or plausible? Why must not he dismiss it as subjective, impressionist and dilettantish? I am not passing a judgement but posing a question to someone adept in literaty theory.<br /><br />Your writing often reveals a good<br />grasp of western theory, in particular deconstruction, but <br />not equallyimpressive applications of it.<br /><br />S. MalhansS. Malhansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7286821619549757823.post-27103212985255516012010-10-14T06:20:34.345+05:302010-10-14T06:20:34.345+05:30she must take this fine review as a thoughtful inp...she must take this fine review as a thoughtful input to her next one, since she clearly has the concern and the stamina to represent significant issues and contradictions.<br />the review underlines with empathy both her promise and strength, and the areas of experience where might in the future give herself more freedom and latitude.Badri Rainanoreply@blogger.com