White Blood by Nanak Singh

By -


Author: Nanak Singh

Translator: Dilraj Singh Suri

Publisher: Hachette India

Language: English

Paperback: 272 pages

Genre: History, Religion, Legends

Buy at :  Amazon

Synopsis

White Blood is a significant novel by Nanak Singh, first published in 1932. Recognized for its literary and historical importance, this novel is a milestone in Punjabi literature, steering it towards realism. It intricately portrays Punjabi life, analyzing characters with depth and psychological insight. The plot is meticulously crafted, interwoven with dramatic situations and irony, offering a satirical view on societal wrongdoings. The novel is celebrated for its vivid scenes, such as the hardships of writers, the juggler Rodu's aspirations for Sundri, the illicit wine production by Pala Singh, and the dramatic transformation of Anwar's life. Through these elements, Nanak Singh paints a brilliant picture of early 20th-century Punjab. 

Review of the Book

White Blood is a masterpiece by Nanak Singh that provides a profound and unflinching look at 20th-century Punjab. Its realistic portrayal of societal issues, coupled with deep character studies and a well-crafted plot, makes it a compelling read. The novel's satirical tone effectively critiques the moral and social vices of the time. Each scene is vividly described, bringing the reader into the heart of Punjab's cultural and societal fabric. The layered narratives and rich prose enhance the book's depth, making it a pivotal work in Punjabi literature.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its intricate character development. Singh's ability to delve into the psychological aspects of his characters adds a layer of complexity that keeps the reader engaged. Characters like Gupteshwar, Rodu, Sundri, and Anwarjan are not just players in a story but representations of the broader societal dynamics at play. Their struggles and transformations are depicted with a realism that evokes empathy and reflection. Once a celebrated writer, Gupteshwar is found in a dire state at Amritsar Railway Station. His character arc delves into his struggles, societal observations, and the eventual impact of his unfinished manuscript on the reader, revealing the deep-rooted moral decay in Punjab. Rodu, a juggler striving for a better life for the innocent Sundri, Rodu's character represents the resilience and hope amidst the hardships faced by the lower strata of society. Sundri, an innocent child, Sundri's interactions with Rodu and Anwarjan and her calling Anwarjan "Maa Ji" highlight her purity and the complex social dynamics she navigates. Anwarjan's transformation is one of the most dramatic in the novel. From her dance performances to the changes she undergoes through her relationship with Sundri, Anwar's journey is a testament to personal growth and societal influences. Pala Singh - Involved in the preparation of country wine, Pala Singh's actions and the conflicts arising from them depict the rural struggles and the illegal undertakings of the time. Bachan Singh, all that is good in the society, the moral and upright, but that suffers due to it as well.

The book also excels in its depiction of various social issues, including corruption, casteism, and inequality. Singh's critique is not limited to overt social injustices but extends to the subtle hypocrisies and moral failings of individuals who position themselves as moral guardians. This nuanced approach allows the reader to see the pervasive nature of these issues and the ways they infiltrate everyday life.

Furthermore, Singh's use of dramatic irony and satire is masterful. The novel's ironic style not only entertains but also provokes thought, encouraging readers to question and reflect on the societal norms and behaviors of the time. Scenes like the skirmish between village farmers at a religious place or Anwarjan's dance performance are crafted with such brilliance that they leave a lasting impression. The fate of Sundri and Anwarjan's especially tugged at my heartstrings.

In conclusion, White Blood is more than just a novel; it is a mirror reflecting the socio-political landscape of early 20th-century Punjab. It stands as a testament to Nanak Singh's literary genius and his deep understanding of human nature and societal issues. The translation by Dilraj Singh Suri ensures that this important work reaches a wider audience, allowing more readers to appreciate its timeless relevance and literary beauty.

About the Author

Nanak Singh (1897-1971), known as the father of the Punjabi novel, was a prolific writer who penned over 40,000 pages in the Gurmukhi script. His works, marked by universal themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice, are distinguished by their realistic portrayal of societal issues and human nature. Notable among his works are "Pavittar Papi" and "Ik Miam Do Talwaran," which explore themes of unrequited love and sacrifice, while "Paap Di Khatti" reflects on greed and changing societal values. Singh's fearless critique of fundamentalism and societal evils is a hallmark of his storytelling. His works remain a critical part of Punjabi literature.

About the Translator

Dilraj Singh Suri, the grandson of Nanak Singh, is a technical writer and localization professional. Growing up in a family of writers and educators, Suri was deeply influenced by literature from an early age. His translation of "Chitta Lahu" into English as "White Blood" is a testament to his dedication to bringing Nanak Singh's epic novel to a broader audience. Suri holds a Master's degree in English and aims to highlight the brilliance of Nanak Singh's work to non-Punjabi readers worldwide.


This review is powered by Blogchatter Book Review Program 

Comments

Post a Comment

Queeristan by Parmesh Sahani

By -
Image
  Queeristan (Amazon Link) Thanks to Audible Free Trial I listened to this amazing non-fiction on LGBTQ inclusion in Indian workplaces. Author Parmesh Sahani identifies as gay Indian, working closely with Godrej higher management and employees for years to create an inclusive workplace, both legally and in spirit. This book is a result of those years of experience, research, collaboration with individuals from difference spectrum of the society and organizations who has successfully transitioned into a queer friendly one.   Indian history is inclusive. From the Khajuraho temple architectures, to Konark to the Rig Veda, there is existing proofs even 2000 years ago of Indian inclusiveness of queer. It’s the draconian British law that criminalised it, which was scraped in 2009, came into effect once again following a sad judgement in 2013 and eventually was scraped off for good in 2018. I am in awe of the lawyers who fought this legal battle- colleagues and partners – Arundhati Katju
9 comments

Popular posts from this blog

Empress Ki : A story of an epic scale

By -
Image
Empress Ki Poster (behance.net) Empress Ki is the most elaborate, gripping, and thrilling series I have watched this year. And at 51 episodes , it is the longest Korean drama series I have ever watched. Even though the number seems daunting and too much, it’s worth it all. If you like period dramas, you won’t want to give this one a miss. It was in 2016 that I first read about Empress Ki, the historical drama that had garnered much praise and accolades from the audience and critics alike. Most Korean dramas are just 16 or 20 episodes long. So 51 seemed never-ending to me then. It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided to at least try the first episode. And I was hooked. But owing to the various circumstances I didn’t continue watching it. It was just last month that I remembered this epic story and watched it to completion within just a few days. Believe it or not, midway through it, I was almost literally pulling my hair out, in anticipation of what would happen next. I wou
Read more

Dongri To Dubai - Book Review

By -
Image
‘Dongri To Dubai-   Six Decades of Mumbai Mafia’ by Hussain Zaidi is the first of its kind book based on years of crime reporting, police documents and numerous interviews, on Mumbai underworld, the gangs of organized crime who started out small as smugglers and went on to become violent most wanted criminals in the modern history of the country. And it is most importantly the narrative of the making of Dawood Ibrahim, the don and the now declared global terrorist. It encompasses the story around the mafia before Dawood- big names like Haji Mastan, Karim Lala, The Pathans; the Mumbai police using the then street thug Dawood to control the menace caused by the other gangsters; the rise of the son of a head police constable to unimaginable ranks in Mumbai mafiadom; the clout and network of the don extending from the police to the political insiders; ingenious ideas in smuggling that was replicated in the then Bollywood storylines; onslaught of terrible violence and gang wars, plotting
Read more

“The Fall” [2006] – A Tribute to the Power of Stories

By -
Image
   I welcome Arun Kumar of Passion For Movies whose reviews have an identity of their own and shows his undulated love for movies. I thank him for finding time and agreeing to do a guest post in Magic Moments. It's a huge privilege. So here's a guest post by him on one of his favorite movies.   “The Fall” [2006] – A Tribute to the Power of Stories   Sometimes, you make an emotional bond with a film and dissect or interpret its vision in different ways, while a fellow movie-lover would pan it by using the most loathful words. Tarsem Singh’s visually exuberant movie, “The Fall” (2006) falls into that category. Many critics deemed it as a self-indulgent, vanity project; or as a preposterously intolerable, childish story. Does Tarsem have abundant directorial ego that drove the likes of Jodorowsky, Lynch or Gilliam, who all persistently came up with outlandishly inventive visuals? I would say yes. As a movie-lover, this so-called ‘directorial ego’ has always fa
Read more

The One To Leave First

By -
Image
I have always been the one to leave first. Be it luck or circumstance, it has always been this way. Some of the times it has been my decision to venture out of my comfort zone first before all my peers decide to do the same and I am left behind, alone in the old world. The decisions are out of fear of being left alone, most of the times. Or is it self-preservation instead?  I am a person who takes time to adapt, make new friends, get accustomed to new surroundings- an unlikely one to leave first- yet I do. You might think me selfish, but I am just afraid, and I decide to take care of myself first. Some might see this as a major risk-taking attitude, but I mostly see it as fleeing before the 'desertion' hits me instead. Now that's a strong word indeed. I am always in search of safe ground, always so insecure and calculating my moves lest I end up being alone on the island. Paranoiac. Several things bother me at once. What if my peers get on with their lives leavi
Read more

The Baztan Trilogy

By -
Image
The first movie 'The Invisible Guardian' begins with the killings of several teenage girls and elaborate staging of their bodies by the river in the damp valley of Elizondo. Amaia Salazar, our protagonist, returns there, her hometown, as the Chief Investigator for the case. She heads the homicide department. The serial killings seem aimed at young girls who don't uphold the traditional norms and have begun exploring their sexuality. Through the case, Amaia grapples with her own demons, her relationship issues and traumatic memories of abuse from her past. We get to know that her mother had abused her, being seemingly senile herself, and was then admitted to a facility. The setting of the damp valley where it rains all hours of the day, the cloudy scenery, the fog covered thick forest maintain a sinister vibe throughout the movie. It is an apt backdrop for a crime thriller, with supernatural undertones. The mythical beast  basajaun , the big hairy beast of the forest, seems
Read more

Odisha's Handicrafts: A Picture Post

By -
Image
Papier Mache: Best Waste Paper & Cloth Recycle Product (Pinterest) Sandart in Puri Beach (WikiCommons) Intricate Stone Carvings in Konark (WikiCommons) PattaChitra- Palm Leaf etchings (WikiCommons) Coir Crafts (odialive.com) Applique works in Pipili, Odisha (Flickr) Silver Filigree from Silver City Cuttack (indiamart.com) Ikat- Handloom- Craft- Sarees (strandofsilk.com) Terracotta (odishasuntimes.com) Terracotta Elephants (communityodia.com) I am participating in the #AToZChallenge with #BlogchatterA2Z and I am sharing posts themed around Art for this entire month of April. Share and connect with me on social media. Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram  ************************************************************* If you like to read Magic Moments and the posts here, subscribe to the monthly newsletter below. Would love to have a dialogue, feedback and suggestions. Subscribe to our mailing list
Read more

E[x]ploring Odia Literature Through 'Punyatoya'

By -
Image
Odia is my mother tongue but I had never really focussed on Odia novels, given that I love reading. Of late I realised that I should explore the culture and language of my native land, and see for myself whether it suits my reading sensibilities. I read “Jagyaseni” by Pratibha Ray a few years back, over a span of several months. It is a retelling of Mahabharata from Draupadi’s perspective, which brings about her inner turmoils, confusions, decisions, desires and dreams, really well. It was the first Odia novel I ever read. Three days back, I completed reading my second novel in Odia, coincidentally it is by the same author. “Punyatoya” - literally it means the river, or ‘as pure as the river’. It is also the name of a revered river in Indian mythology. The book has been translated into Hindi with the same title, with the tagline “the story of a village girl Meghi”. Other translated versions are in Marathi and Malayalam. The story follows a young girl named Barsha,
Read more