“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn
This year I am taking part in the Write Tribe Reading Challenge (If you look at my sidebar you would notice the challenge button). Write Tribe has been encouraging bloggers to #writebravely since long, however, this is the first time that they came up with a reading challenge to inspire members to #readbravely.
I used to be a voracious reader but thanks to my smartphone and the allure of social media, these days I find myself easily distracted and end up wasting time looking at stupid #couplegoals photos and reading motivational posts that eventually demotivate me. I wanted to break free from this vicious cycle and this reading challenge was exactly what I needed. I am so proud of myself that I took part and also finished my first book in record three days.
My first book for this challenge was Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat by Perumal Murugan. This book was a gift that I received from my Secret Santa, the beautiful and loving Apeksha Rao. This made the book even more special. This book adhered to five prompts of the challenge:
#1. A book that is a translation
#8. A Book with a name in the title
#11 A book that was a gift
#12. A book with an animal in the title/cover
#19. A Book written by an author who is new to you
Poonachi is a book that was originally written in Tamil by Perumal Murugan and translated in English by N Kalyan Raman. The book is about Poonachi a black goat with untraceable origin. I have never read any work by Perumal Murugan and it was a pleasure to read him for the first time. Hope to read his other books in the near future.
Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat is not only the story about an orphan black goat it actually is much more than that. This book talks about emotions, sentiments, useless rituals, formalities and most importantly the ephemeral nature of our existence. This book talks about how the system has turned us into cowards where the common man has no say and has to oblige to the whims and tantrums of the regime. It also takes on the media when the woman is repeatedly asked how she felt when her goat delivered a litter of seven. Don’t we see journalist asking this stupid question all the time in every situation?
Poonachi is also a story of love and longing. It talks about the perseverance of a small goat to survive against all odds and it talks about the impermanence of life where any moment we can lose a life. Poonachi is also the story of any daughter in our country. This book makes a lot of commentary on our social and political life. The language is lucid and the ambiance of the book is rustic and endearing. The story flows seamlessly and there is not a dull moment when you feel like putting down the book. No wonder, I finished reading it in 3 days. I had read amazing reviews about this book and the book was also recommended by Senior Reading Racoons. The book is worth every review that I read. I am extremely glad to have initiated my reading challenge with such an amazing book. Hope to read more such good books in 2019.
How I loved this book. Despite being a translation, it seldom felt like one and kept the essence intact
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, it never felt like a translation and the essence was present. It is a lovely book to start my year. Thanks for visiting Ramya
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard of this book until I saw you mention it on the group. The story about an orphan goat, well, I must admit the storyline is weird but interesting too. No wonder you finished it so quickly. Once we get an interesting book, it’s difficult to put it down.
Look forward to more such reviews from you! Happy reading and reviewing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I first heard about this book in the SRR group. Then Shalini and Ramya also recommended it, so I put in on my TBR. My secret santa chose this book for me and the book is indeed amazing.
LikeLike
I’ve heard a lot of great reviews about this book. Can’t wait to read it. Definitely on my TBR list this year. Great post, as always, Tina.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a lovely book. I am sure you will like it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year and sounds like a great book to start the new season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy new year. Indeed a great book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow look at the prompts covered by this book – great selection Balaka! I have seen the reviews for this one on Ramya and Shalini’s blogs and been curious about it! Maybe I need to add this to my TBR after seeing another blogging friend recommending it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is worth a read Shalz.. unique in its own way.
LikeLike