When political news becomes fictitious, political fiction loses its relevance and appeal. Yet, Vinu Abraham, in his second book, 'Oru Swadunottakkarante Bhakshana Paryavekshnangal', has succeeded in explaining how 'globalisation colours our food' and how 'designer wars' become global entertainment. It is a collection of two short novels that complement each other thematically. The hero of the first novel, Kochummachan, is a typical character from central Travancore, who has returned from Nigeria following his wife's death.

Inspired by a dream, he plans to revive 'slaughter and share', a social ritual of yore, in which a few neighbours join together to procure and slaughter an 'uru', usually a full-grown calf. Sharing was done to everyone's satisfaction. But time has changed and Kochummachan gets no one to share either his interest or the meat. Kochummachan is arrested for illegal slaughtering. Unaware of the might of the system he is fighting against, Kochummachan still dreams of strategies to revive the long lost tradition of 'slaughter and share'.

While Kochummachan is not aware of his helplessness, the hero in 'Adithi Devo Bhava' is aware of the irreversible nature of the situation he faces. The hero in the second novel is a poor clerk in an Indian city. He is in love with Vaishakhi, a sales girl from a village. The weather grows cold and, like globalisation, it wipes out the poor. While hot debates are on about the pros and cons of the cold weather, Vaishakhi, the embodiment of hope and love, vanishes without a trace. The narrative refers to social issues. The country is enthralled by the news of the 'Holy War 'in the Middle East. All the channels soak up and telecast this 'billion dollar production'.

The discussion also veers to India being sold out to 'Cola C and Cola P 'and the changes in the entertainment industry. This book is a mirror held against the present day world. The devices of parable and metaphor are employed in an inventive way. A book meant for simple masses, it conveys its message in a simple manner. Hence the compromise between aesthetic appeal and social role should be overlooked.

Courtesy : The Hindu