Saraswatichandra by Sameer Acharya is the retelling of the original title written by Govardhanram Tripathi in Gujarati language. I haven’t read the original series, which was written in four volumes so unable to point out those little changes which Sameer made in this book but more or less he follows the original book storyline. You can check out the Wikipedia page.
Some old memories
The book made me nostalgic. So will be you, if you have watched the serial Saraswatichandra on Star Plus. The faces of TV actors Gautam Rode and Jennifer Winget who played the role of Saraswatichandra and Kumud respectively, were coming to my mind while reading the book. Of course, the serial doesn’t exactly follows the same story line.
Story in Brief
The story is set in the late 19th century after the revolt of 1857, most probably. Saraswatichandra was born in a rich family, but always felt unloved. His life blooms when Kumud comes into his life and both look forward to their marriage. But due to cruel turns of event and Saraswatichandra’s rash decision to end the engagement, changes everything. Will these two ever become one, forms the rest of the story.
Characterization
Characterization of every character was structured properly especially the complex character of Saraswatichandra and Kumud. They are both extremely difficult characters and the author has done a fantastic job in deciphering the intricate details of their characters so that the readers could understand why these two characters behaved in certain day.
Tepid
In spite of this the narrative reads more like the summary of four volumes of the original title. Both the lead characters were going through extreme melancholy and sadness due to their separation and living in the same house was causing them a lot of distress. But somehow their inner turmoil didn’t reach my heart. It didn’t tug to my heartstrings. I used to cry watching the serial but same didn’t happen while reading this retelling.
I have the mixed feelings for this retelling of Saraswatichandra especially the way it ended. The Hindu Remarriage Act passed in 1856. Both Kumud and Saraswatichandra were educated and revolutionary in their thinking then why there was a need of a not-so-happy-ending. For me it was rather an anticlimax.
The entire story takes place in vague timeline. As a reader, I have no idea how much time has lapsed between the two events. The story just keeps on flowing eternally.
Both Kumud and Saraswatichandra hardly had any conversations together. It was only towards the end that they were conversing not like lovers, but more like two grown up ascetic. I was expecting some electrifying reunion of these two lovers, but nothing as such happened.
The Verdict
Only if I would have read the original classic series, then I would have been in a better position to tell whether retelling effectively showcased the real essence of the original.
I think it could have been so much better. Maybe I am a little harsh about the book. Maybe I was expecting way too much from the book. Maybe you might like it. Every reader is different and their take on the same book is different. So go ahead, pick up the book. Who knows, you might end up liking it.
Saraswatichandra
Saraswatichandra by Sameer Acharya is the retelling of the original title written by Govardhanram Tripathi in Gujarati language. I haven't read the original series, which was written in four ...