Book Review: Rooh by Manav Kaul, a book blurring the line between Past and Present of Kashmir!

Book: Rooh
Author: Manav Kaul
Translator: Pooja Priyamvada
Publisher: Penguin India
Pages: 157

Manav Kaul is an author that I have wanted to read for a long time. I started reading his e-book “Theek Tumhare Piche” months ago, and then I decided that I can’t read his books from the ebook, I need physical books for them, something that rarely happens as I’m quite comfortable with both mediums. His writing demands time, demands energy, and demands yourself! And Rooh was one such book! A book that presented itself in front of me, and became a part of me.

Rooh by Manav Kaul, Translated from Hindi to English by Pooja Priyamvada is a novel, which looks like a confluence of genres, it’s mentioned as a novel in the description of the book, it is a travel account, and while reading, it almost feels like autobiographical! This is the protagonist’s story of his visit to Kashmir, at two different times, with two different companions, one who makes him decide to visit there and be an active part in it and one who makes his visit active by being a part of it- Roohi and Roohani! ROOH!

This book diminishes the blurry line between past and present! It takes him to his Kashmir – of a blue door, white walls, and a house at the end of a lane.

While the first half of the book felt like there was a knot somewhere, it felt like opening up, giving liberty, in the second half.

This book feels personal, a lot more than one can think. Everyone has their own Kashmir, and without visiting there till now, it leaves with mine! There is so much said between the lines and so much left unsaid with words. The profoundness, playfulness, and personalization of the journey seem like a surprise at a moment that came out of nowhere, and at the same instance, it felt like it was there only which was consciously avoided.

The story of Kashmiri Pandits, of their running away said by some and chased away mentioned by some, as it matters what you choose to say, is there. The protagonist and his family leaving Kashmir and residing in Hoshangabad tells a story on its own, but can one leave Kashmir by leaving it?

The people that he met on his journey hold a special place. Their conversation, their silence, their unsaid words, and their affection, stays. The emotions were at their peak when the protagonist meets with Shabeer’s Abbu and Baby Aunty, especially with the latter! The childhood memories, nostalgia and loss, and its reunion, it’s something that will not be forgotten.

The poetry in between was something that will stay long with me. Much longer than I thought it would be. I feel myself going back to the one written in the author’s note and the one about his father and Kashmir again and again and again, so many times that now even I have lost count.

Never have I highlighted a book like I did with this one. There is a highlight on every page! And I never thought it was possible. There is so much more to say about the book, but I know I will never be able to tell what this book means to me no matter how much I say, so I’ll just say that READ it. And it needs to be read.

The translation by Pooja Priyamvada was as surprising as it could be. It broke my prejudices, I always thought that I might feel less connected with a book if it’s translated from Hindi, as it holds a special place in my heart. The translation was so lucid, so deep and so heartwarming. Dear translator, I can’t wait to read more of your translations. And I feel disheartening to not see her name, neither on the book cover or on the front page of the book. She deserves her share, and it should have been there.

Also, after reading Rooh, I know I won’t wait much to dive into another writing by Manav Kaul. I loved Rooh with the core of my heart, it breaks and heals it at the same time. And I can’t wait for it to happen again.

I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

You can buy the book from Amazon or any bookstore near you!

If you liked the review or have any feedback, don’t forget to let me know in the comments! Also, if you haven’t followed my blog till now, what are you waiting for?

See Also: Subversive Whispers by Manasi, Translated by J. Devika

Fruits of the Barren Tree by Lekhnath Chhetri, Translated by Anurag Basnet

Black Soil by Ponneelan, Translated by J. Priyadarshini