Book Review: "Childhood Daze!" by Savitri Babulkar

Book Review: “Childhood Daze!” by Savitri Babulkar
Reviewed by: Gopinath Mavinkurve
Follow me on Twitter: @gopinathmm

"Childhood Daze!” is a book that takes the reader back into the days spent in Manjeshwar, a coastal town in South Kanara, now a part of Kerala. A large joint family living in a sprawling house with an abundant courtyard in which one grew vegetables and fruits – and even herbs for household cures - for one’s own needs; where one could climb trees, play games like Lagori, Kutti Donne [viti-dandoo in Marathi], Gazgae- games played in those days of yore, that our present generation kids wouldn’t even know how to play! The book narrates several incidents that played out in those days when “Ammanoo” (as she was called, amongst other loving names) grew up in the 1940s. The stories have been narrated through the mind of 6-9 year old Ammanoo, who sets out to tell the readers of her experiences as-they-happen and things as she perceived them (then) or the anxieties, fears, aspirations and ideas – right or wrong – that influenced the young one.

Going beyond the mere description of the sprawling estates, where the joint family dwelt, she describes in great detail how each member of the family played a part in the household – and more importantly to fill the void left by the early demise of her mother at a tender age of one! It is also the period of her life when she grapples with the meaning of life - the social beliefs and how her grandmother (Avva/Amma to her) deals with them; the rules and why they existed; of schooling and the competition that prevailed; religious beliefs and how some ‘miracles’ impressed the young one early in life. And how can one miss out the ghosts? They tormented the little minds when they had to venture out in the dark making her chant to the gods for protection! There are some episodes brushing obliquely about the scourge of untouchability and other such superstitious beliefs as “the sins of crossing the seven seas”, as they manifested in society in those days – and how the forward thinking women helped root them out with their rational thinking and practical approach to life – without so much as a need to protest from the oppressed/affected persons.

There have been some outstanding character sketches drawn out so lucidly for the reader – who may not have met them – of each of the members of her large family and friends – that very few writers can portray so succinctly. But the characters of Avva or Amma (her grandmother) is par excellence – when she describes how a minimally educated woman of those times teaches the very same things that her convent teachers do in class - and displays such worldly wisdom that very few educated persons possess! How small little rules of the house mattered: the practice of eating together during dinner time, cleaning up before entering the house, keeping things in their place – all contributed to an orderly stress-free life!

The reader is treated to a liberal sprinkling of humour whenever the opportunity presents itself - and of course, word play! To quote Shri. Sadanand Bhatkal, the renowned publisher and editor, who has provided the ‘Foreword’ for the book, her work is “a lucid prose with a delightful ease of narration… brevity being the soul of good-story-telling” . Need I say more? Now, without giving away too much about the book in my enthusiasm, (and thereby spoiling the fun for prospective readers of this amazing book), let me assure you that you will enjoy the journey back into the past to the places in and around Manjeshwar and Mangalore of the 40 and relive those days while gathering some great insights into the charming life and some pearls of wisdom, en-route!

Although there are several Konkani words used in the process, care has been taken to provide the English equivalents. I am sure this book would prove to be a great read for all – whether one knows her or not, whether an amchi (Konkani) or not, even whether young or old! A book need not have to be a racy crime thriller set in modern urban environs, to be described as being “un-put-down-able” or “a page-turner” - this fascinating book, which gives the reader a peep along with the flavors and smells of the small-town life in the ‘40s - proves this, by being one! Do read the book – you’ll zip past the contents to the very end of it and enjoy it. Like I did!

The book is available at Sterling Book House (Call: 022-22676046 / 22659599); Computer Book Shop (Call 022-6631 7922/23/24); Bookzone (Call 022- 2205 4621/22) for copies of the book.
Publishers: Shroff Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd.
Call: 022-4158 4158 E-mail: spdorders@shroffpublishers.com for bulk orders or for details about availability in other cities.
Pp: 215 pages Cover Price: Rs 200/-