Brahma’s Dream by Shree Ghatage

Brahma’s Dream is a delightful book about a dying child. Horrifying as that sounds, it’s true, because Shree Ghatage manages to imbue her story with life and liveliness. Her well-etched characters carry forward the narrative in turns, passing gently through the sepia-tinted world of pre-independence India.

Mohini Oek, thirteen years old, has a congenital blood condition, and the initial prognosis is that she won’t live beyond three years of age. The family struggles to come to terms with the news, and does so finally with the assistance of their physician, Dr Chitnis, and a specialist. Between them, the doctors and the determined family help little Mohini survive much longer.

Ghatage’s triumph lies in her characters. They are imbued with dignity and humour. A rationalistic grandfather, a loving, pragmatic mother, and sundry other relatives make up Mohini’s world in Mumbai of the ’40s. Each character is well-etched, distinctive and faithfully drawn. Mohini’s mother, aunt, grandfather, and father reflect the gentle, progressive ethos of Marathi intellectuals of the time. As for Mohini, she is an endearing invention, with a mix of courage, humour and curiosity. Set against independence, the book offers a peek into a changing society – and a changing Shivaji Park.

There are many lyrical moments in the book. Love – as it flows between husband and wife, parents and children, doctor and patient, friends and relations – is described movingly. Ghatage’s treatment of the ending is a bit of disappointing, though, as one feels that Mohini’s death needed more emotional weight and strength. Having put so much into the book, the author seems to have little energy left for Mohini’s final scenes. One more crib: the cover design is disappointing (which is unusual for an IndiaInk book), and simply doesn’t do justice to the energy, joy or intelligence of the contents inside.

IndiaInk/Roli Books
(Anita Vachharajani © Timeout)