Slow Man

J.M Coetzee is as reclusive as they get. Honorary Doctorates from ten or so Universities. I must say that there is an aura about his writing that can't be explained. The first author to win two Booker's, His books aren't easy reads as such. You tend to ask yourself if such a mysterious man can write so beautifully. The Imagery is quite brilliant, as is his play of words. I tend to believe that his Life's lessons are reflected in his books.Coetzee's dedication to his personal regime and writing is unmatched.
Slow man was a delightful read, to say the least. The Protagonist is Paul Rayment, a French man in his sixties who has moved to Adelaide. It seems as though Paul has no regrets about Life. Single, Unmarried, with nothing to look forward to but a 'Daily Routine', Cycling through the streets of Adelaide,running daily errands, and delving into Photography. Then all changes in an instant when his Leg is amputated as a result of an Accident. His live takes various twists and turns; Having to live and accept the situation and reflect on a Lost Legacy, or the lack of it, Marijana, a paid nurse is asked to take care of him and his stump.
Rayment soon develops sexual feelings for her; This is coupled with his inability to move out of bed, He is now left to her disposal. Rayment doesn't quite accept his impending doom. Once, he was in the position to grapple with his indepence, but now He has to dig deep and do what is right. Marijana is happily married with a Kid named Drago; Rayment feels a need to be grateful, so he offers to take care of Drago's education and future. He proclaims his love for Marijana. Coetzee does a great job at explaining how events take a turn for the worse. Love, Hope and delusions dictate Paul'sheart. Marijana's husband begins to suspect the worst, and Paul has to contend with Losing everything. Until Elizabeth Costello comes into the picture and tweeks things a bit:)

It is best if I don't explain how lovely this book is. It is a master-piece in every sense. I promise you that you will close the book with a smile on your face, relating yourself to what is played out and understanding what goes into writing such an eminent book, so real and powerful that you actually wonder what it's like to be Paul.

Monday- Like every other day?

Time for my next post I guess. I always have an urge to write something but somehow, I don't. It's been like this for a while now.Maybe so, because All I feel like writing about is how the montony is just so thick.
Anyway, Last Monday, I got off work relatively early, Headed home around 6. Sat my ass on the couch,switched on the tv, and thought to myself-Wait, this isn't right! I wondered for a while what I'd do for the duration of the evening; This was new to me.My job requires me to stay way past 8 on most days, where in I'd quietly slide home, tired and sleepy, and quickly slide into bed.
I decided to go take a walk outside (This isn't unfamiliar territory, One would think). I started walking down Sampige road towards Mantri mall.A cool breeze was blowing across the Road. The clouds were darkening, and trees swaying: Left to Right, as if they were willing to accept whatever the sky threw at them.The hawkers by the side of the road were trying to gather their belongings and move to safety. Then word came around like a domino effect from behind me that Cops were passing by.One by one, hawkers packed off and disappeared. A few were still trying to make a quick buck but they sauntered off as well. I crossed the road with a strange sense of elation. Maybe it was the smell of rain and what comes with it, Or the sight of vibrant colours from the Green of the swaying trees, the yellow of Blossoming flowers and the Red of Car tail-lights. There was this old rustic second hand bookstore that caught my attention; I quickly slid in before the
downpour got the better of me. From Sci-Fi to Romance, there were quite a few novels spread out on tiny racks. Reading spree that I was on (Two novels in the last 5 months :P), I managed to "bargain" with the Store Rep and picked up a John Irving for 120 bucks. As I was playing with it, taking in the overwhelming Scent only a very old-ass book can give you, a tiny little cockroach dropped to the floor and scrambled away. I couldn't help but smile to myself. Quite plausibly, this book might have never been removed from it's resting place. MAYBE it was passed on from another bookstore, or a previous owner. It really is gratifying when you pay for something you're surely going to keep.
I wouldn't quite say this is breaking the monotony; This was more like a chain of small micro-events lined up together and blending in perfectly, each doing it's bit to help.
I realised that it is very important to cherish the small things Life throws at you. Often, We are so caught up in the motions of everyday life that we forget that It does give us something, as long as we are willing to take it.
As I waited for the elevator when I was back home, for the first time ever, I banged my head against the door!!!