Ram C/o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan

 Ram C/o Anandhi by Akhil P. Dharmajan | Book Review

"Ram C/o Anandhi", written by Akhil P in Malayalam and translated into English by Haritha C.K., begins as what appears to be a light-hearted romance but quickly delves into deeper emotional and social themes. 

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of contemporary societal issues, exploring the complexities of relationships and the struggles faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world. As the characters navigate their journeys, readers are invited to reflect on the broader implications of love, loss, and the quest for identity.

It is about an aspirant filmmaker named Ram who moves from Alleppey to Chennai, where he meets the fierce and independent Anandhi. What begins as a dynamic between lovers and enemies evolves into a moving journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

However, life has other plans, as it frequently does. Ram finds himself living with Bineesh, Kiran, Reshma, and Vetri, four strangers, in a rented house. Dreams, regrets, fears, and unnoticed wounds fill each individual's backpack. There is also Anandhi, who is practical, ambitious, and emotionally elusive. Despite being mysterious, her presence is potent. Their tales begin to entangle, but not in a dramatic way, but gradually and naturally, just like in real life. 

This book stands out because of how life unfolds through a web of quiet moments and unspoken truths, not a big twist or a single love story. The plot thrives on emotional continuity rather than big surprises. The structure is quick but personal. Like a new room in the same house, each character arc opens up. Even though there were times when I wanted to stay for longer, especially when Malli was involved, the pacing is effective. 

Heart is all that this book has. It is messy, beautiful, and incomplete, but it speaks of human connection. It does not yell when it questions gender norms. It demonstrates how even strangers can make small but lasting changes to each other's lives. And perhaps most importantly, it serves as a reminder that everyone carries something about which they do not speak. 

The writing of Akhil is very visual. Intimate, raw, and minimalist, each chapter felt like a scene from a South Indian independent film. The narrative voice is straightforward. It's hard to put the book down because the story moves quickly through short chapters, similar to cuts in a movie. The tone is unforced, grounded, and familiar. 

The translation by Haritha maintains its authenticity, particularly in its emotional cadences. The writing of Dharmajan is intimate, cinematic, and sensitive. He builds scenes with a lot of subtext, whether they're about a fight, a memory, or a quiet meal. The dialogue feels natural, and the narrative moves effortlessly between humour and heartbreak. The translator, whose translation is not only accurate but also artistic, deserves credit.

In conclusion, it is an experience as well as a book. It gives marginalised people a voice, transforms a seemingly straightforward love story into a nuanced investigation of human connection, and strikes a balance between compelling plot and social commentary. Don't look at it by its cover or the genre it's in. One of the few books that makes you laugh, think, and feel all in one chapter is this one. A must-read for anyone who believes that the most unexpected people and places can lead to love.

Purchase Ram C/O Anandhi here.

This review is by Blogchatter Book Review Program.

#Bookishlife2022_ #OpinionMatters #bookrecommendations #books2read #translatedbooks