In this somewhat allegorical work the author builds a story around fundamental life questions which has fascinated thinking minds from time immemorial. As individual characters play out their roles, the uncommon plot of this novel keeps the reader busy, chasing both the plot and what it helps unravel, namely the author’s views on death, life, fate and related issues surrounding the concept of time. The plot, I suspect is a mere ploy to hold together a series of very powerful views, as the author shares his deep understanding of complex questions plaguing our common appreciation of subjects mystifying humanity and our social existence.
From inside his coffin shop, Hendri the protagonist, a quintessential working class man watches the world go by as his tragic but eventful life unfolds. He develops an intense hatred for Loppo, the antagonist, a capitalist with an avowed disrespect for the law who among other acts also tries to defile Hendri’s most beloved wife. The guilt associated with seeking vengeance in place of piety and forgiveness weigh heavily on Hendri’s mind which is deeply influenced by the socio-religious mores he is born with. This novel is a great effort at trying to unravel lofty concepts while retaining the somewhat narrow and limited world view associated with the protagonist who belongs to and therefore represents a particular region and religion. He views and unravels his understanding of these lofty concepts surrounding our lives from this most interesting perspective. The story and the commentary around it may also sound familiar for the older generation of readers who often desire to travel back in time, reminisce and inadvertently relive the agony of past memories.
Hendri, the protagonist befriends his neighbor shop-owner Pandit, who explains his own concept of reversing time and develops the Anti-clock which promises to turn back time. This naturally fascinates Hendri but Loppo and later his daughter in law set their eyes on possessing the Anti-clock. Towards the finish the story takes some convoluted twists and turns and the concluding segments are a bit forced, making it a classic ‘Deus Ex-Machina’ ending.
The book has been excellently translated from the Malayalam by Ministhy S. who is an IAS officer from UP and had to read many reference books to complete this excellent work. Anti-clock received the Sahitya Academy award and was also short-listed for the JCB prize. The uncommon plot and the resultant worldview will keep the reader greatly entertained. The author VJ James commented that “Instead of plucking high sounding philosophies from thin air, showcasing such perspectives evolving naturally from a common man’s life was the toughest challenge while writing this book” No wonder this fast paced book has been a best seller in Malayalam and now in English. I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.
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