One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is how the authors complement scientific facts with common proverbs or couplets. For example, while discussing Apiaceae, they cite, ‘ऊँट के मुंह में ज़ीरा’, connecting the plants to familiar sayings, which makes them easier to remember.
This twist in the story brings an interesting point to think about. On the surface, their trick works; they get the mangoes. But the method they use isn’t morally right.
What gives Mrs Dalloway its distinction, however, is not the plot but the speculative and lyrical sensibility with which the heroine Clarissa is endowed. Though a ‘tinselly’ party-giver, she is yet shown to sympathize and even identify with a shell-shocked war veteran, Septimus Warren Smith, whom she has never met.
Through its exploration of colonial and postcolonial education policies, The Amateur reminds us, colonial education does not only alienate the subject from her culture but also uses education as a tool to impart and spread imperialism. The notorious Bantu Education Act (1953), which restricted resources for coloured students, was a stark institutionalization of ‘education apartheid’
The first story from which the book derives its title is about Abani, an adolescent who is accidentally left behind on a ship, completely unaware of his dangerous position as an ‘extra’. The ship’s captain, and the other officials don’t wish to jeopardize their immigration procedure in a foreign port with this unlisted sailor. A ruthless decision is taken to float Abani in a boat
Jerry Pinto’s crisp and meaty introduction opens The Diamond-Encrusted Rat Trap: Writings from Bombay. ‘The 1970s were Bombay’s 1960s,’ he recalls Imtiaz Dharker’s words. The book gathers Jussawalla’s prose from 20 years, beginning 1980. There are articles, reviews