Book Review on Vikrant Dutta's ODE TO DIGNITY

ODE TO DIGNITY
By VIKRANT DUTTA

Second of its kind, the novel in ballads by Vikrant Dutta indeed is a commendable and daring act by an Indian author. The novel consists of 1645 rhymed ballads and narrates the tale of a lieutenant who goes to break the news of his Major’s death to his wife.

The theme of the novel at first appears to be woebegone but beware readers, do not be misled by it as amidst all the mayhem and chaos, the author does succeed in bringing a smile on the reader’s face. 

The novel does not endeavour to highlight the despair, anguish and loneliness that is usually associated with death but instead focuses on the indisputable fact that in spite of everything, life goes on.

When one hears the term ‘ballads’, one is inevitably lead to think of the old times when ballad was a popular narrative form however, for contemporary readers, that would not be a constraint in reading Dutta’s novel as he presents a story that can be savoured by the contemporary reader as much as it will be by any reader who has a knack for classic literary styles.

The bond that thrives between the lieutenant and the major’s wife after both acquiesce to share each other’s emotional burden is something that every reader would be able to relate to.

The art of telling a story within the tight limits of a rhyme scheme in itself speaks a zillion words for the uniqueness of the book. The words chosen by the author are intense and sober at the same time and just the apt concoction for a rhymed story.

Rated: ☆☆☆☆

~overview~
A young Lieutenant goes to break the tragic news of his seniors demise alongside him at war to his wife. Over the course of two days they share their thoughts and forge a bond of compassion and discovery.