All that monkey business

A story of changing values, attitudes and lives set in urban India…

Monkey-Man, Usha K.R.,
Penguin India, Rs. 299.

Monkey-Man weaves an intricate patch work quilt of lives over many decades and political persuasions to hover between a mix of a strange mystery, a tale of old stereotypes and new-found opportunities, and modern day India's work-centric culture.

It tells a tale of several families as they go through their lives in Bangalore. Their background, childhood friendships and political inclinations are described in copious detail. The book recreates the college scene of the 1970s or 80s centred around a professor of Marxist leanings called SVK who lights the fire of inspiration and debate. The book recalls the era of Indira Gandhi, the cartoons of R.K. Laxman, famously iconising the common man, and the political savvy that even the street vendor would have back in those times.

Full review here Hindu