Release: September 30, 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: HopeRoad Publishing.com
Source: Random Things Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon
__
Clinton is a founder and head of a firm of international engineers. He arrives in India to build a dam, bringing with him his young wife, Helen, and a strong team of aides and skilled men.
They face formidable challenges in the execution of he project. In the course, they face daunting mountains and terrain jungles and a hostile environment.
Above all, they need to complete within a time scheduled due tropical weather.
While the construction is in progress, setbacks occur in the implementation of the project. Also there are fundamental difference between attitudes towards life and death between the British Bosses and Indian Workers . This further adds to the difficulties in working together. It also reflects British contempt for Indian lives and for nature.
First published over 50 years ago, an ecological novel well ahead of its time.
The Coffer Dams is an absorbing tale about mechanical strength and spiritual weakness, physical certainties and moral doubts.
About the Author:
Kamala Markandaya (1924 – 2004) was born in Mysore, India. She studied history at Madras University and later worked for a small
progressive magazine before moving to London in 1948 in pursuit of a career in journalism. There she began writing her novels;
Kamala Markandaya was a pioneeramong Indian women writers who made their mark not just through their subject matter, but also through their fluid, polished literary style. Her first published work was Nectar in a Sieve, and its depiction of rural India and the suffering of farmers made it popular in the West. Dramatization of the Quit India movement in 1942, the clash between East and West and the tragedy that resulted from it were other themes of her fictions. . Her other interest included the problems facing ordinary middle-class Indians—making a living, finding inner peace, coping with modern technology and its effects on the poor
Reviewing the republication of The Nowhere Man in 2019,Booker prize-winner Bernadine Evaristo wrote; ‘For the last 20 years of her life, Kamala Markandaya couldn’t get published and went out of print. Generations of readers lost out in reading this gem.Now I hope it will find its place in literary history.’.
The Coffer Dams Review:
This is considered a classic in Indian literature and I am so happy to see it back in publication again.
The characters are interesting and well-drawn. My favorite character is Helen because she is complex with many layers. She mingles with the natives and is empathetic to their lifestyle. Moreover, I loved her interactions with Clinton and Bashiam. Bashiam is another complex character who stands out in the story. As someone not favored by both sides, it was interesting to see how he progresses with the situation.
Apart from the characters, I really like the unspoken tension between the two parties. The story takes place during the post-independence era of India, where the British and native Indians have to work together. Hence, it is enticing as we see the emotional conflict of the characters as they try to work together. The author intensifies the plot with the shocking deaths due to unplanned circumstances.
However, I loved everything about this story except the style of writing. Personally, I get am not a fan of long sentences that details intricate aspects that are not necessary. At times, I felt the author overly detailed the thoughts of the characters rather than progressing with the storyline. Moreover, I felt Clinton is a rather weak character for the lead. He allows others to influence him easily.
However, apart from this, I really liked how she paced the story and the environment that makes you feel like you are in the old days of India. Overall, this is a pleasant read if you like old-school, literary writing.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the The Coffer Dams by Kamala Markandaya Blog Tour hosted by Random Things Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
