Book Review–Only Once Again by Renuka K. P.
Only Once Again by Renuka K. P. is a collection of nine short stories that vibrates with its cultural backdrop and transports readers to the places and dwellings of the characters…which is mostly in Kerala. Light and entertaining, the collection sheds light on memories that never leave us, social stigma associated with mental illness, ignorance of women in the society, and the evergreen lust of human beings. The last story is totally imaginative that depicts that it’s the nature of humans that make a place hell or heaven.
The first story ‘An Onam Celebration’ takes a stance against an unmarried sister who feels like a stranger in her brother’s home. She is treated not fairly because of some mental illness, which kept her away from marriage. However, the story is poignant in pointing that till the time parents are alive, all children get good share and care, in their absence faces of relatives and kin are bound to change.
In nearly eight stories, the author has leveraged the use of social elements such as folklores, ghost stories, womanly palaver and so on. In our societies it is obvious to talk about that and this and it forms inevitably forms an identity and impression of others in our mind. Something similar happens with that guy Balan who goes to Gulf for work but remains sidelined and poor.
Culturally and socially it’s tightly packed collection, you could feel the vibes of being in Kerala’s streets and homes. Also, each story demonstrates the author’s storytelling flexibility and offers a distinctive viewpoint on human conditions.
The book piques readers’ curiosity to know deep inside as what is happening in their lives. The detailing of minute intricate gossiping, palaver, culture, cuisine, and festivities makes up this book a genuine read in its genre. The author has penned down many emotional and social experiences as she must have gathered in her life. Overall, the book is a fine enjoyable read. Renuka has used simple narration and a good flair for language, which makes it more readable.
You can buy the book from Amazon India.
