A JOURNEY THROUGH REFLECTIONS: REVIEW OF NARAYAN WAGLE'S 'KOREANA COFFEE GUFF

 

"Koreana Coffee Guff" by Narayan Wagle is a compelling blend of travel memoir and creative non-fiction, reflecting Wagle's adeptness at merging personal experiences with broader cultural and philosophical reflections. This book marks a return to the narrative style that first gained Wagle acclaim through his widely-followed "Coffee Guff" columns in Kantipur's Koselee supplement. These columns were known for their freewheeling prose and conversational tone, distinguishing themselves from the more formal prose style typical of newspaper writing. They were filled with non-sequiturs and fragments that captivated readers, a style Wagle adeptly revives in "Koreana Coffee Guff."

The book chronicles Wagle's journey to the Korean peninsula, providing more than just a travelogue. It begins with the narrator's arrival at Incheon International Airport during winter, a season that becomes a character in itself through Wagle's vivid descriptions. The first chapter sets the tone with frequent shifts from physical descriptions of the new land to the narrator's internal monologues. This technique, while initially jarring, smoothly transitions the reader into Wagle's narrative style, which oscillates between the physical and metaphysical.

Wagle's narrative is characterized by two primary veins: the external, which details his observations and experiences in Korea, and the internal, where he delves into philosophical musings and personal reflections. This dual narrative structure is reminiscent of the works of Marcel Proust and Karl Ove Knausgaard, where the physical journey serves as a backdrop for deeper introspection and dialogue with the reader.

Throughout the book, Wagle's prose shines with humor, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. He often intersperses his reflections with poetic references, drawing from Nepali poet Manjul to South Korean poet Ryu Shiva. His musings range from mundane observations, like the color of maize feathers in different regions, to profound existential reflections on life, society, and personal aspirations. This blend of the trivial and the profound makes the narrative engaging and thought-provoking.

While "Koreana Coffee Guff" is largely captivating, it does have moments where the narrative slows, particularly during long internal monologues. Despite this, Wagle's ability to connect disparate ideas and weave them into a cohesive narrative ensures that the book remains a page-turner.

Overall, "Koreana Coffee Guff" is a testament to Narayan Wagle's skill as a storyteller who can transform everyday experiences into a rich tapestry of reflections and narratives. The book is a must-read for those who appreciate creative non-fiction and are interested in exploring the intersections of travel, culture, and personal introspection.