SWA- BOOK REVIEW

 

"Swa" by Saraswati Pratiksha is a profound exploration of self-identity and inner happiness, woven through the journey of its protagonist, Saptam. The novel, rooted in Buddhist philosophy, emphasizes the search for true happiness within oneself. Saptam's character is a deeply introspective individual who embarks on a quest to understand his existence and find peace. This journey is marked by various psychological and spiritual challenges that he encounters, reflecting the broader themes of mindfulness and self-awareness.

There are two chapters of the novel. First chapter describes about the life of Saptam; his family background, his relationship with his father and how he met Kaavya. Saptam and Kaavya are different characters. Saptam doesn’t want to leave any opportunity that comes in his life whereas Kaavya loves to concentrate on one work. She enjoys in small matter too. So, Kaaya explains him to focus on one career. He should focus on his self identity.

Second chapter describes about the self-identity and spiritual struggles. Saptam's journey is not just about understanding himself but also about connecting with the broader human experience of searching for meaning and contentment. His character is developed through a stream-of-consciousness technique, allowing readers to delve deeply into his thoughts and feelings. This narrative style effectively portrays his internal struggles and growth, making his journey relatable and enlightening.

First chapter is although engaging second chapter focuses heavily on introspection and philosophical discourse might not appeal to all readers, particularly those who prefer action-driven plots or more straightforward storytelling. Additionally, the stream-of-consciousness technique, while effective for deep character exploration, can sometimes make the narrative feel fragmented or challenging to follow for readers not accustomed to this style.

If we see the writing style of Saraswati Pratiksha is the stream-of-consciousness style, which delves deeply into the protagonist Saptam's thoughts and emotions. This approach allows readers to experience Saptam's internal struggles and growth in a raw and unfiltered manner. Through this style, the narrative becomes highly introspective, offering a profound exploration of his psychological and spiritual journey.

Additionally, Pratiksha's descriptive prose vividly brings the settings and scenes to life, enhancing the immersive quality of the novel. Her use of simple yet profound language makes complex philosophical ideas accessible to a broad audience, blending everyday experiences with deep reflections on life and existence.

Overall, "Swa" is a thought-provoking and artistically crafted novel that invites readers to reflect deeply on the nature of happiness and self-identity, although its introspective style may not suit everyone's taste.