BAWARHI-BOOK REVIEW

 

Bawarhi by Milan Sangraula is a Nepali novel published by FinePrint in 2024. The story revolves around a triangular love plot set against the backdrop of Nepal's socio-political changes before the 2006-2007 People's Movement. The central characters, Badal and Ritu, are drawn into a cyclical relationship where love, dreams, and the changing seasons metaphorically mirror their emotional states. Ritu paints colors onto Badal's world, and together they experience a love that is idealistic yet challenging due to the personal and political upheavals of the time.

The narrative blends the personal with the broader societal issues, reflecting on the struggles of migration, war, and the search for an idealized love. Milan Sangraula’s writing is praised for its lyrical quality and fresh narrative style, which captivates readers through its language and emotional depth. The novel's setting during a transformative period in Nepal's history adds another layer of intrigue, making it a reflection on both intimate human emotions and broader social changes.

Milan Sangraula’s writing style in Bawarhi is widely praised for its lyrical and evocative prose. The novel captures the rich tapestry of rural Nepal, using vivid imagery and poetic language to portray both the physical landscape and the emotional depth of its characters.

1. Lyrical and Symbolic: Sangraula's style is poetic, with a heavy use of symbolism. He frequently uses natural elements like clouds and seasons to mirror the internal states of his characters. The name of the protagonist, Badal (meaning cloud), and Ritu (meaning season) reflect their fluctuating emotions and their connection to nature, adding layers of meaning to the text​.
2. Descriptive Detail: Sangraula excels in painting detailed pictures of rural life, immersing the reader in the everyday rhythms of the village. His descriptions of landscapes, cultural practices, and the spiritual life of the community bring the setting to life in a way that is both immersive and reflective of Nepal’s socio-cultural environment​.
3. Reflection of Social and Political Themes: The narrative style is reflective, with the political undertones of the time period woven into the personal struggles of the characters. Sangraula deftly balances the individual stories with broader societal issues, using his characters’ interactions as a lens to explore the effects of migration, political instability, and cultural shifts on rural communities​.
4. Emotional Depth: The characters’ emotional journeys are at the heart of Sangraula’s writing. His use of inner monologues and dialogues effectively brings out the complexities of love, loss, and resilience, allowing readers to deeply connect with the characters and their struggles​.

Overall, Milan Sangraula’s writing style in Bawarhi is admired for its poetic nature, deep emotional resonance, and the way it connects personal stories to larger societal changes.

Here are the pros and cons of Milan Sangraula’s novel Bawarhi, based on various perspectives from readers and reviewers:

Pros

1. Lyrical and Poetic Writing: Sangraula’s prose is often praised for its poetic style. His use of symbolism and metaphors, particularly connecting nature to the emotions of the characters, adds a lyrical quality to the novel, making it a delight for readers who appreciate rich, descriptive language.
2. Cultural Depth: The novel provides a deep exploration of rural Nepalese culture, traditions, and social dynamics. Sangraula vividly portrays village life, including spiritual practices and festivals, giving readers an authentic glimpse into Nepal’s cultural fabric. This also makes the novel appealing to readers interested in socio-cultural issues.
3. Reflection on Social and Political Change: The novel thoughtfully addresses the socio-political transformations occurring in Nepal during the pre-2006 revolution period. Through its characters, Bawarhi explores themes like migration, political instability, and the erosion of traditional values, adding depth to the narrative.
4. Emotional and Psychological Depth: Sangraula effectively portrays the emotional struggles of his characters, making their personal conflicts relatable and engaging. The nuanced portrayal of love, loss, and resilience resonates deeply with readers.

Cons

1. Slow Pacing: Some readers may find the novel’s pacing slow, as it focuses heavily on descriptive passages and internal reflections. The emphasis on atmosphere and emotional depth sometimes takes precedence over plot progression, which can make the story feel stagnant to those who prefer a faster pace.
2. Complex Symbolism: While the symbolic and metaphorical writing style is appreciated by many, some readers may find it overwhelming. The novel’s heavy reliance on natural and spiritual symbolism can occasionally make the narrative harder to follow, particularly for readers unfamiliar with the cultural references​.
3. Lack of Conventional Plot Structure: The novel’s structure is more reflective and less action-oriented, which might not appeal to readers who prefer a more traditional, linear plot. The story tends to focus more on character introspection and thematic exploration than on events or conflicts.

In summary, Bawarhi is lauded for its poetic language, cultural richness, and exploration of social and political themes. However, its slow pace, complex symbolism, and unconventional structure might not appeal to everyone.