SIMSARA-BOOK REVIEW

The novel Simsara revolves around a dysfunctional family and the emotional lives of its members, especially focusing on the teenage boy, Sambat. Set against the backdrop of Nepal’s political upheavals during the Maoist insurgency, the story explores how personal, familial, and societal issues collide in shaping the characters’ destinies.

The central theme of Simsara revolves around the concept of home—not merely as a physical space but as an emotional refuge that, in this case, is deeply flawed. The house where the family resides is depicted as cold and uninviting, which metaphorically reflects the emotional coldness of the characters themselves. This disconnectedness within the family members adds layers of complexity to their relationships, with each character struggling in their way to bridge the emotional distance between them.

The character of Sambat stands out in the novel. He is at the crossroads of adolescence, grappling with the complexities of growing up while being immersed in the harsh realities of a politically unstable country. His struggles to understand the dynamics of his family and the world around him make him a compelling central figure. He represents the internal conflict between the innocence of youth and the emerging need for self-discovery amidst chaos. The review mentions how Basnet intricately weaves Sambat’s journey of emotional turmoil, showing how his personal experiences are deeply tied to the larger political context of Nepal during the insurgency.

Moreover, Simsara goes beyond just the personal struggles of its characters and touches upon broader societal themes. The influence of the political landscape—especially the Maoist revolution—looms over the characters, impacting their decisions, relationships, and ultimately their futures. The Maoist insurgency, with its ideologies and the resulting violence, serves as a powerful backdrop that colors the personal lives of the family members, even though the novel doesn't delve deeply into political action. Instead, it looks at how individuals react to such turbulence at a personal level.

One of the most notable aspects of the review is the strong focus on the female characters in the novel, particularly Mandakranta, the mother figure. Her character represents strength and resilience but also embodies the limitations imposed on women in a patriarchal society. The emotional and psychological toll that Mandakranta endures—be it from her marriage or societal expectations—adds a layer of depth to her character. In the review, the critique that some other characters lack development is significant. The focus seems to narrow primarily on Sambat and Mandakranta, with other family members remaining more static or one-dimensional.

The review also highlights Basnet’s writing style, praising the way he captures the complexity of human emotions and relationships. His portrayal of the tension between personal desires and familial obligations is insightful, showing how people are often torn between their need for connection and the heavy burdens of tradition and societal norms.

The review mentions that the novel's setting—both physical and psychological—is key to understanding the core message of Simsara. The house, as a central symbol, is a place of confinement and isolation rather than warmth and security. This physical space becomes a reflection of the emotional distance that has developed among family members. The house becomes a metaphor for the struggles faced by each character, particularly in their inability to connect with one another. This concept of a “cold house” is evocative, suggesting that despite being surrounded by family, the characters are emotionally and spiritually isolated.

Basnet’s ability to balance the personal and political is another strong point raised in the review. The way he juxtaposes the intimate struggles of the family with the broader political shifts in the country allows the reader to see the impact of national events on individual lives. This theme of how large-scale political movements influence personal lives is an important part of the narrative. The characters’ emotional responses to the political environment reflect how deeply intertwined personal and political realities are, especially in a country like Nepal, which was undergoing massive transformation during the time period depicted in the novel.

The pacing of the novel is another aspect of the review that is discussed. While the character development is thorough, the narrative sometimes feels slow, particularly when it focuses on the inner emotional lives of the characters without progressing the plot. However, this pacing is essential for allowing the reader to understand the depth of the characters’ psychological states, making the eventual emotional climaxes in the story feel more impactful.

Finally, the review points out that while Simsara may not appeal to readers who prefer fast-paced action or a more plot-driven narrative, those who appreciate rich character development and subtle reflections on human nature will find the novel rewarding. The psychological and emotional depth of the story makes it a compelling read for those interested in exploring how people cope with personal and political turmoil.

Overall, Simsara is a novel that blends the intimate with the political, offering a nuanced exploration of family dynamics, personal struggles, and societal challenges. The characters’ emotional journeys are framed within the broader context of a changing Nepal, making the novel both a personal and social commentary. Its slow pacing may not appeal to everyone, but its deep character study and exploration of human emotions offer a powerful narrative for those interested in the complexities of life during a period of great national upheaval.

This nuanced portrayal of the family's emotional landscape, set against a political backdrop, creates a rich tapestry of themes that resonate with readers on multiple levels.