Book Review - Servants of India

 


When I looked at the title of this book, I thought it was about politicians and politics of India. However, that's the style of our master cartoonist - RK Laxman. The wit and the satire starts right from the title.





This book is a collection of 10 stories about those who are an integral part of our daily lives - The Domestic Helps. The various characters etched by the author are unforgettable. 


The stories revolve around drivers, cooks, cleaners, nanny and their relationships with the employer. There is Swami, the cook, there is Anthony, the driver who makes money on the side by giving lifts to strangers, there is Kumar, a part-time theatre artist who later becomes a full-time movie actor, there is Shanthi, the maid who has her romantic escapades with the neighbour's servant and so the chronicles go on. 

The stories are nostalgic, funny, witty and emotional.

A simple and short read and you'll find pencil sketches drawn by RK Laxman before every story.


On the whole a delightful read.



Reviewed by,

Shilpa Bhat Kaushik,

Author of -  Extracts...From The Life-12 Short Stories




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