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‘Simsara’ is a good book that offers a unique perspective on the  existing gender, caste and class differences in the society as well as regionalism, culture, values, ghosts, worship, and recognition of human behavior. Written by Nepali journalist and author Basanta Basnet, and based in his hometown of Taplejung district, the strongest aspect of the novel is its use of imagery—a massive pillar bearing the weight of a house, a lonely house that has lost its warmth, a flower blooming on a tree, an old bird wailing, a weak animal, or a human life bound by the chains of compulsion.

The book is poetic and metaphorical. The characters are entrenched in their circumstances and have a lot of psychological trauma and baggage. The story is narrated in first person but in some places you feel like you are hearing the author’s voice and not the character’s, which I think is mainly due to the writing style. In some instances, you get to see how silence can be more terrifying than speech. There is a lot of serious thought given to even the most trivial thing and that, along with the simple, evocative language, makes the novel highly enjoyable. 

A really promising character in the novel is Samvat who passed his SLC in the second division. He has failed to make his parents see that a joint family isn’t an ideal situation. With his parents in the same house, his relationship with his wife suffers and the couple fail to have the daughter they always wanted. His complex emotions give depth to the story. Babu’s character, on the other hand, isn’t able to prove himself as the main pillar of the household. He has no affection for his wife and teenage son. The newly married Kanchi also has no such attachment. Simsara is a swamp where both the father and the son are stuck. 

Simsara basically takes us through a world from the perspective of a teenager. There is a lot of adolescent psychology in it. But we must not mistake it for young adult fiction as the elements of familial relationship in the book make it a must read for people of all ages. The novel makes you ponder about many things like love, guilt, and survival. It’s not the author’s job to take sides and Basnet doesn’t indulge in it either. As humans, we are likely to take sides but authors aren’t allowed that luxury and in Simsara, Basnet shows the turmoils his characters go through and what makes them who they are without judgement. If you are familiar with Basnet’s previous works, you will know what to expect from his writing but Simsara feels refreshing in terms of the world it delves into. 

The book heavily discusses issues of our social, political, gender, religious, and caste differences. As a reader personally I was very affected by the child psychology and trauma in Simsara. We don’t realize how deep rooted these issues are and how badly it affects people. We tend to turn a blind eye to it and reading Simsara made me realize how harmful that can be. Basnet’s third published work Simsara is a fascinating and inspiring story about how our misguided cultural, political, and familial beliefs can have deep psychological impacts.

Fiction

Simsara

Basanta Basnet

Published: 2024

Publisher: FinePrint

Pages: 265, Paperback

‘The Himalayan Heads,’ an anthology of Nepali fiction and non-fiction by notable Nepali writers, is for those who wish to get into contemporary modern Nepali literature. Published by the PEN Nepal Chapter, this book is a collection of works by 24 authors, exploring topics ranging from culture to society to politics. 

The fiction section contains eight stories, translated from Nepali to English, by authors, such as Aswini Koirala, Krishna Bajgai, Ram Kumar Pandey, Sushma Chitrakar and Rupsingh Bhandari. The non-fiction section provides readers with an immersive journey through Nepal’s history, geography, philosophy, travelog, memoirs and research penned by 16 talented and versatile writers. 

Bhisma Upreti’s Aysalkyan Imanalieva; Ghanshyam Rajkarnikar's Lumbini: Birth place of Lord Buddha; Lal Bahadur Bhujel's A cherished Audacious Journey of My life; Sushma Acharya's Turning point of Change; Govinda Giri Prerana's A Home in Kathmandu; and Tanka Upreti's The Era of Nandalal are some of the standout works. They capture the essence of the Himalayas with vivid descriptions and insightful narratives on the ground realities, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in contemporary Nepali literature.

From thrilling tales of long expeditions to encounters with local communities, cultural and language barriers, from insightful love affairs to the doctrine of Buddha in the current scenario, the book offers a multifaceted exploration of the human connection to land and culture.

‘The Himalayan Heads’ excels in its portrayal of the Himalayan civilization, Nepali lifestyle, history, and beliefs in the form of both fiction and reality. All the writers skillfully weave together stories of their own inherited society, and marginalized communities, shedding light on their customs, spirituality, and the struggles they face in the face of modernization. The book encourages readers to appreciate the delicate balance between tradition and progress.

All authors’ passion for the subject matter is palpable, creating an immersive reading experience that transports the readers to the heart of Nepal’s majestic landscape and diverse culture. However, it is worth noting that ‘The Himalayan Heads’ may not be appropriate for those seeking an exhaustive academic study despite having ample historical and cultural context. Most of the creations are primarily focused on the author’s personal experiences and observations. 

Overall, ‘The Himalayan Heads’ comprises fiction and nonfiction works that shed light on multiple issues concerning Nepali society. With its engaging narratives and rich cultural insights, the book leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a lover of nature, or simply curious about the doctrine of Buddha, this book will transport you to the roof of the world and ignite a sense of wonder and appreciation for this awe-inspiring region.

The Himalayan Heads

Published by: PEN NEPAL CHAPTER 

Price: Rs 375