‘Mrityu Diary’ book review: Everyone’s tale

After birth, how does a human being stay safe? How long will the individual’s life be? And how does the moment of death arrive? These three questions remain enigmatic. They are explored in a tale penned by the esteemed English author, Leo Tolstoy.

The mysteries of life are abundant, yet not everyone chooses to address them. Some quietly relish life, while others share it with their families, friends and loved ones. Even when faced with the loss of grandparents or parents, we often limit ourselves to a brief reflection. Writing a book on death necessitates courage. Tulasi Acharya, in his work titled ‘Mrityu Diary’, meaning the diary of death, exhibits the courage to delve into the subject of death, the accompanying loss, grief and the transformation of sorrow into a creative force.

Dr Acharya, the author, has inspired others like him to share their diverse experiences. He has made individual experiences public, creating a history of family events. His contribution is noteworthy. What he has penned in ‘Mrityu Diary’ has become universally relatable. Every moment of life can be seen as a moment of impending death for an individual. With each passing moment, we also experience a kind of internal demise.

This is a universal truth we all encounter. When viewed from this perspective, every person is essentially writing a book, however small, within their finite time. Those who make life extraordinary for themselves should explore the concept of a ‘sharing culture’. In this regard, the author has excelled. 

Time has the capacity to change life, but life cannot alter time. These words resonate deeply within his book.

A person might easily forget that one day they will leave everything behind. However, when one comprehends the realities of life, they cease to be selfish. Individuals in positions of power may believe they are integral to society, but when the day arrives for them to relinquish that power, they become akin to shooting the stars in the sky.

Serious illness, confinement to a hospital bed, or grappling with a deadly disease can drastically alter one’s perspective on life. Acharya’s ‘Mrityu Diary’ delves into this aspect. Dennis author Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Living is not enough; one must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower.” Of course, perspectives can change, especially in the context of illness. In the book, Resham Lal’s life serves as an inspiration and aids in our comprehension of life and death.

Life is an ongoing battle against death, and escaping death is no easy feat. The book provides a poignant example of how a surgeon, who encounters death daily, must also confront his own mortality. It sheds light on the experiences of family members who perform cremations in the crematorium, the moments they endure, and the agony they face. Death visits everyone, sooner or later.

This is the story of Resham and Geeta, and more importantly, the story of their daughters Kripa and Suman, as well as the tale of all individuals who have confronted death. The book delves into human emotions and practical life experiences when facing death, with the lesson that death doesn't always bring curses; it can also bestow blessings. Every page of the book resonates with the hearts of its readers.

Reading this book feels like watching a movie, thanks to its vivid presentation. It's like savoring a well-prepared dish, each bite tingling with anticipation of what comes next. This suspenseful narrative creates tension and captivates the reader wholeheartedly. These questions ignite the reader’s curiosity. The author also encourages open discourse about death. He candidly shares his own experiences regarding sex, life and death.

The author’s honesty in revealing his findings is apparent, leaving nothing concealed in his narrative. He provides readers with two dimensions—one of emotions and the other of local colloquialism in writing and dialogues. This blend adds to the book’s enjoyment as the colors mix and merge seamlessly. Readers can easily absorb and appreciate the various facets of death, allowing them to arrive at their own conclusions.

The author’s prowess shines as he steps out of his familial context and delves into the wider world. He covers topics like cancer, its various types, chemotherapy, the deaths of many individuals related to it, and various personalities discussing the subject. This lends his writing a unique dimension.

The book also  chronicles the lives of those who are still living and the hardships they have endured. It imparts the ultimate truth after birth to them as well. The author has transformed his personal subjects and characters into 'universal' figures. Even in the lives of survivors, ‘Mrityu Diary’ imparts valuable lessons.