Book Review: Eklo (एक्लो) by Buddhisagar

  - Alaka Neupane

Book Review: Eklo (एक्लो) by Buddhisagar

Buddhi Ram Chapain, widely known by his pen name Buddhisagar (Nepali: बुद्धिसागर), is a distinguished Nepalese writer and poet born on 2 June 1981 in Kailali district of Nepal. He is renowned for his novels "Karnali Blues" and "Phirphire". From a young age, Buddhisagar exhibited a passion for writing, with his poems being featured on the radio.

After completing his school education, Buddhisagar moved to Kathmandu where he pursued journalism at RR Campus. Before dedicating himself fully to writing, he worked as a journalist for Naya Patrika and Nagarik News.

Buddhisagar's literary career took off with the publication of "Karnali Blues" in 2010. The novel, written in Nepali with dialogues in Tharu and the Jumli dialect, explores the relationship between the protagonist and his dying father. It received widespread acclaim and was translated into English by Prof. Michael J. Hutt, and published by Penguin Books in 2021. His second novel, "Phirphire", was released in 2016, followed by his third novel, "Eklo", in December 2022.

The novel "Eklo" centers on the life of Shree, who moves to Kathmandu to continue his education after completing his 10th grade. Shree is an introverted character, reluctant to express his feelings. Alongside Shree, the story introduces several other characters, including Aadi, Suryabahadur, Top, the landlord, Mohini, Samira, Neel, and Chandra.

Aadi, Suryabahadur, and Top play significant roles in helping the audience understand Shree's character in greater detail. Each of them is engaged in a different profession, struggling to build their lives in the capital city. Samira, another key character, unknowingly contributes to Shree's mental growth. Although it initially seems that Shree has fallen in love with Samira, he later realizes that his feelings are more about self-discovery than romantic love.

The novel effectively portrays the challenges faced by students living alone in the capital, striving to establish themselves. It delves deeply into the mental pressures they endure. Reading the novel, I often found myself reminded of my father's struggles to improve our family's circumstances while resonating with Shree's journey.

"Eklo" also touches on the Maoist insurgency in Nepal, providing glimpses of the fear that gripped the villages during that time. This aspect of the novel offers a window into the political history of Nepal, allowing readers to understand the broader social context even if they were not born during that era.

The portrayal of an introverted main character adds significant depth to the title "Eklo" (which means "alone"). Shree's hesitance to seek help, even when he is in dire straits, illustrates the difficulties of living away from home and family. His struggle to ask his landlord for reconsideration exemplifies the challenges introverts face.

The novel also conveys the message that "God will make a way where there seems to be no way" through Shree's experiences. His friend Top helps him secure a job, and despite failing his Intermediate of Arts (IA) exams due to poor English, Shree's proficiency in Nepali sustains him in journalism. Friendly neighbors like Aadi and Suryabahadur, along with empathetic landlords, help him survive seven years in a sunless room.

The story addresses the issue of youth falling into substance abuse. As a reader, I hoped Shree would avoid this trap, but he eventually succumbs, influenced by his companions Aadi, Suryabahadur, and Top, who all have habits of intoxication.

However, some aspects of the novel could be improved. The disappearance of Samira’s father remains unresolved, and there are some misprints in the novel. Additionally, the narrative could have been more engaging with a detailed account of Shree’s visit to his village, rather than just a brief mention at the beginning.