Men and their love-books

KATHMANDU, Feb 14: “As if there is something to read in Nepali literature!”

If you share the same idea on Nepali writing, you are only repeating the same thoughts as that of Laxmi Prasad Devkota 60 years ago in his essay Ke Nepal Sano Chha. In one of the most intriguing paragraphs of the essay, Devkota makes fun of stuck-up, “western” wannabes, who find nothing to read in Nepali. [break]

Of course, Devkota has all the right to make fun of it. He tried to find a simple solution with Muna Madan, the deceptively uncomplicated bestselling love story. And it still sells well, by the way. But ever since, no other love story has been able to gain the same fame. Does that mean we are stuck with ONE love story for half a century? Can there be no other good love stories in Nepal?

We asked our men, what they like, what they read. They disagree that there is just one book on love in Nepali literature. Hence our endeavor to bring to light those love stories, apart from Muna Madan, which should make it to the shelves, on this Valentine´s Day. Maybe you can surprise your beloved ones with something smart that is neither red nor heart-shaped.

Shekhar Kharel, documentary maker and journalist

I think we have very good love story books in Nepali literature. However, tragedy has superseded the theme most of the times. Unlike the usual love affairs as in English literature, Nepali writers seem focused on platonic love. If I had to suggest any love story on this big love day, it would have to be Madhav Prasad Ghimire’s Gauri. It is an unforgettable story of a simple man and his trauma after the death of his wife. This tearjerker shows the grandeur of love.

Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s Sulochana is another book worth spending time.

Khagendra Sangraula, leftist thinker

Oh, the love stories (laughs). I’m an old-fashioned man, so let me begin with Kali Das. I think no love story beats his Meghdoot. It is a beautiful story of a man in exile, who sends his love to his beloved with the monsoon cloud as the messenger. One thing you must not miss this Valentine´s Day is Boond Rana’s Ghazals.

Durga Prasad Bhandari, writer

Anything by B P Koirala works for Valentine´s Day. Sumnima for instance, is a great psychoanalytical love story between a Hindu sanyasin and a Mongol girl. Better still is Shwet Bhairavi, a collection of love stories. This is perhaps the best book to celebrate love, the ordinary love that happens every day, any time.

Raman Ghimire, art aficionado and lyricist

I would recommend Sirish ko Phool of international fame by Parijat. It is a complex love story about a young woman, who is loved by an old retired army man. This is one of the best love stories ever written.

Tara Nath Sharma, academician

There are many love-story books in Nepali that are worth reading. Bal Krishna Sama’s Mukunda Indira, for instance, is bookworms must read. It is a very touching story of two poor people who brave poverty with their immense love.

Govinda Bhattarai, professor

I think B P Koirala’s Teen Ghumti will be the best read for Valentine’s Day. It tells the story of a woman who took three tough decisions, all for love´s sake. It has an intricate plot, but it’s worth it.

Sunil Pokharel, theater-person-at-large

Dhruba Chandra Gautam´s short stories should make it to the list. Many of those are on urban love and complicated romances. Prakat Pageni Shiva´s love ghazals are touching and at par with any quality books on love. And Sarubhakta´s Pagal Basti is love book at its best. It shows another dimension to love and romance, when love fails.

Sunil Babu Panta, constitution maker and third gender activist

It’s been long time since I read Parijat’s Sister Kalpana. It’s about a nurse named Kalpana and her triangular love story. With Parijaat trade mark, I guess most of you know what to expect. So, I’d say you won’t regret spending time with this book.

Jagadish Ghimire, litterateur

Bijay Malla’s Anuradha is a beautiful love story of a man, who falls in love with a schizophrenic woman named Anuradha. Anuradha was previously married to director Ratna Man. Being a woman of independent ideas; she ends up hysteric, due to the possessive attitude of Ratna Man. And the narrator of the story meets her in the train and falls for this hysteric woman, unsure if she would ever reciprocate it.

Ambar Gurung, music maestro

I was very much touched by Laxmi Prasad Devkota’s Kunjini. I enjoyed the every bit of it because it was a tragic love story. I was enjoying their tragedy as it evoked sympathy in me. The rare pleasure of being truly compassionate!

It is a story of a rich girl named Kunjini, who is in love with a poor guy named Goray. Their love story is socially unacceptable. So the girl ends up committing suicide.