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Ravan & Eddie

by Kiran Nagarkar

3.63 of 5 stars 3.63 · rating details · 233 ratings · 18 reviews

Published (first published 1994)

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May 15, 2008 Naeem rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: omar, lal, manu, (especially) august, phil, nethra -- everybody really.

Recommended to Naeem by: Kiran Nagarkar and Anjali Nerleker

I read this a few days ago and wanted to wait a few days before i tried to articulate my response.

It takes place in the dwellings (apartment buildings of types) of the lower working class in 1950s and 60s Bombay. The characters are mostly children and their parents.

The book is funny -- in the same league as Heller's Catch-22, Nichols' Milargo Beanfield War, and Rushdie's Midnight's Children. But the way Nagarkar invokes humor is difficult to describe. The child characters are always getting the...more I read this a few days ago and wanted to wait a few days before i tried to articulate my response.

It takes place in the dwellings (apartment buildings of types) of the lower working class in 1950s and 60s Bombay. The characters are mostly children and their parents.

The book is funny -- in the same league as Heller's Catch-22, Nichols' Milargo Beanfield War, and Rushdie's Midnight's Children. But the way Nagarkar invokes humor is difficult to describe. The child characters are always getting themselves into trouble with parents and other adults. How the children justify their actions and how the adults interpret the children's justifications creates great fun. But within this exchange is a world of tragedy where we are left to wonder just how we came to accept our own assumptions.

Even as the children lie through their teeth, Nagarkar somehow retains their innocence. The result is that parents, teachers, and religious authorities are the ones who seem utterly out of sync with the authenticity of life. The reader laughs loudly but wants to cry at the same time.

Nagarkar's world contains, Hindus -- devout and not, Christians -- devout and not, with Goan roots, bullies, tae kwon do teachers, mothers desperately cooking and selling food or sewing and selling from the apartments in order to make ends meet, prostitutes, con artists, and children of all ages. By the end of the book, is hard to leave this bustling world

Nargarkar's gifts are plentiful. He has a master's eye for detail; every sentence contains the particulars of actual life while eliciting questions about the meaning of life. He shows as the stupidity of cultural chauvinism but while accessing the tender frailty of those cultures. He keeps the reader turning the pages, not with cheap tricks, but with a style of entertaining that seems endless in its variations, and sound in its wisdom.

Perhaps Nargarkar's greatest gift is his story telling. After 330 pages, I thought that here is a book that I really needed to be 1400 pages; I could read it for a whole summer. The ending is a little tidy for me but that is a small critique.

I had the fortune to meet the author and listen to him read from his latest book (God's Little Soldier -- not yet available outside of India, although I was able to get my hands on one of two copies he had). He is absolutely the best reader I have ever heard. Kiran is nearly pathologically shy. But put an audience in front of him and he becomes a full acting troupe all by himself.

Remember this name: Kiran Nagarkar. I don't think Sir Salman Rushdie has anything over Kiran. Please, please seek out his work. His treasures are too important to be hoarded by a few.

I know I am gushing. I thought if I waited a few days, I wouldn't. But no.

Special thanks to Anjali Nerleker for bringing the author to Ithaca College and to Ithaca. (less)

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Jun 22, 2012 Amey Nadkarni rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had never heard of this book- which was first published way back in 1995- until its sequel- "The Extras" was released sometime in the first half of this year. That too i learnt when i stumbled upon a TV interview of its writer. Thus, before i could get introduced to anything about Ravan and Eddie, i was intrigued by the man who created them- Kiran Nagarkar.
Dressed in a crumpled white kurta- pajama and still radiating 'class'... Nagarkar seemed to me an exceptionally intelligent man with a sha...more I had never heard of this book- which was first published way back in 1995- until its sequel- "The Extras" was released sometime in the first half of this year. That too i learnt when i stumbled upon a TV interview of its writer. Thus, before i could get introduced to anything about Ravan and Eddie, i was intrigued by the man who created them- Kiran Nagarkar.
Dressed in a crumpled white kurta- pajama and still radiating 'class'... Nagarkar seemed to me an exceptionally intelligent man with a sharp sense of observation. The creases on his face revealed that the man had seen some interesting high's and lows and his benign smile sealed the fact that he was still a child at heart!!
The book thus was precisely what i expected. Its 300 pages of some brilliant and sharp writing full of keen observations, sly wit and candor. The entire story stays and revolves around Mumbai's CWD shawl (which i believe is an alias for Worli's BDD chawls). These chawls form an endless yet cramped labyrinth of human habitat where no matter the difference in culture, habits and beliefs; every life is bound to entwine into the other. Born and growing in this milieu, Nagarkar notes the various events in Ravan's Hindu and Eddie's Christian life. Through their story he smirks at the various beliefs and notions formed by our beloved society and enthralls us by presenting his point of view through the ten year olds in the story!

Also, at various points in the story, Nagarkar often strays away to elaborate a certain point. Two of my favorite such diversions are when he writes about the basic difference between a Hindu and Christian life. It is extremely true and hence hilarious! and Another time he transgresses to talk about Shammi Kapoor and his madness. You will feel like calling for a Shammi Kapoor DVD as you read this! These few pages in the book are enough to give you an idea about the kind of trip you may expect in the book.

The writing is so lucid and yet sharp that at times you just feel like reading a page all over again for the sake of fun!

However, one needs to note that although this book has a beginning, it has NO middle and NO end!!!

It just keeps drifting through the lives of Ravan and Eddie. Making observations, passing comments but reaches no conclusion. At times it gives an inkling of some event that may occur, an event that could change the pace and direction of the story but no such event occurs.

The writing does keep you glued but then at some point past page 300 the book simply ends! Just like that! :)(less)

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Feb 21, 2012 Amit Mishra added it · review of another edition

Nagarkar has done a fantastic job in describing the Chawls of Mumbai. Infact, the life of Mumbai chawls(around 60's and 70's) comes out to be one of the strongest characters of the book. It's victories, agonies, shared tragedies, struggles and how people continue to live through it is very well described.

This book to is an ode to the tenacious animal(whose evolution can defy darwinism)-called the Mumbaikar, where Ravan and Eddie act as prisms to show the various facets of lower middle class Mumb...more

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Apr 30, 2007 dipayan rated it 4 of 5 stars

if you want to understand the cultural fabric of bombay, you cant miss this book

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Apr 16, 2013 Shobasriaiyer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, indian-author, humor, man-woman-relationship, mumbai, religion, regional-life

Brilliant, realistic narrative, and tongue-in-cheek opinions about religion, men, women, life in a Mumbai chawl.
Eddie, Ravan, Parvati Bhai, Violet, Lalee, Shankar Rao, Shobhan are all people who stay with you long after you have finished reading the book. No wonder the author followed this up with the very successful "The Extras". Language is clear and evocative. There is direct description of sex, so if some bawdiness offends you....it will.

I loved how Kiran got across so many philosophical,...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Bree rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, 1990-1999

I was expecting something entirely different when I started reading this book - perhaps that's why it was so disappointing. I thought it was going to be about two friends growing up in the slums of Mumbai. I had high hopes for the story.

But instead, it was about 2 boys who lived in the same building, who were enemies (but it was rarely mentioned) because of an accident that happened days before Eddie was born. It was about all the trouble that precocious boys will get into in Mumbai. Basically,...more

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Jun 11, 2008 Manu rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No one, really!

Recommended to Manu by: Naeem

What is it with Nagarkar and the film industry in Bombay? Nearly everything you read by him has (by way of a preface or post-script) some mention of his failed attempts at converting his books into a film. Yes, yes! Heroic expressiveness opposing a faceless commercialism is inspiring, but, to put it directly, a little too repetitive. Dwelling on this brush-off reveals too easily our own acceptance of cliches and the author's own insecurities by proudly revealing his wounds. To quote Sean Connery...more What is it with Nagarkar and the film industry in Bombay? Nearly everything you read by him has (by way of a preface or post-script) some mention of his failed attempts at converting his books into a film. Yes, yes! Heroic expressiveness opposing a faceless commercialism is inspiring, but, to put it directly, a little too repetitive. Dwelling on this brush-off reveals too easily our own acceptance of cliches and the author's own insecurities by proudly revealing his wounds. To quote Sean Connery "sometimes it is good to hold things in". (on which point, has he ever considered that the medium of commercial film might harbor deeper truths than what his novels can ever reveal?)

There is one compliment I will generously part with - his books are easy to read, and, despite his voice intruding in the most ungainly manner, it is not difficult to keep up with the narrative.

About the voice, I have a few reservations. Yes, his books are both philosophical musings and social commentary rolled into one (isn't the latter the entire purpose of the novel? as it emerged in Europe, I might add!). However, there is a skill needed to pull it off - a skill that can mask the difference between showing and telling. I am afraid Nagarkar can only manage the latter. Of course, I am secretly comparing his 'voice' with that of Kundera - an unfair comparison, considering the vast gulf that separates the two (the gulf I am thinking of is not only ability, but the subject matter).

Some reviews of the author's corpus have highlighted his bravery in addressing difficult questions. Here, it might be appropriate to point out that Indian cinema - both commercial and artistic - has focussed on the Bombay chawls extensively. The very themes that the author pursues here have been brought to life more memorably (and with a far wider audience than the author's feeble works could ever hope to attain) than the characters in this book.

There is also an inherent danger in this book - a danger that reviewers comfortably ensconced in plush surroundings might too easily forget. Nagarkar does not romanticize poverty. Instead, he romanticizes his own capacity to disrobe the romanticization of poverty.

Of course, in all of this, I have not said anything about the book itself. My invective against him is perhaps both a testament to the power of his narrative skills and my inability to understand the fawning praise heaped upon him by a minuscule audience.

I might also add, that my desire to understand this misplaced enthusiasm has only served to enrich Mr. Nagarkar by Rs 890.(less)

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Apr 07, 2013 Don rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Although the hilarious hijinks of the titular boys from the chawls (low-rise, low-rent public housing in Mumbai), the comparisons and contrasts of Catholic and Hindu families, and a somewhat supplementary history of Mumbai, would have been enough to make this a most memorable novel, I think it was the portrayal of the mothers Parvati and Violet and their struggles to keep their families afloat through very trying circumstances that made this a truly top notch reading experience. Highly recommend...more

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Jan 20, 2013 GONZA rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Strange book, another one where nothing happens but this time the writer is not Japanese but Indian. He tells the story of two kids growing up in Bombay during the 60's (more or less) but instead of reading a book that I would have soon gave up, I decided to keep on reading to form an idea of wat it was like to grow up in something similar to a slum.

Strano libro, altro romanzo dove non accade niente di particolare, ma stavolta l'autore è indiano e non giapponese e racconta la storia di due ragaz...more

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May 26, 2013 Sneha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was surprised reading the mixed reviews about this book. Ravan and Eddie is one of my all-time favourite reads, and a book I recommend to friends very often.

It is evocative, emotional and beautifully descriptive. A story about self-discovery and coming-of-age, set in the crowded chawls of Mumbai.

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Mar 23, 2009 Sonia Gomes rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who would want to know something about life in Bombay

Shelves: plain-ok-nothing-more, india

I remember plucking out this book from the shelf at the British Council Library with great excitement. I had read and really loved "Cuckold". I still think it is one of the best books, ever. But Ravan and Eddie was disappointing. It had its good parts, but..... it was just not what I had expected.

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Sep 02, 2011 Malabaricus rated it 1 of 5 stars

I tried reading this book but found it so utterly boring> As a consequence I have never picked up another book by Kiran Nagarkar.

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Feb 05, 2013 Pooja Goenka rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kiran has described every aspect of the chawls so much in detail. The storyline is gripping and u want to keep reading. Not decided if I want to take in more in chawl life with the sequel. But this is witty and funny and for anyone who has had a glimpse of Mumbai chawl it's a good read.

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Sep 07, 2012 Meera Srikant rated it 4 of 5 stars

Amazed. At the language, at the narrative, at the characters... Spell bound.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 05, 2013 Sandeep Abhyankar added it

Shelves: fiction, life

Oh what a gem , just don't miss this one , masterpiece from Mr. Nagarkar .

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Oct 01, 2011 Nithyaravi86 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Evocative, imaginative and vivid. However, sometimes a little too surreal for my taste!

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Aug 10, 2011 Sumanya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

an excellent book on life in the chawls in bombay....a life that the young know little about.......Nagarkar's engagement with Bombay is one of love and hate....a feeling many bombayites will identify with. Nagarkar has also mastered the lingo of the many different classes and religions at that time.

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Jul 15, 2008 Amit rated it 3 of 5 stars

It started with so much of promise but degenerated into purposeless life sketches.

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Feb 19, 2007 Chaitra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Awesome.. One of the most brillant books I have ever read..

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Jun 19, 2013 Swarup added it

Jun 18, 2013 Anandhi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jun 17, 2013 Vignesh Ramsawamy marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 16, 2013 Diptee Raut marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 16, 2013 Sean marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Jun 16, 2013 Malavika rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jun 15, 2013 Harshad Sonalkar is currently reading it · review of another edition

Jun 15, 2013 Little Creature rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jun 14, 2013 Weston marked it as to-read

Jun 12, 2013 Umesh Sathe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jun 11, 2013 Allyson added it

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About Kiran Nagarkar

Kiran Nagarkar was born in Bombay in 1942. In addition to plays and screenplays, he has written four novels, establishing his reputation as an outstanding representative of contemporary Indian literature. His books are a target of ideological critique due to the hybrid nature of his version of postcolonialism, involving irreverence alongside seriousness.

Nagarkar studied at the Ferguson College in...more Kiran Nagarkar was born in Bombay in 1942. In addition to plays and screenplays, he has written four novels, establishing his reputation as an outstanding representative of contemporary Indian literature. His books are a target of ideological critique due to the hybrid nature of his version of postcolonialism, involving irreverence alongside seriousness.

Nagarkar studied at the Ferguson College in Bombay and then worked as an assistant professor at some colleges, as a journalist and screenplay writer, and, notably, in the advertising industry. He wrote his first book Saat Sakkam Trechalis (1974; Eng. Seven Sixes are Forty Three, 1980) in his mother tongue, Marathi. His bitter and burlesque description of the young Bombayite Kunshank – achieved by means of a fragmented form and rendered in innovative language – is considered to be a milestone in Marathi literature. In his first play Bedtime Story (1978), Nagarkar takes on the subject of modern responsibility by broaching the topic of political crises of the day (for instance the Cuban Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the State of Emergency called for by Indira Gandhi). Due to problems with state censorship as well as religiously motivated restrictions that prevailed over the cultural scene, the play was not staged until 1995. His second book Ravan and Eddie (1994) also met with a hostile response. The story of the childhood of two young boys, one Hindu, the other Christian, from families who live next door to each other yet live in completely different worlds, was criticized both as anti-Hindu and anti-Christian. The fact that Nagarakar chose to write this book and other subsequent writings in English, the language of his education, also encountered objections from his fellow countrymen.

In his subsequent novels, Nagarkar contrasts bigotry and extremism with a tolerance that feeds on doubt and is open to diversity. In Cuckold (1997), this mentality is embodied in a character who looms in Indian historiography. This is the unknown spouse of the famous princess Meera from the 16th century, whose love songs to the God Krishna have passed into popular Indian culture. In God’s Little Soldier (2006), the protagonist, who switches faiths without ever abandoning extremism, stands opposed to his questioning brother. Consistent with the underlying idea of this book as a parable without a message Nagarkar affirms in an interview that we can never stop questioning ourselves, we must bring our convictions out into the light and prove them. Nothing is more dangerous than being too much oneself, being completely sure of oneself, since such a belief will soon develop into an intolerance of others.

Nagarkar was distinguished with the H.N. Apte Award for the best first novel, the renowned Sahitya Award and the Dalmia Award for the furtherance of communicative harmony through literature. He received a Rockefeller grant and was awarded a scholarship by the city of Munich. He lives in Bombay.(less)

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