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Cobalt Blue
Sachin Kundalkar started on his first novel at 20 and finished it when he was 22. The novel was Cobalt Blue, the story of a brother and sister who fall in love with the same man, and how a traditional Marathi family is shattered by the ensuing events – a work that both shocked and spoke to Marathi readers.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 602 reviews
June 25, 2021
This was okay in my opinion not something like extraordinary. Maybe I am heartless but I didn't felt anything reading this. Anuja's narrative esp was so boring.
3 stars
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tbr review :-
its ASIAN that too INDIAN and that tooo addressing LGBTQ+ issues.
3 stars
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tbr review :-
its ASIAN that too INDIAN and that tooo addressing LGBTQ+ issues.
July 11, 2025
***I am so effing DISAPPOINTED with the NETFLIX adaptation. Just don't watch it.
🍂I am a bittersweet person today because I have read you...and that's just my unknown dream came true🌱
*Originally written in Marathi, translated by Jerry Pinto
This is unquestionably one of the best reads of the year!
The story has been told from two perspectives: Tanmay and his sister, Anuja.
Both have fallen in love with a very interesting and a mysterious character who came to live in their house as a paying guest.
The characters are awkward yet beautiful in their own ways.
The beauty of this book lies in the way it has been written : unassuming, unpredictable, engaging as well as in opening up the deepest emotions of two very different people and gender loving the same man.
The plot is unique. I would rather say that the story has a 'plot' would be really out of context when it comes to this particular book.
The story has been narrated as it's happening at the present with bits and pieces of memories patched together.
A typical family having its roots well grounded, yet the uncertainties and the difference in the nature of its members including someone 'different', gnawed up by the fear to come out of the closet, has been amazingly well portrayed.
Considering Tanmay, who is not just outspoken regarding his feelings, is portrayed as being someone who is regarded to be understood by everyone else in the family. And he has to live with this assumption, sad and lonely.
Anuja, the bold and independent one, is represented as someone who was left broken at some point.
How their stories seem the same yet at the same time totally different has been very well written from different perspectives of these two characters.
I was wanting for more when the book ended.
It was so damn good👍
The complex emotions and the writing style gave me all the feels. And I fell so hard when the characters fell in love with this mysterious character; my heart broke when their hearts got broken; and I felt lost too when they felt lost.
*Highlights:
-mental health issues -lgbt issues
-sexual assault issues
-traditional & family issues
All these issues were well brought up👍
Recommended👌
I love this one so much. An unforgettable read.
🍂I am a bittersweet person today because I have read you...and that's just my unknown dream came true🌱
*Originally written in Marathi, translated by Jerry Pinto
This is unquestionably one of the best reads of the year!
The story has been told from two perspectives: Tanmay and his sister, Anuja.
Both have fallen in love with a very interesting and a mysterious character who came to live in their house as a paying guest.
The characters are awkward yet beautiful in their own ways.
The beauty of this book lies in the way it has been written : unassuming, unpredictable, engaging as well as in opening up the deepest emotions of two very different people and gender loving the same man.
The plot is unique. I would rather say that the story has a 'plot' would be really out of context when it comes to this particular book.
The story has been narrated as it's happening at the present with bits and pieces of memories patched together.
A typical family having its roots well grounded, yet the uncertainties and the difference in the nature of its members including someone 'different', gnawed up by the fear to come out of the closet, has been amazingly well portrayed.
Considering Tanmay, who is not just outspoken regarding his feelings, is portrayed as being someone who is regarded to be understood by everyone else in the family. And he has to live with this assumption, sad and lonely.
Anuja, the bold and independent one, is represented as someone who was left broken at some point.
How their stories seem the same yet at the same time totally different has been very well written from different perspectives of these two characters.
I was wanting for more when the book ended.
It was so damn good👍
The complex emotions and the writing style gave me all the feels. And I fell so hard when the characters fell in love with this mysterious character; my heart broke when their hearts got broken; and I felt lost too when they felt lost.
*Highlights:
-mental health issues -lgbt issues
-sexual assault issues
-traditional & family issues
All these issues were well brought up👍
Recommended👌
I love this one so much. An unforgettable read.
September 18, 2013
There are so many literary gems in our regional languages that we miss either because we do not know the language or somehow we tend to look down on them. Now that I think of it, many of the books that I absolutely loved in the recent past have all been translations. This book was originally written in Marathi and translated beautifully into English by Jerry Pinto.
A typical middle class Marathi family , an empty room with a separate entrance that once was the abode of the grandparents, where the smell of amritanjan still lingers. In comes an unconventional paying guest, changing the lives of two siblings, the younger son and the daughter of the family.
The book is in two parts , first one a sort of conversation where the brother Tanay talks to the protagonist, taking us through their relationship and how it ended. The second part, as a story told by Anuja, his sister after she comes back from a six month long elopement with the same guy. What makes the story interesting is how each relationship builds, without either of them knowing the other part. One is left to wonder in between what sort of guy the painter is. He is introduced as a loner, with no close friends or relatives, living pretty much on his own.
Some contradictions are quite interesting and is reflective of how we, as a society is changing, while trying not to change too much. Anuja is portrayed as a non-conventional girl, who goes on treks and rock climbing, volunteers for a pro-environment organization and the like. Her family seems to have accepted this about her. But, in the true Indian middle class style, she is expected to stay away from the male paying guest. That she finds her avenues is another matter altogether.
More interesting is the fact of how people take two boys spending their time together for granted. Tanay's frequent visits and the long time that he spends in the guest's room is never questioned, there is not an iota of doubt in his family's minds. His angst at discovering that he is not inclined to the conventional manner of love, the casual relationships that he gets into and the lonely world that people of a different sexual orientation inhabits, is portrayed in a very matter of fact manner. I particularly loved the way the author has handled this subject in such a sensitive manner. The thoughts of both Tanay and Anuja brings out their characters so beautifully, while their common love stays an enigma to them as well as the readers.
I was curious about the author after having read through the book, so mature were the thoughts and treatment. It was a mild but pleasant shock to discover that he started writing this book when he was 20 and completed it at 22. Wisdom need not be correlated to age, I realize.
Verdict : A sensitive subject handled very subtly. This one is for you if you like simple , but elegant prose, well sketched characters and multi shaded relationships
4/5
A typical middle class Marathi family , an empty room with a separate entrance that once was the abode of the grandparents, where the smell of amritanjan still lingers. In comes an unconventional paying guest, changing the lives of two siblings, the younger son and the daughter of the family.
The book is in two parts , first one a sort of conversation where the brother Tanay talks to the protagonist, taking us through their relationship and how it ended. The second part, as a story told by Anuja, his sister after she comes back from a six month long elopement with the same guy. What makes the story interesting is how each relationship builds, without either of them knowing the other part. One is left to wonder in between what sort of guy the painter is. He is introduced as a loner, with no close friends or relatives, living pretty much on his own.
Some contradictions are quite interesting and is reflective of how we, as a society is changing, while trying not to change too much. Anuja is portrayed as a non-conventional girl, who goes on treks and rock climbing, volunteers for a pro-environment organization and the like. Her family seems to have accepted this about her. But, in the true Indian middle class style, she is expected to stay away from the male paying guest. That she finds her avenues is another matter altogether.
More interesting is the fact of how people take two boys spending their time together for granted. Tanay's frequent visits and the long time that he spends in the guest's room is never questioned, there is not an iota of doubt in his family's minds. His angst at discovering that he is not inclined to the conventional manner of love, the casual relationships that he gets into and the lonely world that people of a different sexual orientation inhabits, is portrayed in a very matter of fact manner. I particularly loved the way the author has handled this subject in such a sensitive manner. The thoughts of both Tanay and Anuja brings out their characters so beautifully, while their common love stays an enigma to them as well as the readers.
I was curious about the author after having read through the book, so mature were the thoughts and treatment. It was a mild but pleasant shock to discover that he started writing this book when he was 20 and completed it at 22. Wisdom need not be correlated to age, I realize.
Verdict : A sensitive subject handled very subtly. This one is for you if you like simple , but elegant prose, well sketched characters and multi shaded relationships
4/5
November 23, 2018
The tale commences with the narrative of Tanay, disturbed and heartbroken after Anuja's return following her elopement. Memories are painted in the following 100 pages, like an amateur artist exploring a canvas, slowly but steadily painting it darker and completing a sketch with a lack of mastery. Tanay writes, reminiscing a night he had spent with his love, who he addresses as 'you' -
"When I woke up suddenly in the middle of night I discovered you'd turned your back on me and moved away."
This line carries more substance about the story, than any else. His narratives ends with a blurry image of Tanay's memories, where the image of 'you' has faded but still reminds him of the laughter they shared. Anuja's narrative is quite contrary to Tanay's, more composed, more confident and more delightful to read. Tanay mostly focuses on his past memories, but we find Anuja reconciling with her fate, positively reconciling with those around her. However, the passion we find in Tanay, is lacking in Anuja. The ending of the tale leaves you with a strange sensation of wonder and satisfaction that seldom novels achieve and you can find your image resonating with Anuja and Tanay, maybe one more likely than the other. Delicate and soft prose style is another delight of this book, and if you enjoy that, you will adore this read.
"When I woke up suddenly in the middle of night I discovered you'd turned your back on me and moved away."
This line carries more substance about the story, than any else. His narratives ends with a blurry image of Tanay's memories, where the image of 'you' has faded but still reminds him of the laughter they shared. Anuja's narrative is quite contrary to Tanay's, more composed, more confident and more delightful to read. Tanay mostly focuses on his past memories, but we find Anuja reconciling with her fate, positively reconciling with those around her. However, the passion we find in Tanay, is lacking in Anuja. The ending of the tale leaves you with a strange sensation of wonder and satisfaction that seldom novels achieve and you can find your image resonating with Anuja and Tanay, maybe one more likely than the other. Delicate and soft prose style is another delight of this book, and if you enjoy that, you will adore this read.
February 23, 2022
Unpopular opinion. I am not quite as impressed by this book as I wanted to be.
Cobalt Blue, originally written in Marathi, is narrated in a brother and sister, both in love with the same man who comes to live as a paying guest at their house. The first part is narrated by the brother, Tanay, like he is conversing with his lost love, repeating the same sentences multiple times, maybe to assure his own memory of things. The second part is told in the first person by the sister, Anuja, in the form of a diary. The narrative structure is unique and works very well. There is not much of a plot in the story. Both Tanay and Anuja fall for the enigmatic paying guest artist, while completely oblivious of their sibling's feelings. At one point Anuja elopes with her lover, but comes back after six months after he suddenly leaves her. This book is more of an exploration of heartbreak, betrayal, and coping with grief. Tanay and Anuja are very different characters too. Tanay is an introvert, struggling with his sexuality in society while Anuja is bold and rebellious. I generally like such character studies, but this one didn't work for me so well, mainly for two reasons. First, the character of the paying guest is kept too mysterious. He is not given a voice in the story, and his actions remain unexplainable beyond him being 'an artist' and thus doing things as it suits him. Secondly, the absence of communication between the characters, specially Tanay and Anuja is frustrating. Also, both the characters were betrayed by the man they loved, and yet there was so little resentment or anger in their narratives. Is that natural!!
I liked the writing style. Particularly how a Marathi household is brought to life. There were also some touching parts in between and I liked Anuja's journey towards independence. But overall, it didn't connect with me.
Cobalt Blue, originally written in Marathi, is narrated in a brother and sister, both in love with the same man who comes to live as a paying guest at their house. The first part is narrated by the brother, Tanay, like he is conversing with his lost love, repeating the same sentences multiple times, maybe to assure his own memory of things. The second part is told in the first person by the sister, Anuja, in the form of a diary. The narrative structure is unique and works very well. There is not much of a plot in the story. Both Tanay and Anuja fall for the enigmatic paying guest artist, while completely oblivious of their sibling's feelings. At one point Anuja elopes with her lover, but comes back after six months after he suddenly leaves her. This book is more of an exploration of heartbreak, betrayal, and coping with grief. Tanay and Anuja are very different characters too. Tanay is an introvert, struggling with his sexuality in society while Anuja is bold and rebellious. I generally like such character studies, but this one didn't work for me so well, mainly for two reasons. First, the character of the paying guest is kept too mysterious. He is not given a voice in the story, and his actions remain unexplainable beyond him being 'an artist' and thus doing things as it suits him. Secondly, the absence of communication between the characters, specially Tanay and Anuja is frustrating. Also, both the characters were betrayed by the man they loved, and yet there was so little resentment or anger in their narratives. Is that natural!!
I liked the writing style. Particularly how a Marathi household is brought to life. There were also some touching parts in between and I liked Anuja's journey towards independence. But overall, it didn't connect with me.
January 10, 2020
"Perhaps that's what happens during the forging of a relationship: if nothing else, you adopt some of the other person's habits."
Cobalt blue is a brilliant meditation on heartbreak and betrayal told in a simple, beautiful way. In a way that it transcends gender and sexuality.
A middle class Marathi family gets disrupted when a paying guest comes to occupy the attic room. Tanay and Anuja - brother and sister fall in love with him. The free spirited guest has no history (It is as if he was born yesterday says Anuja) and takes their love and attention with him. And then he leaves leaving both of them shattered and in search of an "accomplished solitude".
The first part narrated by Tanay talks directly to the lover - recalling events and the effect it had on him. Homosexuality in India is also layered in this narrative - attitude of parents, shame and glimpses of the movement to legalise homosexuality. But the heart of the story is still the love.
The second part - which is journal entries of Anuja on the advice of her psychologist, takes a more traditional path. People do not understand what she is going through and she isolates herself.
The symmetry between the stories is thought through. Also how the two parts tell you more about the lover than each part by itself. You are surprised how less you know when you fall in love. You do wonder why they couldn't talk to each other a bit more - but then what is there to say?
Credit to Jerry Pinto's translation as much as to Sachin Kundalekar's plot. In his translator's note he points to those places where he did not translate Marathi words and remarks - how the reader probably didn't notice - the cheek of a translator!
"I have started to feel that the friends you make in school, the ones you've known forever, begin to turn into fossils. They merge into their families, losing all identity. You don't know the new ones as much as you should. They can fool you.”
Loved it.
Cobalt blue is a brilliant meditation on heartbreak and betrayal told in a simple, beautiful way. In a way that it transcends gender and sexuality.
A middle class Marathi family gets disrupted when a paying guest comes to occupy the attic room. Tanay and Anuja - brother and sister fall in love with him. The free spirited guest has no history (It is as if he was born yesterday says Anuja) and takes their love and attention with him. And then he leaves leaving both of them shattered and in search of an "accomplished solitude".
The first part narrated by Tanay talks directly to the lover - recalling events and the effect it had on him. Homosexuality in India is also layered in this narrative - attitude of parents, shame and glimpses of the movement to legalise homosexuality. But the heart of the story is still the love.
The second part - which is journal entries of Anuja on the advice of her psychologist, takes a more traditional path. People do not understand what she is going through and she isolates herself.
The symmetry between the stories is thought through. Also how the two parts tell you more about the lover than each part by itself. You are surprised how less you know when you fall in love. You do wonder why they couldn't talk to each other a bit more - but then what is there to say?
Credit to Jerry Pinto's translation as much as to Sachin Kundalekar's plot. In his translator's note he points to those places where he did not translate Marathi words and remarks - how the reader probably didn't notice - the cheek of a translator!
"I have started to feel that the friends you make in school, the ones you've known forever, begin to turn into fossils. They merge into their families, losing all identity. You don't know the new ones as much as you should. They can fool you.”
Loved it.
April 20, 2014
It was an awesome read. Never expected a 20 year old to write a profound book as this. The book deals with the shattered emotions of a brother and sister who fall in love with the same mysterious guy, a handsome young man who has come as a paying guest to occupy the topmost tower room of their traditional house.The stranger manages to woo even their traditional and conventional parents, and all hell breaks loose when he supposedly elopes with the sister. The first part is narrated by the brother, and is raw and touching, the second part by the sister, who appears to be emotionally stronger, but shows her weakness in places. It was a gripping read, which I completed in two sittings (due to pressure of work, not otherwise :D). Would recommend this to all, but for the extreme orthodox who may not like the homosexuality part.
November 2, 2020
I stumbled upon "Cobalt Blue" one fine day while searching for some Indian books to read! It was on my reading list for a long time, and I'm so glad I finally read the book. I read it in about 2-3 hours, and I was quite impressed! I wanted to read the original Marathi work but couldn't find a copy online! Anyway, I might need to go to the bookstore to get one.
Cobalt Blue is about a man who wreaks havoc in the lives of two siblings, Tanay and Anuja. While Tanay is calm, collected, and subdued, Anuja is free-spirited, impulsive, and emotional. They fall in love and get their hearts broken by a mysterious man and try to put their lives together in its aftermath.
The story reminded me of another book I read this year called Milk Teeth. Both of these books have a way of pulling you into their lives and make you grieve and mourn beside the characters. That nudges me to read more books by Indian authors! The writing is poignant, and the story is told in flashbacks from the perspective of both siblings.
Tanay and Anuja talk about how they fell in love with this mysterious tenant that lived in the tower room. But both of their narrations are incomplete on their own for us to figure out what went down. There is a rift between the siblings, which leaves them both to suffer in silence. When we combine both of their accounts, that's when we can see the whole picture.
Tanay's narration is reflective with a touch of melancholy. He does not want answers; he's reminiscing about the old times and grieving about the loss. In contrast, Anuja's narration is through diary entries, where she tries to make sense of what happened. It's a way for her to heal her emotional scars and take control of her life. Tanay is hiding the fact that he is gay from his family and society, while Anuja is on the quest to find independence.
*Spoilers Ahead*
I felt the story quite relatable in terms of how the family operated. For, e.g., in most Marathi households, if anything bad happens, we try to accept it by saying, whatever happens, happens for the best, and I was like, I have heard this bullshit before! I think most of this applies to just Indians in general.
One thing that stood out to me is how the parents dealt with their child's mental health. Instead of trying to give her mental support, they sent their child to her aunt's house so they won't have to deal with her. In one instance, her mom even tries to have a heart to heart with her, but she gives up and never tries it again.
Another is the contradiction of both siblings in terms of dealing with their heartbreaks. While Anuja is openly grieving and seeking help for the heartbreak that leaves her depressed and suicidal, Tanay can only deal with it in quiet. He has to suppress his feelings for the fear that people will find out he's gay. The narration beautifully captures the turbulence and the heartache at their loss.
All in all, it was a delightful book and I highly recommend it!
INSTAGRAM
Cobalt Blue is about a man who wreaks havoc in the lives of two siblings, Tanay and Anuja. While Tanay is calm, collected, and subdued, Anuja is free-spirited, impulsive, and emotional. They fall in love and get their hearts broken by a mysterious man and try to put their lives together in its aftermath.
The story reminded me of another book I read this year called Milk Teeth. Both of these books have a way of pulling you into their lives and make you grieve and mourn beside the characters. That nudges me to read more books by Indian authors! The writing is poignant, and the story is told in flashbacks from the perspective of both siblings.
Tanay and Anuja talk about how they fell in love with this mysterious tenant that lived in the tower room. But both of their narrations are incomplete on their own for us to figure out what went down. There is a rift between the siblings, which leaves them both to suffer in silence. When we combine both of their accounts, that's when we can see the whole picture.
Tanay's narration is reflective with a touch of melancholy. He does not want answers; he's reminiscing about the old times and grieving about the loss. In contrast, Anuja's narration is through diary entries, where she tries to make sense of what happened. It's a way for her to heal her emotional scars and take control of her life. Tanay is hiding the fact that he is gay from his family and society, while Anuja is on the quest to find independence.
*Spoilers Ahead*
I felt the story quite relatable in terms of how the family operated. For, e.g., in most Marathi households, if anything bad happens, we try to accept it by saying, whatever happens, happens for the best, and I was like, I have heard this bullshit before! I think most of this applies to just Indians in general.
One thing that stood out to me is how the parents dealt with their child's mental health. Instead of trying to give her mental support, they sent their child to her aunt's house so they won't have to deal with her. In one instance, her mom even tries to have a heart to heart with her, but she gives up and never tries it again.
Another is the contradiction of both siblings in terms of dealing with their heartbreaks. While Anuja is openly grieving and seeking help for the heartbreak that leaves her depressed and suicidal, Tanay can only deal with it in quiet. He has to suppress his feelings for the fear that people will find out he's gay. The narration beautifully captures the turbulence and the heartache at their loss.
All in all, it was a delightful book and I highly recommend it!
August 28, 2023
This was an interesting enough story - two siblings fall for the same man who is a paying guest in their home.
Unbeknownst to each other, the young man carries on an affair with each of them.
The first part of the book is Tanay talking to him, working through his feelings, about being gay in a homophobic culture and about being betrayed by the first man he fell in love with.
The second part is Anuja telling her story through writing a diary.
I enjoyed Tanay's part immensely, Anuja's not so much.
The story is as much about the siblings and the man they fall for as it is about changing norms in Indian culture, and young people wanting to break free from tradition and their parents' expectations.
It was originally written in Marathi and the English translation is superb. At no time did I feel like I was reading a translation, no awkward sentences that would give it away.
It is a quick read and might have been 5 stars if it was only Tanay's part. That was beautifully written and I was swept into the prose. I ended up skimming a lot when it came to his sister's part.
The other thing I'm not happy about is that the reader is left with too many questions at the end. I like things wrapped up neatly and want to know who, what, when, and all the rest.
5 stars for the first part, 2 for the second, 2 for all the hanging bits.
Unbeknownst to each other, the young man carries on an affair with each of them.
The first part of the book is Tanay talking to him, working through his feelings, about being gay in a homophobic culture and about being betrayed by the first man he fell in love with.
The second part is Anuja telling her story through writing a diary.
I enjoyed Tanay's part immensely, Anuja's not so much.
The story is as much about the siblings and the man they fall for as it is about changing norms in Indian culture, and young people wanting to break free from tradition and their parents' expectations.
It was originally written in Marathi and the English translation is superb. At no time did I feel like I was reading a translation, no awkward sentences that would give it away.
It is a quick read and might have been 5 stars if it was only Tanay's part. That was beautifully written and I was swept into the prose. I ended up skimming a lot when it came to his sister's part.
The other thing I'm not happy about is that the reader is left with too many questions at the end. I like things wrapped up neatly and want to know who, what, when, and all the rest.
5 stars for the first part, 2 for the second, 2 for all the hanging bits.
October 24, 2018
Read the full review at Elgee Writes
Set in Pune, a tier one Indian city, Cobalt Blue revolves around siblings Tanay and Anuja and their typical middle class Maharashtrian family. Their elder brother Aseem conforms to the norms of the society in every sense.
And to make their ends meet they taken in a youthful painter whose independent, carefree attitude is almost infectious as a paying tenant. He occupies the single bed room that their grandparents had used when they were alive and still has the lingering scent of Amurtanjan, (a pain relief balm) used by them.
The book consists of two parts. The first is a second person narrative of Tanay addressing the tenant and talks about their loving relationship and how hurtful it is to live without him. And slowly the reason why the tenant is not living with them anymore is revealed.
The second part forms Anuja’s narration, set about six months after she returns home after her elopement with the tenant. Her diary entries tell us more about the events that led her to fall for the tenant, their elopement and him subsequently abandoning her.
Both Tanay and Anuja hadn’t realized that they had fallen for the same person. How their conservative family handle to the fact their young children falling for the same person and how the siblings handle their broken hearts form the rest of Cobalt Blue.
I loved the unusual story and it was not very apparent initially that the siblings loved the same person which made it more interesting. I felt connected to their family setting almost immediately. I was fascinated how seamlessly the author interwove not only the themes of homosexual and heterosexual love, but also the family’s love to their off springs despite how difficult and new it was for them.
It was quite ironical to observe who easy for the tenant and Tanay to spend hours with each other alone in their separate room and nobody questions their actions. On the other hand, Anuja has a very difficult time finding ways to talk to him, without the prying minds and questionable comments.
But when the table turned, Tanay is forced to hold his feelings for the tenant as well as his emotions to himself, while Anuja’s emotions are relatively unbridled. She suffers with depression and suicidal thoughts and her family remains supportive (comparatively) despite her rebellious actions. Yes it is a sad truth that the Indians at large are still outright homophobic (though it is mostly the elder ones), let us not even go there and the author captures the Indian mentality perfectly.
The best thing about Cobalt Blue was how the author handled the theme of homosexuality in such a matured way. Cobalt Blue is not a lot about discovering, exploring or even defending sexuality but just accepting it as is. I can’t believe this book was first published in 2006 and the author was a mere 20 year old at that time of him writing this book. I am swept away!
Bottom Line:
I totally loved this one and Cobalt Blue has definitely made more receptive
to translated works, especially from the Indian writers. I would recommend Cobalt Blue to anyone who loves a contemporary romance set in a family background and LGBTQA themes.
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Set in Pune, a tier one Indian city, Cobalt Blue revolves around siblings Tanay and Anuja and their typical middle class Maharashtrian family. Their elder brother Aseem conforms to the norms of the society in every sense.
And to make their ends meet they taken in a youthful painter whose independent, carefree attitude is almost infectious as a paying tenant. He occupies the single bed room that their grandparents had used when they were alive and still has the lingering scent of Amurtanjan, (a pain relief balm) used by them.
The book consists of two parts. The first is a second person narrative of Tanay addressing the tenant and talks about their loving relationship and how hurtful it is to live without him. And slowly the reason why the tenant is not living with them anymore is revealed.
The second part forms Anuja’s narration, set about six months after she returns home after her elopement with the tenant. Her diary entries tell us more about the events that led her to fall for the tenant, their elopement and him subsequently abandoning her.
Both Tanay and Anuja hadn’t realized that they had fallen for the same person. How their conservative family handle to the fact their young children falling for the same person and how the siblings handle their broken hearts form the rest of Cobalt Blue.
I loved the unusual story and it was not very apparent initially that the siblings loved the same person which made it more interesting. I felt connected to their family setting almost immediately. I was fascinated how seamlessly the author interwove not only the themes of homosexual and heterosexual love, but also the family’s love to their off springs despite how difficult and new it was for them.
It was quite ironical to observe who easy for the tenant and Tanay to spend hours with each other alone in their separate room and nobody questions their actions. On the other hand, Anuja has a very difficult time finding ways to talk to him, without the prying minds and questionable comments.
But when the table turned, Tanay is forced to hold his feelings for the tenant as well as his emotions to himself, while Anuja’s emotions are relatively unbridled. She suffers with depression and suicidal thoughts and her family remains supportive (comparatively) despite her rebellious actions. Yes it is a sad truth that the Indians at large are still outright homophobic (though it is mostly the elder ones), let us not even go there and the author captures the Indian mentality perfectly.
The best thing about Cobalt Blue was how the author handled the theme of homosexuality in such a matured way. Cobalt Blue is not a lot about discovering, exploring or even defending sexuality but just accepting it as is. I can’t believe this book was first published in 2006 and the author was a mere 20 year old at that time of him writing this book. I am swept away!
Bottom Line:
I totally loved this one and Cobalt Blue has definitely made more receptive
to translated works, especially from the Indian writers. I would recommend Cobalt Blue to anyone who loves a contemporary romance set in a family background and LGBTQA themes.
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July 19, 2023
Cobalt Blue is a totally unconventional book based on unrequited love told in a very fascinating manner!!
-----
Sachin Kundalkar's Cobalt Blue, translated by Jerry Pinto is a hidden gem! I loved the way it's written rapidly oscillating between past and present with glimpses of the future!
It's so unconventional, as if it's a movie. One paragraph in the past and the next one in the present. It was a bit confusing at the start especially with Tanay's repeated loops.
The book is divided in two chapters, the first being Tanay's point of view and the next in form of Anuja's diary.
Cobalt Blue depicts a raw take on life as it really is! Imperfect family busy in their life but when you look deeper, they don't seem quite bonded as it feels.
Everyone has their own agenda and somewhere everyone has to face an obstacle while on their journey towards Life! It's majorly about unrequited love between daughter and mother, between two brothers, between Anuja and Anubhav and finally between Tanay, Anuja and boy who stays in the Cobalt Blue room!
The books has a typical Maharashtrian flavour with lot's of marathi words retained in translation like Kelwan, Shengdana or Sol Kadi which are good to read and easily available to lookup.
This book has a plethora of characters, not very important characters however the main characters clearly are Tanay & Anuja who fall in love with their paying guest staying in the Cobalt Blue room.
Very boldly, Sachin has addressed extremely grave issues like Loneliness, unfair treatment, unrequited love, molestation and same Sex issues in a fairly simple manner allowing the readers to ponder over it. I loved that the book is written as naturally as it could be, showcasing highlights of a love struck girl or the thought process of a lonely man!
This book is for : Everyone! It's a very unique book with an even different style of narration however, for non-Marathi and non-Indian readers there might be a couple hurdles in form of choice of words or culture!
Fantastic book to start the year with!!
August 16, 2018
Cobalt Blue, what an exquisite conundrum of beauty are you!
I am always revved up for a prose that sweeps my whole being. How often does it happen when we don't care for our immediate surrounding, so engrossed are we in the artifices of our immense love?
Cobalt Blue is a story of two siblings whose heart adores the same person. It is a story of the need for fulfillment through relationships and how often we fail to keep close what really matters to us. Love! Be it for ourselves or for a person, thing, place or an idea. It is a poetic lamentation - of what was, what is and what would be. It is the ransacked ecstasy we so dearly call life.
Some thoughts kept repeating in this book; as if, by repeating them, they can be kept well-protected. I often think about it. Do we really surcease the importance and beauty of something [or someone] by talking about it? The convulsant thoughts, are they our allies?
This book is, hands down, one of the best reads. Praise be, Roshan Singh.
*
"I thought that it was going to be difficult, trying to live together. But then the city was getting used to difference. Heterosexual live-in relationships were permitted. And there were those who chose to live alone. Our ward's councillor was a bigamist. There was a famous brothel behind the market. There were hijras for hire at almost every traffic signal. If people weren't precisely proud of these things, at least they knew about them. So how was I any different?"
I am always revved up for a prose that sweeps my whole being. How often does it happen when we don't care for our immediate surrounding, so engrossed are we in the artifices of our immense love?
Cobalt Blue is a story of two siblings whose heart adores the same person. It is a story of the need for fulfillment through relationships and how often we fail to keep close what really matters to us. Love! Be it for ourselves or for a person, thing, place or an idea. It is a poetic lamentation - of what was, what is and what would be. It is the ransacked ecstasy we so dearly call life.
Some thoughts kept repeating in this book; as if, by repeating them, they can be kept well-protected. I often think about it. Do we really surcease the importance and beauty of something [or someone] by talking about it? The convulsant thoughts, are they our allies?
This book is, hands down, one of the best reads. Praise be, Roshan Singh.
*
"I thought that it was going to be difficult, trying to live together. But then the city was getting used to difference. Heterosexual live-in relationships were permitted. And there were those who chose to live alone. Our ward's councillor was a bigamist. There was a famous brothel behind the market. There were hijras for hire at almost every traffic signal. If people weren't precisely proud of these things, at least they knew about them. So how was I any different?"
March 5, 2017
You picked this book up because you needed something to read at the airport for three hours. Being the judgmental ass that you are, you were mildly skeptical about reading it just because it was a translation of a book written by an Indian author. You shrug and still pick it up. Between the hustle-bustle of the airport, you read around 60 pages and smile with a gentle nod of recognition having grown up in a middle-class Marathi family.
You keep reading, not realising fully well that you're now deeply invested in the lives of the Joshis. You still find the character of the seemingly mysterious painter to be mildly, but rightfully pretentious. As the book progresses, it keeps making you more and more anxious. Through a veritable smokescreen of the general humdrum of daily living, the author cleverly unfolds the idiosyncrasies and insecurities of the characters, and it only makes you acutely self-aware. You realise that all books make you self-aware. Maybe that's what they're supposed to do.
The relationship between Anuja and Tanay almost plain-kills you. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. You start thinking, and that's never recommended, really, is it? Do you really know your sibling, or anyone from your family? Will you ever really understand them? Ugh... You stop thinking, complete the book, get on with the general prosaic living and go on, trying to find the next book to read at the airport.
You decide to read the original version because why not. A man's gotta do something adventurous every once in a while.
You keep reading, not realising fully well that you're now deeply invested in the lives of the Joshis. You still find the character of the seemingly mysterious painter to be mildly, but rightfully pretentious. As the book progresses, it keeps making you more and more anxious. Through a veritable smokescreen of the general humdrum of daily living, the author cleverly unfolds the idiosyncrasies and insecurities of the characters, and it only makes you acutely self-aware. You realise that all books make you self-aware. Maybe that's what they're supposed to do.
The relationship between Anuja and Tanay almost plain-kills you. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. You start thinking, and that's never recommended, really, is it? Do you really know your sibling, or anyone from your family? Will you ever really understand them? Ugh... You stop thinking, complete the book, get on with the general prosaic living and go on, trying to find the next book to read at the airport.
You decide to read the original version because why not. A man's gotta do something adventurous every once in a while.
February 1, 2022
COBALT BLUE by Sachin Kundalkar, translated from the Marathi by Jerry Pinto, 2006/2013.
A story of love and loss / dual narrative by an adult brother and sister that both fall in love with their family's new tenet.
Tanay shares the slow burn, the ache, and the confusion of infatuation. He is lost in love, discovering himself, his art. He's heartbroken. Anuja, shares her side of the story in journal entries, healing from great loss after up-ending her whole life, and the impact on her family.
The image of dappled sunlight and a light breeze through sheer curtains returned over and over while reading this book. So atmospheric, so heart-rending. Beautifully told and translated.
A story of love and loss / dual narrative by an adult brother and sister that both fall in love with their family's new tenet.
Tanay shares the slow burn, the ache, and the confusion of infatuation. He is lost in love, discovering himself, his art. He's heartbroken. Anuja, shares her side of the story in journal entries, healing from great loss after up-ending her whole life, and the impact on her family.
The image of dappled sunlight and a light breeze through sheer curtains returned over and over while reading this book. So atmospheric, so heart-rending. Beautifully told and translated.
April 6, 2023
This is such a marvelous debut, written at the age of 22! The first book of Sachin Kundalkar, and the first translation work of Jerry Pinto.
The plot is simple and revealed in the first 5 pages - Two siblings falling in love with the same guy who lives as a paying guest in their house.
Twist - the siblings are a brother and a sister!
The book is in the form of monologues of Tanay, the brother, followed by diary entries of Anuja, the sister.
Through the lens of these two, we get to see the shades of this enigmatic person with no past and no family ties.
Highlight for me was Tanay's narration. In spite of (and because of!) multiple repetitions. His descriptions of how a person can affect you, the habits, the friendship, the nature, the routine, the agony, the company. All of it was droolworthy.
The theme delves on homosexuality, coping with love and loss, amidst basic expectations of a middle class family.
The translation is smooth and top notch. Wouldn't figure it is a translated book. Before the translator's candid note in the end divulging the intricacies and the deviations involved.
This one is a winner!
The plot is simple and revealed in the first 5 pages - Two siblings falling in love with the same guy who lives as a paying guest in their house.
Twist - the siblings are a brother and a sister!
The book is in the form of monologues of Tanay, the brother, followed by diary entries of Anuja, the sister.
Through the lens of these two, we get to see the shades of this enigmatic person with no past and no family ties.
Highlight for me was Tanay's narration. In spite of (and because of!) multiple repetitions. His descriptions of how a person can affect you, the habits, the friendship, the nature, the routine, the agony, the company. All of it was droolworthy.
The theme delves on homosexuality, coping with love and loss, amidst basic expectations of a middle class family.
The translation is smooth and top notch. Wouldn't figure it is a translated book. Before the translator's candid note in the end divulging the intricacies and the deviations involved.
This one is a winner!
May 21, 2019
A beautiful re-read 😍 this is one of the books which I would love to re-read for the rest of my life ♥️
June 12, 2021
“You began what you described as your accomplished solitude from that day. This term—accomplished solitude—struck me deeply. And it slowly began to dawn on you that you did not need people around you when you were painting or reading, when you were watching a film with deep concentration, or when you sat down to eat, chewing every mouthful and savouring every flavour. You made loneliness easy on yourself.”
Roughly divided into halves, the novel follows the infatuation of siblings with an alluring man who has come to stay at their house as a paying guest. The first section is narrated by Tanay, the second by Anuja. Both fall for him separately & the book's from the vantage point of now after he has left.
The first is linguistically inventive where lines and images repeat themselves, not following a strict sequence but the random concentric play of memories. The other is formally inventive, structured as a series of diary entries by Anuja subsequent to his disappearance. Both sections emphasize how time ceases to count whilst grieving, how the past and the present lose distinction. Neither sibling knows about the other's love/relationship with the man & while they mourn and come to terms with his departure, they both do it alone.
The book is extremely atmospheric & it expertly paints such a vivid narrative. Kundalkar's writing is sparse but brimming with deep emotions. There is so much heartbreak, so much sensitivity, so much tenderness to the text. It just worms its way inside of you and makes a home for itself. Jerry Pinto has done a great job as a translator, especially considering it's his first attempt. It will stay with me for a long, long time.
October 8, 2018
This book was recommended to me by people whose book recommendations I trust and I cannot believe I waited two months to get to it. Originally written in Marathi and translated into English by Jerry Pinto, this book is a must read for everybody. It was mesmerising. Tanay's part was beautiful and made me weep. Anuja's part, if not as beautiful as Tanay's, is a brilliant insight into her character. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Something Jerry Pinto says in the translator's note, will stick with me for a long time: 'Finally, I had to abandon the attempt to find a substitute and accept that there are some things you simply cannot communicate.' For a person like me who uses more than three languages to communicate every day, this sentence means more than one can imagine.
Something Jerry Pinto says in the translator's note, will stick with me for a long time: 'Finally, I had to abandon the attempt to find a substitute and accept that there are some things you simply cannot communicate.' For a person like me who uses more than three languages to communicate every day, this sentence means more than one can imagine.
September 9, 2016
First of all this was not at all GAY novel. Really.
This book was all about feelings.
Even after completing 70% of book, I did not like to finish it so I dumped it for months. But later when I again started reading it the book got into my skin.
This was the story of brother Tanay and Sister Anuja, both fell in love with same person. Tanay's section was okay but it was Anuja who wins the heart in the end by going through depression and later her re-discovery of self.
The translation by Jerry Pinto was FLAW-LESS.
A good book.
This book was all about feelings.
Even after completing 70% of book, I did not like to finish it so I dumped it for months. But later when I again started reading it the book got into my skin.
This was the story of brother Tanay and Sister Anuja, both fell in love with same person. Tanay's section was okay but it was Anuja who wins the heart in the end by going through depression and later her re-discovery of self.
The translation by Jerry Pinto was FLAW-LESS.
A good book.
January 11, 2021
3.5-star Review:
Cobalt Blue by Sachin Kundalkar
Cobalt Blue may be one of the rare books that steals all (most) of the stars in the supplied rating towards its evocative writing. It is simple, it is sweet, sometimes sad, but largely unique. I don't think I have come across many books that emote their main characters quite as well as the 20-year-old Kundalkar did, and here, I will take a moment to give supreme credit to Jerry Pinto's translation.
The good bits:
1. Writing: Short sentences, nothing glamorous in the name of vocabulary and complex sentences (although the use of "that XYZ happened is a given" or "that he could listen without speaking for a length of time did not surprise me" bordered on overkill) - for me, the translation struck a perfect balance between staying honest to its parent work and ensuring to do justice to a translation of a work in the English language. But most of all, it gave a unique voice to both the protagonists. Big props to both Kundalkar and Pinto for conceiving a timeless work of Indian Literature. I also liked how Pinto retained certain phrases that sounded better in Marathi in my head, for example, "Going, going!" or "when you reach XYZ place, call" or "such colours, such colours!"
2. Style of prose/storytelling: This aspect particularly intrigued me as the lines between events of the past, present, future, and in dreams were largely blurry and yet still they were distinguishable. Lately, I've been on the hunt for works with unique storytelling (The Butcher Boy was the winner last year) as a fresh alternative to the linear manner we're all used to, and this book fit the bill perfectly. Again, props to both Kundalkar and Pinto on that achievement.
3. Tanay's sexuality: I liked that Kundalkar didn't beat about the bush in this regard or inflicted his readers with the "navigating my sexuality; I'm repulsed by it to begin with but eventually realise I can't help the way I am" malarkey, he made Tanay comfortable in his own skin from the very beginning and that was refreshing to see.
4. Slice of life nuggets: I am a sucker for these. I mean, we absorb them on the regular from blogs, our parents, gossipy relatives, TV series & movies, and so on, but to encounter them in books, especially those incorporated into the character building and agency, engenders a sense of renewed awe in a bookworm like me. And all this to come from the mind of a 20-year-old is the icing on the cake. One of my favourite quotes in the book:
5. Other aspects: I liked that Tanay never blamed anyone else for his misgivings. He had a lot of questions about norms and customs established in a conservative society like ours, but I appreciate the fact that he didn't begrudge them for it; shows a sense of maturity in a young boy (though he ended up suffering for it). As for Anuja, she started out by resenting her mother (who, to be fair, did seem obnoxious at times) but grew to understand where she came from. I liked to see that journey pan out before me, although I had problems with a few of her other decisions. Finally, both chapters contributed equally to the book narrative, with no one voice overpowering the other; they were different in their own right, but poignant nonetheless. In short, the narrative didn't seem unbalanced to make me, as a reader, favour one's predicament over the other (which is often the case in dual/triple POV narratives).
Now, for the things that didn't work:
1. I couldn't fathom the allure of the stranger in the tower room, "filling the protagonists' lives in cobalt blue colours". The author does enough to make his influence and not him as the driving theme, without giving him a name or any other form of identity, although I think that did his character a disservice in that I at least needed to know what made him so attractive to his suitors. The French connection, being a young orphan, and free-spiritedness seemed like a cliché at best. From the core of his person, he came across as a vagabond with abandonment issues i.e., steered clear of human commitments for the fear of being left alone. Why Anuja eloped with him was never explained, contributing to a major dent in the ratings.
2. While Tanay and Anuja's narratives ran in parallel for the most part (with the one-off intersections), I would have liked for them to talk through their grievances more openly with each other. Especially when Anuja was aware of the lengths of time Tanay spent with the paying guest in the tower room, I was expecting a showdown towards the end but was let down on that front.
3. It was a bit of a suspect how Tanay's parents were so oblivious to the happenings in his life (or his sexuality). This is particularly unbelievable in case of Indian parents, conservative Marathi parents at that, who like to insert themselves into their children's lives unannounced. This was a big source of vexation for me, how the parents badgered the life out of their daughter for the big decision that changed her life forever, but didn't once question the dark circles under their son's eyes or look of melancholy/blankness plastered across his face all the time? Even Anuja for that matter, she came across as self-absorbed (maybe rightly so) in such instances. This had the potential to be a talking point in the way Indian families discriminate in the upbringing of boys and girls. In short, the family dynamics were all over the place to piece them into a cohesive unit and I felt like that should have played a big part in the mains' healing process.
All in all, it was a fulfilling read but not a perfect one.
Cobalt Blue by Sachin Kundalkar
Cobalt Blue may be one of the rare books that steals all (most) of the stars in the supplied rating towards its evocative writing. It is simple, it is sweet, sometimes sad, but largely unique. I don't think I have come across many books that emote their main characters quite as well as the 20-year-old Kundalkar did, and here, I will take a moment to give supreme credit to Jerry Pinto's translation.
The good bits:
1. Writing: Short sentences, nothing glamorous in the name of vocabulary and complex sentences (although the use of "that XYZ happened is a given" or "that he could listen without speaking for a length of time did not surprise me" bordered on overkill) - for me, the translation struck a perfect balance between staying honest to its parent work and ensuring to do justice to a translation of a work in the English language. But most of all, it gave a unique voice to both the protagonists. Big props to both Kundalkar and Pinto for conceiving a timeless work of Indian Literature. I also liked how Pinto retained certain phrases that sounded better in Marathi in my head, for example, "Going, going!" or "when you reach XYZ place, call" or "such colours, such colours!"
2. Style of prose/storytelling: This aspect particularly intrigued me as the lines between events of the past, present, future, and in dreams were largely blurry and yet still they were distinguishable. Lately, I've been on the hunt for works with unique storytelling (The Butcher Boy was the winner last year) as a fresh alternative to the linear manner we're all used to, and this book fit the bill perfectly. Again, props to both Kundalkar and Pinto on that achievement.
3. Tanay's sexuality: I liked that Kundalkar didn't beat about the bush in this regard or inflicted his readers with the "navigating my sexuality; I'm repulsed by it to begin with but eventually realise I can't help the way I am" malarkey, he made Tanay comfortable in his own skin from the very beginning and that was refreshing to see.
I took my clothes out of the cupboard and looked at myself in the mirror. I dropped my wet towel. That I was different was nowhere apparent.
4. Slice of life nuggets: I am a sucker for these. I mean, we absorb them on the regular from blogs, our parents, gossipy relatives, TV series & movies, and so on, but to encounter them in books, especially those incorporated into the character building and agency, engenders a sense of renewed awe in a bookworm like me. And all this to come from the mind of a 20-year-old is the icing on the cake. One of my favourite quotes in the book:
I've only just understood what Maushi used to say to me. That we are a transitional generation and that gave us several advantages. We had been given the freedom to choose how we want to live and behave. We were lucky to have parents who felt blessed in having children and were willing to take all the responsibilities that came with it. And so our sense of freedom is only a rehearsal. The next generation will have to pay the price."
5. Other aspects: I liked that Tanay never blamed anyone else for his misgivings. He had a lot of questions about norms and customs established in a conservative society like ours, but I appreciate the fact that he didn't begrudge them for it; shows a sense of maturity in a young boy (though he ended up suffering for it). As for Anuja, she started out by resenting her mother (who, to be fair, did seem obnoxious at times) but grew to understand where she came from. I liked to see that journey pan out before me, although I had problems with a few of her other decisions. Finally, both chapters contributed equally to the book narrative, with no one voice overpowering the other; they were different in their own right, but poignant nonetheless. In short, the narrative didn't seem unbalanced to make me, as a reader, favour one's predicament over the other (which is often the case in dual/triple POV narratives).
Now, for the things that didn't work:
1. I couldn't fathom the allure of the stranger in the tower room, "filling the protagonists' lives in cobalt blue colours". The author does enough to make his influence and not him as the driving theme, without giving him a name or any other form of identity, although I think that did his character a disservice in that I at least needed to know what made him so attractive to his suitors. The French connection, being a young orphan, and free-spiritedness seemed like a cliché at best. From the core of his person, he came across as a vagabond with abandonment issues i.e., steered clear of human commitments for the fear of being left alone. Why Anuja eloped with him was never explained, contributing to a major dent in the ratings.
2. While Tanay and Anuja's narratives ran in parallel for the most part (with the one-off intersections), I would have liked for them to talk through their grievances more openly with each other. Especially when Anuja was aware of the lengths of time Tanay spent with the paying guest in the tower room, I was expecting a showdown towards the end but was let down on that front.
3. It was a bit of a suspect how Tanay's parents were so oblivious to the happenings in his life (or his sexuality). This is particularly unbelievable in case of Indian parents, conservative Marathi parents at that, who like to insert themselves into their children's lives unannounced. This was a big source of vexation for me, how the parents badgered the life out of their daughter for the big decision that changed her life forever, but didn't once question the dark circles under their son's eyes or look of melancholy/blankness plastered across his face all the time? Even Anuja for that matter, she came across as self-absorbed (maybe rightly so) in such instances. This had the potential to be a talking point in the way Indian families discriminate in the upbringing of boys and girls. In short, the family dynamics were all over the place to piece them into a cohesive unit and I felt like that should have played a big part in the mains' healing process.
All in all, it was a fulfilling read but not a perfect one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
I won't write what's the story's about, it would be evident from the summary, which one can easily look up. Let's talk about the impact it had on me.
This book made me realize that certain memories can be associated with colours ( I fall into the category of people who connect memories with their olfactory senses ), and now I can't stop thinking about what color I would assign for a particular snippet of the flashback- that has been my life so far.
It's written so simply, yet it delivers in volumes. That's the beauty of Indian writing, it can be simple yet complex at the same time, much like the country.
I am kind of upset, that this book hadn't been on my radar before.
Isn't it interesting, how one can immediately connect with certain characters, who are not even real, they are a figment of the author's imagination, but also inspired by people he or she has observed. So it might just be possible that there's someone like that person out there in the real world.
The second part which is written in the form of a journal is what made me love this book so much. Anuja's character developed realistically, the awareness and acceptance did not happen overnight, which is the case in some works, which seems forced.
This book gave me hope.
I did something meaningful today- I learnt from Anuja to put myself first, to exist, to be alive.
" I have to do something for myself, of myself, and I have to live the way I want to live. Whatever it takes"
This book made me realize that certain memories can be associated with colours ( I fall into the category of people who connect memories with their olfactory senses ), and now I can't stop thinking about what color I would assign for a particular snippet of the flashback- that has been my life so far.
It's written so simply, yet it delivers in volumes. That's the beauty of Indian writing, it can be simple yet complex at the same time, much like the country.
I am kind of upset, that this book hadn't been on my radar before.
Isn't it interesting, how one can immediately connect with certain characters, who are not even real, they are a figment of the author's imagination, but also inspired by people he or she has observed. So it might just be possible that there's someone like that person out there in the real world.
The second part which is written in the form of a journal is what made me love this book so much. Anuja's character developed realistically, the awareness and acceptance did not happen overnight, which is the case in some works, which seems forced.
This book gave me hope.
I did something meaningful today- I learnt from Anuja to put myself first, to exist, to be alive.
" I have to do something for myself, of myself, and I have to live the way I want to live. Whatever it takes"
March 14, 2023
Few days earlier some stupid reporter of a renowned daily wrote an article about "Why you shouldn’t fall for the artsy people!" On some level I think Cobalt Blue was going for the same debate but fortunately saved to an extent by the accurate and poignant depiction of social stigmas in form of Sexism, Caste system and the deeply rooted hypocracy engraved in middle class family, rendering the most real, relatable characters .
[REVIEW TO COME. HOPEFULLY BEFORE THE ADAPTATION DROPS BY ]
[REVIEW TO COME. HOPEFULLY BEFORE THE ADAPTATION DROPS BY ]
August 18, 2014
I came across
this review
of author Sachin Kundalkar's Cobalt Blue when I was searching for some absurdity-themed Marathi novels, and I was completely intrigued by the sound of it. Cobalt Blue may not have anything to do with absurdity, but it sounded so good to me. For quite some time now, I had my eye on the book, and I was excited to pick up and read the English edition of the Marathi novel translated by Jerry Pinto. Even though it's my mother-tongue, I am not the most comfortable reading in Marathi, and this book has really made me want to step out of my langue comfort zone and read the original. Somewhere, when I came across Cobalt Blue, I knew that the book would be amazing, and I can proudly say that it was just that- simply and purely amazing. There are many aspects of this book that can be contemplated over deeply and discussed thoroughly, but that would be lengthy and time consuming, so I will just write about its amazingness, taking into consideration the points I feel are the most important.
What I loved the most about Cobalt Blue- and I'm being biased here- is that it's set in my very own, lovely and incredible city of Pune where there is a peaceful and easy coexistence of tradition and modernity. I loved exploring my own city through the book, and was astounded when a shop that belongs to a family friend was mentioned. The story takes place in a simple Maharashtrian family of two brothers Aseem and Tanay, a sister Anuja and their parents. Whilst here, I would like to stress on Jerry Pinto's retention (of which he speaks in the Translator's Note) of some Marathi terms that can be translated, but sound more authentic and convincing when used the way they are. I, for one, found it very normal and nice. The Joshi family open up a room in their house for a paying guest. That's when the person whose name we do not get to know until the very end (what admiration I have for Mr. Kuldarkar), but who plays the most significant role in the story, comes into the lives of Tanay and Anuja, who are fascinated by the carefree, dashing, independent and quirky personality of their paying guest.
The first half of Cobalt Blue is a second person naration where Tanay directly addresses the paying guest, while the second half of the book is from Anuja's point of view where she narrates her journey with the paying guest. That brings me to another thing that I loved about the book, and that is the simultaneity of a heterosexual and a homosexual relationship. Although the two relationships are the focus of the book, sometimes, it seemed to me like the story was more about the Joshi family, wherein everyone knows one another, but no one really understands each other. It's so good that I can't even describe how well everything is done. That aside though, Cobalt Blue is not about discovering, accepting or exploring sexuality, it's about embracing it. In a very conscious and subtle way, the author keeps the family on one side entirely and the two love struck siblings on another side. The consequences of both the relationships are devastating and let me get one thing straight- I had been waiting to read a book like this for so long. A book where things left unsaid, remain unsaid. A book where things left undone, remain undone. It was astounding and so very amazing.
There is something so intriguing and mysterious about Cobalt Blue that I wanted to read it so bad and once I began reading it, I didn't want it to end. But honestly, like I said before, I was waiting for a book like this and I'm more than glad I finally stumbled upon it. Seriously, Cobalt Blue has proved to me that Marathi literature is so precious and there are so many gems to be discovered. On a purely personal level, I don't like to shout out about the books that I loved and find special. But something about Cobalt Blue makes me want to take up the job of letting people know about its beauty and just thrusting the book (even if it's my very own and henceforth treasured copy) in their hands just so they know how beautiful it is. The story is amazing. The writing is amazing. The translation is amazing. The book is simply amazing.
What I loved the most about Cobalt Blue- and I'm being biased here- is that it's set in my very own, lovely and incredible city of Pune where there is a peaceful and easy coexistence of tradition and modernity. I loved exploring my own city through the book, and was astounded when a shop that belongs to a family friend was mentioned. The story takes place in a simple Maharashtrian family of two brothers Aseem and Tanay, a sister Anuja and their parents. Whilst here, I would like to stress on Jerry Pinto's retention (of which he speaks in the Translator's Note) of some Marathi terms that can be translated, but sound more authentic and convincing when used the way they are. I, for one, found it very normal and nice. The Joshi family open up a room in their house for a paying guest. That's when the person whose name we do not get to know until the very end (what admiration I have for Mr. Kuldarkar), but who plays the most significant role in the story, comes into the lives of Tanay and Anuja, who are fascinated by the carefree, dashing, independent and quirky personality of their paying guest.
The first half of Cobalt Blue is a second person naration where Tanay directly addresses the paying guest, while the second half of the book is from Anuja's point of view where she narrates her journey with the paying guest. That brings me to another thing that I loved about the book, and that is the simultaneity of a heterosexual and a homosexual relationship. Although the two relationships are the focus of the book, sometimes, it seemed to me like the story was more about the Joshi family, wherein everyone knows one another, but no one really understands each other. It's so good that I can't even describe how well everything is done. That aside though, Cobalt Blue is not about discovering, accepting or exploring sexuality, it's about embracing it. In a very conscious and subtle way, the author keeps the family on one side entirely and the two love struck siblings on another side. The consequences of both the relationships are devastating and let me get one thing straight- I had been waiting to read a book like this for so long. A book where things left unsaid, remain unsaid. A book where things left undone, remain undone. It was astounding and so very amazing.
There is something so intriguing and mysterious about Cobalt Blue that I wanted to read it so bad and once I began reading it, I didn't want it to end. But honestly, like I said before, I was waiting for a book like this and I'm more than glad I finally stumbled upon it. Seriously, Cobalt Blue has proved to me that Marathi literature is so precious and there are so many gems to be discovered. On a purely personal level, I don't like to shout out about the books that I loved and find special. But something about Cobalt Blue makes me want to take up the job of letting people know about its beauty and just thrusting the book (even if it's my very own and henceforth treasured copy) in their hands just so they know how beautiful it is. The story is amazing. The writing is amazing. The translation is amazing. The book is simply amazing.
July 29, 2016
"Yesterday, when a cobalt blue smudge of the wall ended up on my hand, I wiped it on my trousers without thinking.."
Translated by Jerry Pinto, Sachin Kundalkar's Cobalt Blue is a story that makes the reader explore the complexity of family, society, and sexuality through a love triangle. A gripping tale, Cobalt Blue was referred to me by a friend who loves Marathi literature like anything.
The Joshis found the perfect paying guest, who has rent readily available, is decent enough, lends a hand from time to time and can listen to the banter of Mrs. Joshi over the declining culture of society very patiently. A mysterious man, without a family history and no last name, he doesn't even have any plans for his future. The only thing he lives and breathes is painting. Siblings Tanay and Anuja are smitten by him, turning their lives upside down. And then a day comes when he vanishes, just like that. Sounds simple and straight, don't think like that. And that is the commendable beauty of Kundalkar's creativity. A simple yet straight story with so many emotions, that you will be entrapped in the magic of this amazing writer.
Spinning a homosexual and a heterosexual relationship into one, Cobalt Blue is divided into two narratives. Both the narratives are monologues by Tanay and Anuja, sharing their deep thoughts about the man who came and lived with them, changed their lives but at the end, was a complete stranger only. Tanay, who was in love with him, is left in a deep shock when he realized that he has eloped with his sister Anuja. He shares the story of how he met him, how everything changed and then how one day he vanished, leaving him heartbroken. He cannot share his ordeal with his family and cannot explain to himself also how to overcome the grief.
After a few days, Anuja returns home without him. And that's the second narrative. Anuja is now under depression, fighting with her life to make sense of outcome of such deep love that she had for him. She starts writing a diary, sharing details with readers as to how she met him, what made her leave with him so suddenly and then how he again abandoned her. And at the end, a magical pull engulfs you.
The best thing about Cobalt Blue is the simplicity of the story. Siblings living under the same roof, so close to one person and yet so unaware of each other's feeling towards him. Tanay and Anuja both had no idea that they were falling for the same man, that the same man will first destroy them and then like a Phoenix, they will rise again. Another striking beauty is that even when the story is simple, it keeps you engaged. Until the end, Kundalkar had made sure that the reader is hooked. Never a moment came for me when I wanted to keep the book down.
A radical element introduced into a set cultural family, the tenant acted like that for Joshi's. In their set cultural norms, he introduced music and painting, eating at Irani restaurants and a breath of fresh air. "He might have been born the day when he came to live with us", shares Anuja, as he had no family history and no last name.
All in all, Cobalt Blue is a story that will leave you mesmerized and asking for more.
Translated by Jerry Pinto, Sachin Kundalkar's Cobalt Blue is a story that makes the reader explore the complexity of family, society, and sexuality through a love triangle. A gripping tale, Cobalt Blue was referred to me by a friend who loves Marathi literature like anything.
The Joshis found the perfect paying guest, who has rent readily available, is decent enough, lends a hand from time to time and can listen to the banter of Mrs. Joshi over the declining culture of society very patiently. A mysterious man, without a family history and no last name, he doesn't even have any plans for his future. The only thing he lives and breathes is painting. Siblings Tanay and Anuja are smitten by him, turning their lives upside down. And then a day comes when he vanishes, just like that. Sounds simple and straight, don't think like that. And that is the commendable beauty of Kundalkar's creativity. A simple yet straight story with so many emotions, that you will be entrapped in the magic of this amazing writer.
Spinning a homosexual and a heterosexual relationship into one, Cobalt Blue is divided into two narratives. Both the narratives are monologues by Tanay and Anuja, sharing their deep thoughts about the man who came and lived with them, changed their lives but at the end, was a complete stranger only. Tanay, who was in love with him, is left in a deep shock when he realized that he has eloped with his sister Anuja. He shares the story of how he met him, how everything changed and then how one day he vanished, leaving him heartbroken. He cannot share his ordeal with his family and cannot explain to himself also how to overcome the grief.
After a few days, Anuja returns home without him. And that's the second narrative. Anuja is now under depression, fighting with her life to make sense of outcome of such deep love that she had for him. She starts writing a diary, sharing details with readers as to how she met him, what made her leave with him so suddenly and then how he again abandoned her. And at the end, a magical pull engulfs you.
The best thing about Cobalt Blue is the simplicity of the story. Siblings living under the same roof, so close to one person and yet so unaware of each other's feeling towards him. Tanay and Anuja both had no idea that they were falling for the same man, that the same man will first destroy them and then like a Phoenix, they will rise again. Another striking beauty is that even when the story is simple, it keeps you engaged. Until the end, Kundalkar had made sure that the reader is hooked. Never a moment came for me when I wanted to keep the book down.
A radical element introduced into a set cultural family, the tenant acted like that for Joshi's. In their set cultural norms, he introduced music and painting, eating at Irani restaurants and a breath of fresh air. "He might have been born the day when he came to live with us", shares Anuja, as he had no family history and no last name.
All in all, Cobalt Blue is a story that will leave you mesmerized and asking for more.
May 13, 2020
Cobalt Blue, by Sachin Kundalkar, was a tender and sad portrayal of lost love from the perspectives of Tanay and Anuja, siblings who fell in love with the same man. The simple lifestyle and pleasures of their Marathi household are so vividly written that I would have settled for reading just their daily routines. Instead, it is a bittersweet treat in the form of the transformation of these two lives.
Tanay’s perspective was touching and honest. The recollections were displayed with such unwavering attention and care that I would feel myself go still. There were squirreled away observations of his former friend, warm and worn down with obvious revisits. The prose was gentle and evocative, almost like reading poetry or a letter that is never going to be sent. Although there was an undertow of the inevitability of loss, it was presented with such tenderness that I was just glad to be along for the ride (or the remembrance of it.)
Maybe because of this same inevitability, I felt a lack of tension throughout the story- I didn't even have any desire to ask for more than what was provided. I was content with the way things were brought about (even when Tanay and Anuja would’ve healed sooo much quicker if they just, like, talked??)
Everyone in this story kept going away, or at least changing or moving or transitioning. Ironically, this state of flux was only absent in the scenes where our MVP, the ultimate wanderer-gatherer, the serial heartbreaker who shall remain nameless, was present. The sense of wonder and truth he evoked in the siblings was evident in the way the siblings recounted their times with him, and also in the text itself. The stoic and unrelenting reality of psychiatric appointments, jobs in Mumbai, marriage arrangements- all this pounding away of the real world seemed unreal and unnecessary: their true lives revolved around Mr.McDreamy. The language relaxed and expanded in a dreamy, romantic way whenever he was around. It became tight and too quick in their present day scenarios.
I was glad to be transported, if only for a couple afternoons, to a place much quieter than my mind. It’s wonderful to read about people who have done braver and more hopeful things than your own self, even if they happen to be fictional. I'll be on the lookout for more of this charming sort.
Tanay’s perspective was touching and honest. The recollections were displayed with such unwavering attention and care that I would feel myself go still. There were squirreled away observations of his former friend, warm and worn down with obvious revisits. The prose was gentle and evocative, almost like reading poetry or a letter that is never going to be sent. Although there was an undertow of the inevitability of loss, it was presented with such tenderness that I was just glad to be along for the ride (or the remembrance of it.)
Maybe because of this same inevitability, I felt a lack of tension throughout the story- I didn't even have any desire to ask for more than what was provided. I was content with the way things were brought about (even when Tanay and Anuja would’ve healed sooo much quicker if they just, like, talked??)
Everyone in this story kept going away, or at least changing or moving or transitioning. Ironically, this state of flux was only absent in the scenes where our MVP, the ultimate wanderer-gatherer, the serial heartbreaker who shall remain nameless, was present. The sense of wonder and truth he evoked in the siblings was evident in the way the siblings recounted their times with him, and also in the text itself. The stoic and unrelenting reality of psychiatric appointments, jobs in Mumbai, marriage arrangements- all this pounding away of the real world seemed unreal and unnecessary: their true lives revolved around Mr.McDreamy. The language relaxed and expanded in a dreamy, romantic way whenever he was around. It became tight and too quick in their present day scenarios.
I was glad to be transported, if only for a couple afternoons, to a place much quieter than my mind. It’s wonderful to read about people who have done braver and more hopeful things than your own self, even if they happen to be fictional. I'll be on the lookout for more of this charming sort.
July 29, 2019
My review on my recent read "Cobalt Blue" by Sachin Kundalkar. The novel was originally written and published in Marathi but later translated into English by Jerry Pinto.
I first heard about this novel a couple of weeks back and just by reading the summary of the plot alone made me go and buy the book. Cobalt Blue is a mesmerizing tale of a teenage brother (Tanay) and sister (Anuja) duo belonging to a Marathi middle class family and who both, unknown to each other, fall in love with the same person, an unnamed young paying guest staying with the family. The story is told from both the perspectives of Tanay and Anuja as they deal with love and heart break. Tanay speaks of how his relationship with the guest develops and I am so reminded of the movie "Call me by your name" which also portrays love between two men(I take liberty between men and boys here) in the most beautiful of ways. While this relationship doesn't reach to the levels of Elio and Oliver but there is similarity in the premise. A further comparison would be injustice to both the movie, one of my best ones of all time and the book which heads to a different direction when Anuja runs off with the paying guest leaving Tanay heart broken. This is half the story told as Anuja then writes about her past and present, six months after running away from home, when she comes back all alone.
The plot is simple and straightforward here but it is how the author weaves magic with his words which leaves me reeling from all the emotions. This is a beautiful novel and one which is going to stay with me for a long, long time. If in case you do read this book, remember that the author was all of 20 years when he wrote this one and that the translation is exquisitely done by Jerry Pinto. Recommended.
I first heard about this novel a couple of weeks back and just by reading the summary of the plot alone made me go and buy the book. Cobalt Blue is a mesmerizing tale of a teenage brother (Tanay) and sister (Anuja) duo belonging to a Marathi middle class family and who both, unknown to each other, fall in love with the same person, an unnamed young paying guest staying with the family. The story is told from both the perspectives of Tanay and Anuja as they deal with love and heart break. Tanay speaks of how his relationship with the guest develops and I am so reminded of the movie "Call me by your name" which also portrays love between two men(I take liberty between men and boys here) in the most beautiful of ways. While this relationship doesn't reach to the levels of Elio and Oliver but there is similarity in the premise. A further comparison would be injustice to both the movie, one of my best ones of all time and the book which heads to a different direction when Anuja runs off with the paying guest leaving Tanay heart broken. This is half the story told as Anuja then writes about her past and present, six months after running away from home, when she comes back all alone.
The plot is simple and straightforward here but it is how the author weaves magic with his words which leaves me reeling from all the emotions. This is a beautiful novel and one which is going to stay with me for a long, long time. If in case you do read this book, remember that the author was all of 20 years when he wrote this one and that the translation is exquisitely done by Jerry Pinto. Recommended.
June 2, 2015
Though Cobalt Blue is a quick read, while reading it a thought struck me that why am I reading this account of this brother & sister duo who fell for the same man and were left heartbroken. I kept the book down looking at the cup of cold black coffee. I mean it's not like I haven't read any other great account on exploration of different sexualities. Other than this C.B was a simple lamentations over 'spilled milk'. Amidst all such questions subconsciously, I started a side research on the book, which I had done millions of times before. When at once I stumbled upon a quote from the author's interview. He said something like, after twelve years of this book's release he believes that the siblings can actually be interpreted as one man's masculine & feminine sides. This intrigued me so much that I again picked up the book and started reading it with a new perspective, which was something missing atleast for me in the beginning. While reading it I burst through many sensations and my multi-gendered emotions flickered simultaneously. The simplicity of the story overpowered me and the conservatism of the book frightened me to the core. I was in total awe of C.B boldness and it's silenced parts gripped me the most. Moreover the friend who lent me the book had told me that the author had written this book at the age of twenty. This amused me even more when I found the magnitude of simplicity this book possesses. I could feel everything while reading cobalt blue and that's a good book's wont I believe. After finishing, I kept the book down and found my hands were smudged with 'Cobalt Blue' colour which I wiped off onto my soul.
February 9, 2021
I didn't expect much going into this one but I really liked it. I rarely read books on themes of love and have never read one told through LGBT perspective. The novel is brilliant in its description of love, longing and the mundane concerns of a middle class Indian family. The structure is interesting as well, where the first half is told through the brother's perspective and the later half from the sister's as they describe the man whose sudden disappearance from their lives turns their lives up side down.
"Perhaps what really matters is the intensity of the time you spend together rather than the length of it."
"Perhaps what really matters is the intensity of the time you spend together rather than the length of it."
October 4, 2025
This is a brilliantly layered narrative, catalysed, on the face of it, by the incontrovertible heartbreaks suffered by two siblings – brother and sister – who have loved and lost the same man. But it is also a revealing portrait of middle-class Marathi life, offering a peek into the minds of a now-grown-up but once young generation of Indians that also struggled to break out of a set of shackling social traditions: in both cases, these are gendered, sexed, and complicated by a hierarchical and repressive sense of family. The beloved – a paying guest with no family, no class, and no burden of place or belonging – is meanwhile only a foil for the two narrators' condition; our understanding of him is as an object of their respective desire. Underlying their oftentimes clichéd interpretation of love here (they are adolescents after all) is a desire for freedom self-expression and exploring their own path. The way this desire develops and is understood makes reading Cobalt Blue worth the while. Jerry Pinto's English translation retains the colloquiallisms of the original marathi, but is occassionally a bit belaboured.
December 26, 2021
“The things we loved: strong coffee, Matisse, Rumi, summer rain, bathing together, Tom Hanks, rice pancakes, Cafe Sunrise, black-and-white photographs, the first quiet moments after you wake up in the morning.”
Sachin Kundalkar’s “Cobalt Blue” explores relationship dynamics when a guest comes to stay. Siblings Tanay and Anuja both fall in love with the young man who rents the room upstairs in their house forming a bizarre love triangle with either of them unaware of the other’s feelings.
Kundalkar spins many threads with the arrival of the unnamed renter as an anchor. The changes that each sibling goes through and the effects on their friends and families are profound and far-reaching.
The equation that each of them share is very different. While Tanay adores and looks up to the guest, Anuja shares a comfortable space where she feels accepted as she is. Tanay considers the guest as a person he wants to aspire to being, making him “aware of the mediocrity, the ordinariness of (his) secure and comfortable life.”
Anuja, on the other hand, “realized he was different. And that (she) liked him.” She was as different as him with her rebellious nature, a square peg in her family circle. “He had made no demands of his own. He claimed no rights over me. He had never forced me do anything I didn’t want.”
Now comes my very unpopular opinion – I wasn’t entirely impressed! Cobalt Blue has its spare prose and atmospheric descriptions. Kundalkar can definitely paint images that linger in your mind. He also gives us sharp glimpses into Maharashtrian culture and traditions. These, I really enjoyed.
But I felt a disconnect throughout the book. It’s divided into two parts, one each for Tanay and Anuja. I liked Tanay’s narration and there were some parts I could relate to. Anuja completely lost me. I couldn’t relate to her nor could I relate to the situations she was in. While I understand the air of mystery about the guest, I wish he was a little more defined. To me he is like a blank canvas on to which Tanay and Anuja paint their own feelings and draw their own conclusions. He doesn’t have a voice literally and figuratively.
I almost feel disappointed at my disappointment in not entirely liking this book because I expected much more. But there it is. Mixed bag for me.
Sachin Kundalkar’s “Cobalt Blue” explores relationship dynamics when a guest comes to stay. Siblings Tanay and Anuja both fall in love with the young man who rents the room upstairs in their house forming a bizarre love triangle with either of them unaware of the other’s feelings.
Kundalkar spins many threads with the arrival of the unnamed renter as an anchor. The changes that each sibling goes through and the effects on their friends and families are profound and far-reaching.
The equation that each of them share is very different. While Tanay adores and looks up to the guest, Anuja shares a comfortable space where she feels accepted as she is. Tanay considers the guest as a person he wants to aspire to being, making him “aware of the mediocrity, the ordinariness of (his) secure and comfortable life.”
Anuja, on the other hand, “realized he was different. And that (she) liked him.” She was as different as him with her rebellious nature, a square peg in her family circle. “He had made no demands of his own. He claimed no rights over me. He had never forced me do anything I didn’t want.”
Now comes my very unpopular opinion – I wasn’t entirely impressed! Cobalt Blue has its spare prose and atmospheric descriptions. Kundalkar can definitely paint images that linger in your mind. He also gives us sharp glimpses into Maharashtrian culture and traditions. These, I really enjoyed.
But I felt a disconnect throughout the book. It’s divided into two parts, one each for Tanay and Anuja. I liked Tanay’s narration and there were some parts I could relate to. Anuja completely lost me. I couldn’t relate to her nor could I relate to the situations she was in. While I understand the air of mystery about the guest, I wish he was a little more defined. To me he is like a blank canvas on to which Tanay and Anuja paint their own feelings and draw their own conclusions. He doesn’t have a voice literally and figuratively.
I almost feel disappointed at my disappointment in not entirely liking this book because I expected much more. But there it is. Mixed bag for me.
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