Ghachar Ghochar: Book review

Book review

Title: Ghachar Ghochar
Author: Vivek Shanbhag
Genre: Translation (Kannada)

It's not we who control money, its money that controls us.’ A powerful line from the book pretty much sums up the nemesis of the plot.

Set in Bangalore, Ghachar Ghochar is a rags to riches story of a family and the affect of affluence on them. It’s narrated in first person voice of a young man who remains nameless. He lives with his family comprising of his parents, uncle and sister.  Their cramped house infested by ants is located in a lower middle class neighborhood.

A fortune through his uncle's spice business compels them to move to a bigger house in a sophisticated locality. This sudden acquisition of wealth transforms the entire dynamics and change in values that results in discords and tension.

The author has a great eye for detail. His observations are clearly evident in his vivid portrayal of the houses and the behavior of ants. He captures the various smells and scents  across the story. The book showcases a certain section of the society that is unable to handle success. The complicated dynamics and hierarchy between the family members is well depicted.

Its interesting to note how money is carved to be the main character albeit in a subtle manner. Ghachar Ghochar leaves the readers with an unsettling feeling. Especially with its reference to to societal crimes, violent marital discords and the power play of wealth.

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