Cobalt Blue : Book Review


Title: Cobalt Blue
Author: Sachin Kundalkar
Translated by Jerry Pinto
Genre: Translation (Marathi) 


There are many gems in regional literature that capture some intriguing and powerful themes. Cobalt Blue is one such book. Its the story about a brother and sister who end up falling for their tenant. 

Tanay and Anuja are fascinated by the tenant who takes up lodging in their family home in Pune. He is an artist and quite mysterious with no friends or family to speak of. Things take a drastic turn when Anuja runs away with their tenant. 

The first half of the book is written from the perspective of Tanay addressing the tenant who is nameless in the book. While the second half of the book from Anuja's perspective reads more as a journal entry. There is an underlying sense of betrayal and disappointment in the narrative tones.  The author manages to capture the myriad of emotions and moods along with the vivid descriptions of a Maharashtrian household. 

Cobalt Blue is a sensitive portrayal of 2 individuals who are trying to come to terms with their identity. It touches upon the themes of homosexuality, loneliness and mental health issues. In a way its also sort of a coming of age story.  It imparts a vital lesson of accepting yourself, overcoming setbacks and starting life all over again. A brilliant. and thought provoking read which leaves you with a mixed bag of emotions. 

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