The filling in of the blank slate of one man’s life against larger historical events is not particularly novel ground. But, in narrating the story of Jadunath Kunwar against the backdrop of pre-independence India, Kumar paints a moving portrait of an Everyman who lived in the shadow of sweeping historical events. The story, written almost in documentary form, traces the lives of Jadu and his daughter, Jugnu, while exploring the roles of caste and religion in the most nuanced ways. It’s deeply moving that Jadu, a student of history, situates his life squarely within its expansive frame. A surefire winner!
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