I was an introvert and friendless - traits of a recluse reader. The supplementary reader for my 8th clas was 'The Great Expectations' - an abridged version. The book enraptured and enlightened. That was the only book I read that year. I wanted to read more of such books. I had to wait for a year.
Class 9: Thanks to a bout of jaundice. My treatement was in Tuni under the aegis of my grandmother. I was restricted to home and not allowed to sleep during afternoons - some superstition. My ever caring, ever watching, ever concerned grandma kept a strict watch.
Serendipity! I found a tattered copy of 'Of the Human Bondage' in the abandoned cardboard box. Most classics don't open up to a pre-adolescent. I gave up on the book thrice. Two pages and that's about it. I despaired. I would have binned the book, if I had other activities to keep me occupied. I persisted. First three pages took me two hours. Rare moments of patience! And my life is never same after that.
The book is about portraits! Not characters. Ms.Wilkinson, Mildred, Sally. What shades! In a way they capture the depth of femininity. Wilkinson - despondent, desperate; Mildred - bitchy, selfish, time server and an ingrate. Sally - innocent, responsible, loving and strong.
Philip Carey is the protagonist. Born with a club foot, he stands for an under dog. He makes up for the physical deformity, with his petulance, scathing temper and sarcasm. Indecisive of his prospects, Philip takes up various careers, only to give them up later. Deep inside he yearns for love. He can't welcome it. In the process of discovering his true self, Philip had tough out poverty and perfidy. Finally he ends up with a girl who loves him.
I'm an infracaniophile. Of Human Bondage champions the cause of an underdog. It captures: the pain of being nobody; the despairing urge to be loved; the beauty of love; the power of hope; the value of persistence; the importance of reciprocating love.
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