Not Their Lives: A Novel

If the business of all serious literatures is the criticism of life, guided by the laws of poetic truth and poetic beauty, then P.C.K. Prem eminently qualifies to be hailed as one, who seriously tries to delve into the web of human relationships with almost Lawrentian intensity. Throughout in the narrative, one encounters the currents and cross-currents which inevitably surface when certain relationships come under the close scrutiny of a sensitive writer like P.C.K. Prem. One is simply impressed with his Swiftian perceptions into human nature, where at times, it appears that the things are beyond redemption. But he is too shrewed a writer to be swayed by social, political and moral anarchy that he finds present all around. He manages the narrative to go on its own strength with surprising rapidity seeking its life and sustenance from its own tensions and architectonic build-up and thus, he is able to recreate and reaffirm the basic goodness in human beings which would ever triumph, the temporary setbacks notwithstanding. To manage a novel on such a subject and content with colour and life and all pervading sarcasm, is indeed a remarkable achievement. P.C.K. Prem not only finely knits together different strands but also "goes back and back" in the past of characters to build a mighty structure, to put a girdle round the world. He is, however, at his best in crisp dialogues, meaningful descriptions and insightful observations. Every detail or remark adds to the telling of the story or unravelling some facets of characters.