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A country in words
Belbase expands these characters, portraying them not as mere individual instances or lone stories, but as universal patterns that are present in Nepal and unless something is done, will continue to perpetuate.
by ROMA ARYAL
| FROM ISSUE # 159 (March 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
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Mero Nepal is our society in microcosm. Each short story unflinchingly describes a country in transition, at war, in fear and in chaos. Subhadra Belbase's tales are woven with the thoroughness of a journalist and the gentleness of someone who has cared to listen to the problems that are deeply set in our social fabric, pain that has been passed down like family heirlooms and problems that have been carved afresh in political and economic turmoil. Belbase, with almost deliberate thoroughness, touches on almost every social issue in Nepal today. 
Her characterisations begin with individual circumstances and struggles, but as the plot moves on, Belbase expands these characters, portraying their experiences not in mere isolation, but as universal patterns that are present in Nepal and unless something is done, will continue to perpetuate. Belbase concerns herself with women in most of her stories, depicting them with honest compassion and grit – they are portrayed either as victims of their own time or villains produced from circumstances. They come in a multitude of roles–a protective mother, a suffering wife, a scarred career-woman.
More than ever, she portrays women's struggles in a society wedged between old ways and new, where the ever-present shadow of hope for something better lingers in the background.
Belbase traverses a number of social segments with the same level of comfort. There are no barriers in her stories, but a sweeping wholeness, depicting Nepali society at every economic level. Her stories are honest, and are deeply and steadily rooted in Nepali society. Even as she explores issues that are easy to stereotype, she depicts the sexual relationship of a childless couple, the psychology of a successful woman who wants to be taken back by the aristocracy and the love between an old man and his second wife with unusual genuineness.
However, her stories at some point, skew off into political observations. Although she is not judgmental about her characters, her own voice appears almost abruptly between stories, breaking off into political analysis and general observations. Her character's thoughts seem almost incongruous as her own ideas seep in.
Belbase's descriptions are distinctly Nepali. They are not abstract blobs in a dark theatre, but come off as observations that are deeply rooted in skillful attention. Rather than sweeping lines, Belbase pays attention to detail, adding painstaking brushstrokes to make situations real.
Although Belbase gives the reader insight, her tone is not judgmental or didactic. She often comes across as any other Nepali in search of explanations and reasons. Often, she tries to come to terms with what is happening–providing sociological explanations for her character's actions. But conclusions are left for the reader. Her narration is merely a series of photographs of what is, rather than a list of what is wrong.
Dear Roma, You did great job. You have reviewed Mero Nepal nicely. You highlighted how Subhadra Belbase, the writer of the book, touches on almost every social issue in Nepal, which I liked very much. Secondly, this review is successful in highlighting how the author is concerned with women and their issues in the transitional Nepal with multitude roles – a protective mother, a suffering wife, a scarred career-woman. I have found the book portraying political struggle and vision, cultural and social revolution, transformation and many more issues of Nepal in different stories. It would be great if you could also reflect those aspects in the review. In general, I found your review really great.
Roma, this was one of the best book reviews that I have read in a long while. It made for a perfect start to my weekend. You certainly have a way with words and you use it worthily to coax out of the readers an interest for the book. Persuasion at its best!
I echo all of the sentiments in this review, however also would like to highlight how universal I think these stories are. While they certainly are, as you say, "distinctly Nepali," as someone who has never been to Nepal and has absolutely no experience with Nepali culture, I was amazed at how much the stories resonated with me. I credit this to Subhadra Belbase's strong ability to take the highlights of a culture and translate let them in a universal way, a task not easily accomplished. Therefore I would recommend this book to all readers, from those with a lot to absolutely no experience with Nepali culture, as a venue for thought and reflection.
MERO NEPAL...lets stop for a moment and think about the title.. doesn't the title itself reflect the authors love for the country?? Here the author calls her county Mero which means 'MY' Nepal. The title of the book, itself is successful in establishing a strong connection among its readers. I have read this book and can personally say that this book is a " Reflection of Beauty." It not only reflects the sentiments of the author Mrs Subadhra Belbase but also portraits the REAL life or real tragedies that take place in a Nepali society.There is an old saying that when you write from the heart then the writing comes out beautifully..this is what i feel the author has done. She has given a magical touch to her stories by writing from her heart. It personally reflects the strong character she is and the family values that she has inherited.Someone of the stories that i have read, flooded my eyes with tears while the others pealed me into laughter.. This merely shows how effective her stories are. They have not only touched my soul but that of many others. I would definitely give a thumbs up to this book and in the future look forward to read more books by this author..
Mero Nepal is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Subhadra is not only able to articulate the nuances of Nepali culture and the struggles of being a woman in that culture, but does it with such beauty and honesty that you feel as if you were there. Each story was unique yet intricately woven together by themes of power, love, struggle and family values. They tugged at all my emotions with each page. I believe Mero Nepal is a book that the literary world has been waiting for.
I read Mero Nepal several months ago on a long plane flight and the feelings it aroused are still so vivid. Having spent a long and important part of my life in a less turbulent time in Nepal, so much of it resonnated, not only with women I met and knew but with women in so many other countries, including here in the US. What comes through in Subhadra's book are human stories, heroic stories, sad, humorous and victorious stories, that help us understand the way we each rise to what we are born into. I'm waiting for the next installment!