4.5 Stars

Titled ‘Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane’ in Kannada, Orphaned is the English translation by Sandeep Balakrishna, who also translated a couple of other books by Dr. S.L. Bihyrappa. 

Village headman Kalinga Gowda’s grandson, also named Kalinga, studies Agriculture and Cattle Rearing in the US and returns home to his little village with his wife, Hilda. The couple intends to pursue farming in his family’s lands. 

Soon, it’s clear that their ideas are the opposite of what the natives hold dear. The concept that an animal is nothing more than a utility tool for humans is not something the Gowda family and dear ones subscribe to. Hilda’s insistence and Kalinga’s changed attitude alienate them from the rest. What happens when their dear one’s life is at risk? How does one balance science with cultural ethos?  

Bhyrappa’s books have been on my list for a while now. I wanted to read one of his works for the challenge, and I’m happy to have selected this one. Fortunately, the paperback had a decent font size. Though the book was written in the 1960s, it reflects today’s society just as much. In fact, things have only gotten worse by 2023. 

The pacing is slow throughout, though it is necessary. There’s a lot of conflict, internal and external, which will be lost if the narration rushes through. 

The book can be divided into two parts. The first 100 pages establish the foundation for what’s to follow. They also create the necessary contrast that aligns with the changes in the country (progress, in a way). 

None of the characters in the book are bad or villainous. They just have different perspectives and reactions to things. This makes them so real and flawed. Even if the blurb makes Hilda sound like someone to hate, her characterization isn’t limited to that. At times, the reader is forced to consider her viewpoint or acknowledge her pain. 

While the cow is central to the plot, Tayavva is the one who stands out. Her entire arc aligns and runs in parallel to what happens to the cows. Being born mute means she has no dialogue but has all the emotions overwhelming and gushing out of her without coherent means of expression. 

Kalinga Jr. is not the main character. Or maybe he is, as things do happen around him. The layers peel off, and we see a man so unsure, prone to influence, vulnerable, and lacking the steel to follow his decisions. 

The translation is quite good, though it reads a bit off in some places. But what I love is how the narration retains the native rustic touch in the dialogues and thoughts. The grammar and sentence structure are deliberately tweaked to suit the setting. 

There are many references to our Hindu Scriptures. Slokas and phrases are directly quoted (with the translation provided). Venkataramana and his father get these dialogues given their jati (yep, jati and not caste). Another thing I love is the retention of terms native terms for seasons, celebrations, etc. 

There’s much to say, but I don’t know where to start. So, I’ll end it here. This isn’t a book to read and forget. It’s a book that makes you think. The open ending (I almost screamed, so unfair!) leaves you in the same state as Kalinga. Also, I don’t think the book will work for Western audiences. It is an Indian book, through and through.