Stephen Kelman’s moving novel based on real events traces a middle-aged Indian’s bizarre attempt to escape poverty by conquering pain
Like Kelman’s acclaimed debut novel, Pigeon English, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker prize, Man on Fire is astonishingly moving in its heartbreak and humour. It is largely the story of a middle-aged Indian, Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, more usually known as BB who has done his best to climb out of poverty by taking on extreme sports and keeping in close touch with the almighty. He longs for fame, so that he can help his countrymen and women. He has gathered world records for his feats, including being kicked in the groin as often as possible in a set time. One can’t imagine many contestants volunteering to break this record.
He gained a Guinness endorsement – and his fellow competitors’ respect – for his record-breaking 133 one-handed push-ups. Bibhuti is magnanimous: “I am a firm believer that the goodwill of others when blended with the desire of the almighty makes the most potent mix. When a person drinks from this source he truly becomes unbreakable. I am the living proof of this.” Bibhuti believes he can cure himself in days of his many injuries, such as those caused by having scores of bicycles run over his stomach. His worldview is both beguiling and bonkers.
Continue reading...
0 comments:
Post a Comment