If you have Mallu friends, then I bet you that at least one of them has a relative or a family member who works or has worked in the Gulf. In my childhood, I used to envy these friends when they would happily tell us about all the exotic presents and chocolates their parents would get for them from the Gulf.
To a child, whose friend had a parent working in the Gulf meant two things;
1) no strict rules
2) having access to the fancy toys and confectionary that one would never find in India.
As I grew up, these thoughts remained with me. I read about Kerala’s remittances economy briefly in college and in my very limited knowledge that seemed like a great life. I didn’t really understand what the fuss was all about, but I was so wrong.
Reading ‘The 365 Days’ by Nikhil Ramteke in the past few days opened my eyes to the harsh realities of those who go to the glimmering Dream City, Dubai, with hope filled eyes and debt filled pockets, in order to make it big.
The story begins slowly, giving the readers the time to familiarize themselves with the protagonist Shijukutty and his life. We see the world through his eyes. His daily struggles and his aspirations are a part of his narrative and then one day he decides he, too, would like to try his luck in the Land of Gold.
Within a span of few pages we are whizzed through the formalities and we and Shiju are transported into the Gulf. The labour camps are cramped, with people packed in small spaces, the construction sites are dreary and the work is backbreaking. Still, it seemed it was worth it, especially when the salary was in dirhams. Sadly, this illusion is broken too.
The book contains colorful characters with their own set of stories; it deals with the themes of love, grief and laughter with a pinch of salt of course. We see the wealth disparities between the educated Indians and the Indians who were duped by agents back home.
A line from the book that really touched me goes, “Finally, most of us left the Dream City with a rattling body, a broken spirit and an empty soul”. It effectively sums up Shiju’s 365 days.
The book is simple, heart touching and definitely makes a good read for those who want to understand a different perspective on the Gulf Money. Kudos to the author for doing such a great job.
We remember the day seven years back when were travelling in a Mumbai local trying hard to come up with a name for our blog when struck us; Khushboo was always called a Jack of all Trades. The name stuck (with a slight modification, of course) and Munni was born.
Six years, over 100 collaborations, lakhs of readers and several awards later; our love for blogging continues to grow. We continue to write on an eclectic range of topics from the funniest autorickshaw signs that we have spotted in Mumbai to how to bathe an elephant. We are true blue Munni of all Trades and we hope to continue on this joyride with our fellow Munnis and Munnas.
This sounds interesting and could make for a good read. I love to read books and not everything electronic.
This sounds really interest and I would love to get my hands on that. Thanks for the review
Wow, sounds like an interesting read! I've always wanted to visit Dubai as I have friends back there, so this one definitely interests me! Mae of thegospelofbeauty.org
Wow, sounds like an interesting read! I've always wanted to visit Dubai as I have friends back there, so this one definitely interests me! Mae of thegospelofbeauty.org
Your review got me hooked. Thanks for the short but good review!
Sounds like it was a really good book. I think in a lot of places they sell you on taking on debt to make you happy and it only makes you feel owned.
I love my Kindle but the joy of reading an actual book cannot be replicated by it. Do pick up The 365 Days if you are looking to read something interesting 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the review. The 365 Days is a great book. Hope you read it, too 🙂
Dubai is a land of contradictions and the book really helped me understand it. Hope you pick up a copy, too 🙂
Emigrating is Holding the Tiger by the Tail!
Wow this is speaks on so many levels. Sounds like a great read that definitely allows one to walk in the shoes of the character for a whole year. Also it touches my heart with sadness, that quote is memorable.
I guess the Gulf brings new meaning to the saying “Don't judge a book by it's cover”. Sounds like an enlightening read. Great book summary.
I have heard a few horror stories from friends too and makes me sad! I can only imagine the plight of people who had to live through it all. Nice review of the book.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Oooo now this sounds like one awesome read!!! I need a new book so I might just ha e to check this one out!