There is meaning even in the mundane, suggests Ratna Manucha in her new book
In a world that often demands grand inspirational stories and complex narratives, Unfiltered by Ratna Manucha comes as a pleasant pot-pourri of 33 articles and eight poems that celebrate the little things. Rooted in the daily nuances of life and seasoned generously with humour, the book offers a heart-warming, reflective, and at times, hilariously accurate portrayal of our lives.
Each article feels like a light-hearted conversation with a witty and wise friend. The author’s keen observations, topped with a bit of sarcasm—on topics ranging from our obsession with "little rectangular contraptions" (phones) and the overuse of emojis and their “double-meanings”, to deep thought-provoking issues like stereotypes, development, and society—make it a highly relatable read. There is a sense of playful irony in many of the stories; for instance, in the way she discusses the "black book of numbers" we once treasured, or how adulthood now seems defined by an endless loop of chaotic WhatsApp groups. She also reminds us of the horrors of Covid-19 in her story ‘Covid Capers’, a time when we trusted no one and got a little too comfortable with staying indoors.
Yet, humour isn’t the only note the author strikes. She skilfully juxtaposes it with the harsh realities of life. Beneath the surface of laughter lies a quiet sense of loss and nostalgia. In articles reflecting on the development and deforestation of Dehradun, the author's home-town (once a serene, green paradise) the tone shifts, evoking nostalgia for a simpler time when natural beauty was abundant, and development didn't come at the cost of nature. The poems are reflective and add a lyrical depth to the collection, complementing the stories and striking the right balance.
What truly sets this book apart is its effortless style of narration. The writing is conversational and yet deeply insightful. It puts the readers immediately at ease, encouraging them to laugh, reminisce and reflect. There is meaning, she suggests, even in the mundane. The final poem, ‘A Child in Every Man’, is an ode to the longing within each of us to return to an unshackled past.
Unfiltered, as the name suggests, gives you a glimpse of unfiltered realities. It’s the kind of book you need to savour slowly, like a layered cake whose each layer yields a different sensation. It is a requiem for a simpler time, a call to laugh at ourselves and an aid to help us appreciate the view along this journey we call life.
Ulfiltered
By Ratna Manucha
Published by Sabre & Quill
Price Rs375; pages 209
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