There are, broadly speaking, two kinds of writers: the storytellers and the language lovers. Storytellers, the ones who usually top bestseller lists, are all about the plot and the characters. They’re the kind of writers who can sweep you away to another world without you even noticing the words they’re using. On the other hand, there are those who are more interested in the way the story is told than the story itself. They are the ones who pore over sentences, savouring the rhythm and the imagery.
I definitely fall into the latter category. I’m fascinated by how writers craft their worlds with words. So when I picked up Rohit Manchanda’s The Enclave, I found myself almost smiling from the first page itself.
But before we dive into the writing part, let’s talk about the story. The Enclave is set in Bombay in the early 2000s. The plot follows Maya, a newly divorced copywriter living in a rapidly changing India. Her life is a mix of casual affairs, unfulfilled aspirations as a poet, and a growing sense of emptiness. Surrounded by a world of increasing wealth and freedom, she finds herself unable to truly enjoy it. Her life is a stark contrast to her friend Sayali, a struggling artist who eventually finds success. As Maya’s personal and professional life begins to unravel, she is forced to confront her own complacency and the hollowness of her existence.
Rohit Manchanda brilliantly captures the energy and contradictions of, not just the characters, but the modern-day India as well. It’s a world of extremes, where old traditions collide with new ambitions. And Maya is right in the thick of it. The novel has a great feel for the city, from the bustling streets to the exclusive enclaves that give the book its title.
The author has a real ear for dialogue. The way his characters speak feels authentic, like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations. Another thing I loved about the book is the way Manchanda plays with language. He’s not afraid to experiment with different styles and tones. The sensory imagery is all over the book, whether it’s the sensation of rain on skin or the auditory details of ringtone (and of course, the visual imagery). I also loved how he used figurative devices in his writing. But it made me wonder if a common reader would comprehend such nuances. For instance, when he writes, “fleecy as a kitsch ceiling”, I am not sure how many Indian readers would relate with that.
For me, the heart of the novel lies in its characters, especially the protagonist. Maya is a complex and relatable character. She’s flawed and vulnerable, but she’s also strong and resilient. It’s almost an archetype. But it’s an archetype that mostly female authors follow–one more reason to like this book, how brilliantly Manchanda paints the portrait of the female protagonist.
One last thing…
And I might be overthinking here, but let me say it, nevertheless.
The choice of the name Maya made me think. It’s a name deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, representing illusion or the ephemeral nature of reality. This aligns with the novel’s exploration of Indian society, a complex web of tradition and modernity. The book nicely portrays the stark contrasts within the society: the conservative norms and the burgeoning liberal enclaves. Through Maya’s journey, we witness the allure and perils of this rapidly changing world. As her personal and professional life unravel, the novel delves into profound themes of identity, desire, and the consequences of unchecked indulgence. Rather than a fast-paced plot (and thank God for that!) The Enclave is a character-driven exploration of a woman’s internal turmoil as she seeks meaning amidst superficial pleasures.
Kalampedia 