A
Review on ‘Empty Fists’
-V.R.Bhat Hadinbal
Effective
storytelling is an art that can serve anyone in leadership who seeks to
persuade others to his / her point of view. Opinion-based rhetoric is often
more polarising than persuasive; while statistics are often go in one ear and
out the other. But a careful blending of rhetoric and facts, woven into the
right story, can change minds. Shaping an effective story with a point of view
is a learned skill or an art. That is where ‘Empty Fist’ rings the bell in
reader’s heart.
Experts
use to say “When you need to make an argument about an issue about which you
feel very strongly, don’t use rhetoric. tell a story instead.” Story should
carry the message what you are supposed to tell the public. One can transform his/her series of messages into
beautiful stories.
When
it comes to persuasion we resist being told what to think but we are open to
why we must think it. Good stories have more than a point of view; they have a
message. In a sense they are tools of persuasion. If you can answer two questions: What you want others to do ? and
Why you want them to do it?, you will have a clear message. Writer must think whether
such messages are universally accepted?
Once such great messages
starts piling-up, artisan in the writer must look forward for related examples that
resemble his/her messages. Say, you want to persuade people to adopt safety
standards, tell the story of what happened when someone did not follow safety protocol.
If you want to demonstrate the benefits of a new process, use a story to
explain how an individual would benefit.
When Real-life examples in the form of stories will dig deep in most of the readers hearts and make them think on such facts. When they react on the facts or messages writer’s dream will come true. Writer must demonstrate his/her conviction through appropriate words that draw pictures, raising his/her voice on a key point, pausing for emphasis and following through with well-paced flow.
When Real-life examples in the form of stories will dig deep in most of the readers hearts and make them think on such facts. When they react on the facts or messages writer’s dream will come true. Writer must demonstrate his/her conviction through appropriate words that draw pictures, raising his/her voice on a key point, pausing for emphasis and following through with well-paced flow.
Using a narrative
approach and weaving them into story to tell the facts needs an artistic
mind. Powerful storytelling may be or may not be appropriate for every occasion.
Story telling need not be reserved for formal occasions. Once, an executive was
telling that he had mentor-boss who had a story for every situation. Mentor
would tell stories as a form of coaching. It may be an admonishment, or a pat
on the back, or a challenge, he would relate all to the situation called for, and
make it a story. As a result, the lessons stuck; the executive had integrated
the technique into his own leadership
style.
The
book “Empty Fists” contains short stories that focus on various problems and
experiences. Here every story teaches the reader a lesson and make him see the
real world. It draws readers’ attention on violence, gender issues,
selfishness, and money minded materialistic world.
Early part of “Empty Fists” contains a hero dog named Raju, where in author view the world through dog’s eyes and states a point: “Humans behave worse than animals.” Of-course it is a fact today. Author Mangalam Shiva weaved all these stories using simple English to make easy going for all ages. The uestion he puts forward can’t be answer fully and It depends upon the reader to ponder on. For example, “Is it our karma which is making us pay for the conscious and unconscious mistakes in our lives? ;what to say about this?
17 short stories
anthology, ’Empty Fists” has unique, society related message that is bound
to leave the reader in a state of self-reflection. Each story has been
extensively researched and derives its essence from real life instances, which
affect the Indian society. Author Mangalam Shiva discusses sensitive issues as
well. He believes that India is not a good country for girls; they are hounded
right from conception, until their death. The book explains how rapists have
more respect, while the rape victims are shamed.
Many problems affecting the nation such as corruption, rape, women’s rights, child abuse etc are broight under light and author attempts to handle each issue with a gentle artistic touch. ‘Empty Fists’ is a reflection of our very own lives that we lead with such blissful ignorance without realizing what is happening around or how others lives are affected by us. Author trys to convey relevant messages through suitable words to change this mindset. And it can be said that every segment of our society must read this book.
Many problems affecting the nation such as corruption, rape, women’s rights, child abuse etc are broight under light and author attempts to handle each issue with a gentle artistic touch. ‘Empty Fists’ is a reflection of our very own lives that we lead with such blissful ignorance without realizing what is happening around or how others lives are affected by us. Author trys to convey relevant messages through suitable words to change this mindset. And it can be said that every segment of our society must read this book.
In a sense, style of English used in the book EMPTY FISTS reminds
R.KNarayan’s ‘Malgudi Days’, where in
real life instances affecting the Indian
society is narrated in the form of stories. No doubt the author has keen observation
and had done much ground work before writing the book. Most of the incidents
were collected from news items of
various periodicals and author had beautifully woven them into single window.
While portraying a good stray dog, author trys to sense & smell the
activities of very sensitive good dog in early chapters. It is not that easy for someone to cast a role
of good dog unless otherwise he studies such dog’s behavior. Though it looks like a superstitious dog, such
hero dogs are seen across the
world. Author’s uniqueness can be
seen in these stories.
"A woman even
when filled with despair and on the brink of taking her own life...........will
abandon all thoughts of death and rush to the defense of her child ...when
danger is perceived”- these type of quotes can seize readers mind for sometime
& make them re-read such quotes. Author is successful in bringing out the
mothers’ natural instincts. Authors agony about female child is clearly
reflected everywhere; mainly in a story called ‘Whirlpool’ author says "India is not a good place to be born a
girl.”Author has illustrated very reasons for the same.
"The black listed suppliers ....after few months registered under different names of firms and continued business as usual I had no sympathy for the innocent victims of these accidents and mishaps It was their destiny that they happened to travel in these trains"-like sentences are self narratory. Such sentences are being used to warn the world that bribe based lobbying in public works are the main reason for many accidents. Though such sentences come in a train traffic oriented story, it can be applied for any public work. Such words are creating big impact on readers.
It is
better if I take authors quotes that expresses his agony with respect to girls’
life in Inda, Author states:
·
“If a girl-child is conceived in a poor
family, she is killed before she is born.
She does not protest.
·
Once she is born, when the poor parents
feel that they cannot afford to have a girl in their family, she is killed or
abandoned.
She does not protest.
·
If she is allowed to live, as she grows,
she is discriminated against - her brothers are favored in terms of
nourishment, education and dress. Sons are given preference.
She does not protest.
·
When she is seven or eight years old, she
is fondled (discreetly or openly) by her uncles, neighbours, fathers, brothers
or grandfathers.
She does not protest.
·
When she goes to school, she is harassed
by boys, teachers or principals.
She does not protest.
·
When she goes to the college, she is
hounded by boys, lecturers, professors or staff.
She does not protest.
·
When she travels by buses or local
trains, she is pawed at by the male vultures.
She does not protest.
·
In her workplace, she is tortured
mentally and physically by her male colleagues, supervisors and bosses.
She cannot protest.
·
If she dares to protest at any time, she
will be branded a troublemaker, instigator or a slut.
So, she cannot protest.
·
After marriage, she is tortured by her
motherin-
law, husband (licensed rape many times),
by her
father-in-law, or by neighbours.
She cannot protest.
·
When she bears children, she has to carry
the
burden of raising the children, managing
her home,
·
in addition to earning money at work.
She does not protest.
·
When her sons get married, she is
insulted by her
daughters-in-law, repeatedly.
She cannot protest.
·
In her old age, if she is widowed, her
sons neglect
her.
She does not protest.
·
When she dies, it is a great relief for
her and…
There is nothing to protest!!”
He declares, “Every girl in India has to
face this WHIRLPOOL” such commendable pieces exposes the
dark side of society and create ever lasting impact in the minds of the
readers. As per my purview, every Indian must read this book and present it to his/her
realtives and friends.
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You can purchase 'Empty Fists' at Amazon.com & www.notionpress.com
