A Review on ‘Empty Fists’

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.

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.

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