Introduction

ISBN #978-0-670-08684-9

Category: Fiction

Publishers : Penguin India

Price : Rs. 399/-

Indian Fiction happens to be my all time favourite reads always for various reasons. One easy to connect, understand and most importantly feel the characters with the story. I accidently happened to read a review of this book in The Times of India and fell in love with it. Just to clarify I am not those type of persons who pick up a book just like that. It has to click with me somewhere to make me read it. And this one did that, with that mind blowing review.

I feel Indian fiction has some wonderful tales hidden in those beautiful dialects that we are surrounded with. And this gem happened to be in one such which got translated for readers like me. I pray and hope that more of such gems are translated in future too.

About the Author

Jerry Pinto’s debut novel, Em and the Big Hoom, won the 2012 Hindu Literary Prize. He also won the National Award for Helen: The Life and Times of an H-Bomb.

‘Me’ Thinks

Homosexuality as an issue is very close to my heart; especially because I have known someone who is very close to me. I respect them for their choices and admire them for having the guts to listen to their heart. Cobalt Blue is a tale of 3 individuals – a paying guest and two siblings who fall in love with him. The entire story is how both of them are devastated after he has left and try to cope up with their lives.

The book is divided into two parts. One the brother’s experiences and second the sister’s. The topic is very sensitive as it involves homosexuality as an angle but it has been dealt with amazing grace and dignity. The narration is extremely heart touching and at places moved me to tears.

The depth of his feelings, the extreme love that he feels and the way it crumbles him down like a pack of cards is purely a sight to behold. You can just awe the way the author has built the tempo to make you reach that point and then break it all, completely.

When I read the female version I could almost see a reflection of myself there. Hidden somewhere amongst those pages and all I could think was wish I had half the courage this girl had, maybe my life would have been different today. I was appalled at the way the author could do perfect justice to both the characters with such an ease. The emotions, the feelings were just perfect at the right places. Nowhere would you feel them going over board or making you cringe.

I would not recommend this book for people who love typical love stories and are looking for some romance. This book has the realities of today’s times imbibed in it; pick this one up only and only if you are in a mood for some heavy doses of emotions and sentiments.

“Cobalt Blue” by Sachin Kundalkar, translated by Jerry Pinto, is a compelling and evocative novel that explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Originally written in Marathi, the novel was translated into English to reach a wider audience, making it accessible to readers across the world. Jerry Pinto, the renowned translator and author, brings the story to life in English with his characteristic sensitivity and flair.

About the Author:

Sachin Kundalkar is a well-known Indian author, screenwriter, and director who has made significant contributions to contemporary Marathi literature. Kundalkar’s writing is often characterized by its emotional depth and exploration of complex personal and social issues. His works deal with themes such as relationships, identity, love, and the human psyche.

About the Translator:

Jerry Pinto is an acclaimed Indian writer and translator who has worked extensively in the field of contemporary fiction. Pinto’s translations, especially his rendering of Marathi works into English, are widely appreciated for their clarity, poignancy, and faithfulness to the original text. He has won several awards for his literary work, including the National Award for Best Book on Cinema.

Overview of the Book:

“Cobalt Blue” is a coming-of-age novel that deals with the emotional and psychological turmoil of two siblings—Tanay and Anuja—who fall in love with the same person, an artist named the Artist. The novel explores the intricate dynamics between the three characters, their desires, and their inner struggles.

At the heart of the story is Tanay, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn when he meets the Artist, a man of mystery and allure who becomes the object of Tanay’s obsessive attraction. The novel is not just about the romantic relationship between Tanay and the Artist, but also about Tanay’s identity, his sexual orientation, and his struggle to find a place in the world.

On the other hand, Anuja, Tanay’s sister, experiences her own emotional journey as she becomes involved with the same artist, leading to a complicated and sometimes painful rivalry between the siblings. The story vividly portrays the family dynamics, the relationship between brother and sister, and the complexities of love that transcend societal boundaries.

Cobalt Blue is a story of unrequited love, sexual identity, jealousy, conflict, and the quest for understanding in a world where emotions often collide. The novel asks essential questions about human connection, identity, and the blurred lines between art and reality.

Themes Explored:

1. Love and Obsession:

   • One of the central themes of the novel is unrequited love and obsession. Tanay’s deep feelings for the Artist lead him to a place of emotional distress, where love transforms into an almost possessive and obsessive force. The novel explores the pain and confusion that often accompany intense feelings of attraction and the desire for emotional fulfillment.

2. Sexual Identity and Self-Discovery:

   • Tanay’s journey is also one of self-discovery as he grapples with his sexual identity. His feelings for the Artist make him confront his desires and understand his own inner struggles with love and belonging. The book delicately addresses issues of sexuality and the search for personal truth, while also showcasing the societal challenges individuals face when exploring their identity.

3. Family Relationships:

   • The bond between Tanay and Anuja, though strained by their mutual affection for the Artist, is a central focus of the narrative. The novel explores family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the emotional distance that can emerge even in the closest relationships.

4. Art and Its Impact:

   • The Artist in the novel is not just a character but also a symbol of art, creativity, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative examines how art influences the characters and becomes a medium through which their desires and emotions are expressed and misunderstood.

5. Desire and Loss:

   • The novel touches upon the theme of loss, not only in terms of the characters’ unfulfilled desires but also in the emotional distance that grows between them. The tension between the siblings and their shared love for the Artist leads to a series of events that result in emotional and personal loss.

Writing Style:

Sachin Kundalkar’s writing in “Cobalt Blue” is intimate and poignant, exploring the emotional landscapes of his characters with sensitivity. The language is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Tanay and Anuja, making their emotional experiences feel real and palpable. The novel’s tone shifts between reflective and intense, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human emotions and relationships.

Jerry Pinto’s translation is smooth and faithful to the original Marathi text, capturing the nuances of the characters’ emotional turmoil and the complexity of their relationships. Pinto’s translation ensures that the emotional depth and beauty of the story are maintained while making it accessible to English-speaking audiences.

Reception:

“Cobalt Blue” has received positive reviews for its bold exploration of human emotions, particularly its treatment of love, sexual identity, and family dynamics. The book has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability, and it resonates strongly with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience.

The novel has also been appreciated for its sensitive portrayal of unrequited love, as well as its engagement with contemporary issues such as sexuality and the search for identity. Readers have found the book to be both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, with its beautifully crafted prose and deeply human characters.

Conclusion:

“Cobalt Blue” by Sachin Kundalkar, translated by Jerry Pinto, is a powerful and evocative novel that explores the depths of human emotions, love, and the search for identity. Through the story of Tanay, Anuja, and the Artist, the novel examines obsession, self-discovery, sibling rivalry, and the impact of art on personal lives. It is a sensitive and beautifully written exploration of the complexities of love and the emotions that come with it, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary literary fiction.

“Cobalt Blue” by Sachin Kundalkar, translated by Jerry Pinto, is a compelling and evocative novel that explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Originally written in Marathi, the novel was translated into English to reach a wider audience, making it accessible to readers across the world. Jerry Pinto, the renowned translator and author, brings the story to life in English with his characteristic sensitivity and flair.

About the Author:

Sachin Kundalkar is a well-known Indian author, screenwriter, and director who has made significant contributions to contemporary Marathi literature. Kundalkar’s writing is often characterized by its emotional depth and exploration of complex personal and social issues. His works deal with themes such as relationships, identity, love, and the human psyche.

About the Translator:

Jerry Pinto is an acclaimed Indian writer and translator who has worked extensively in the field of contemporary fiction. Pinto’s translations, especially his rendering of Marathi works into English, are widely appreciated for their clarity, poignancy, and faithfulness to the original text. He has won several awards for his literary work, including the National Award for Best Book on Cinema.

Overview of the Book:

“Cobalt Blue” is a coming-of-age novel that deals with the emotional and psychological turmoil of two siblings—Tanay and Anuja—who fall in love with the same person, an artist named the Artist. The novel explores the intricate dynamics between the three characters, their desires, and their inner struggles.

At the heart of the story is Tanay, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn when he meets the Artist, a man of mystery and allure who becomes the object of Tanay’s obsessive attraction. The novel is not just about the romantic relationship between Tanay and the Artist, but also about Tanay’s identity, his sexual orientation, and his struggle to find a place in the world.

On the other hand, Anuja, Tanay’s sister, experiences her own emotional journey as she becomes involved with the same artist, leading to a complicated and sometimes painful rivalry between the siblings. The story vividly portrays the family dynamics, the relationship between brother and sister, and the complexities of love that transcend societal boundaries.

Cobalt Blue is a story of unrequited love, sexual identity, jealousy, conflict, and the quest for understanding in a world where emotions often collide. The novel asks essential questions about human connection, identity, and the blurred lines between art and reality.

Themes Explored:

1. Love and Obsession:

   • One of the central themes of the novel is unrequited love and obsession. Tanay’s deep feelings for the Artist lead him to a place of emotional distress, where love transforms into an almost possessive and obsessive force. The novel explores the pain and confusion that often accompany intense feelings of attraction and the desire for emotional fulfillment.

2. Sexual Identity and Self-Discovery:

   • Tanay’s journey is also one of self-discovery as he grapples with his sexual identity. His feelings for the Artist make him confront his desires and understand his own inner struggles with love and belonging. The book delicately addresses issues of sexuality and the search for personal truth, while also showcasing the societal challenges individuals face when exploring their identity.

3. Family Relationships:

   • The bond between Tanay and Anuja, though strained by their mutual affection for the Artist, is a central focus of the narrative. The novel explores family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and the emotional distance that can emerge even in the closest relationships.

4. Art and Its Impact:

   • The Artist in the novel is not just a character but also a symbol of art, creativity, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative examines how art influences the characters and becomes a medium through which their desires and emotions are expressed and misunderstood.

5. Desire and Loss:

   • The novel touches upon the theme of loss, not only in terms of the characters’ unfulfilled desires but also in the emotional distance that grows between them. The tension between the siblings and their shared love for the Artist leads to a series of events that result in emotional and personal loss.

Writing Style:

Sachin Kundalkar’s writing in “Cobalt Blue” is intimate and poignant, exploring the emotional landscapes of his characters with sensitivity. The language is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the world of Tanay and Anuja, making their emotional experiences feel real and palpable. The novel’s tone shifts between reflective and intense, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human emotions and relationships.

Jerry Pinto’s translation is smooth and faithful to the original Marathi text, capturing the nuances of the characters’ emotional turmoil and the complexity of their relationships. Pinto’s translation ensures that the emotional depth and beauty of the story are maintained while making it accessible to English-speaking audiences.

Reception:

“Cobalt Blue” has received positive reviews for its bold exploration of human emotions, particularly its treatment of love, sexual identity, and family dynamics. The book has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability, and it resonates strongly with readers who appreciate literary fiction that delves deep into the complexities of the human experience.

The novel has also been appreciated for its sensitive portrayal of unrequited love, as well as its engagement with contemporary issues such as sexuality and the search for identity. Readers have found the book to be both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, with its beautifully crafted prose and deeply human characters.

Conclusion:

“Cobalt Blue” by Sachin Kundalkar, translated by Jerry Pinto, is a powerful and evocative novel that explores the depths of human emotions, love, and the search for identity. Through the story of Tanay, Anuja, and the Artist, the novel examines obsession, self-discovery, sibling rivalry, and the impact of art on personal lives. It is a sensitive and beautifully written exploration of the complexities of love and the emotions that come with it, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary literary fiction.

COBALT BLUE BY SACHIN KUNDALKAR TRANSLATED BY JERRY PINTO