Mistress: Where Culture Clashes With Contemporary...

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Mistress, a novel from one of the most exciting Indain English writers on the present day-Anita Nair- is a true work of literary creativity. In this novel culture, true emotions, real life and literary expressions merge in the background of the classical dance form, Kathakali together to make the work a true classic.

The novel is set on the background of Nila, a river on whose banks the prestigious art culture in Kerala still thrives. Kathakali, a classical dance form, which is the pride of the place, state as well as the country had its birth and nourished growth at Kerala Kalamandalam, situated on the banks of Nila. However, in the long run, when the art form acquired its position at many apt and up-apt places many minor artists had a life of deprivation. Anita Nair focuses her attention on one such artist named Koman.

The novel shows very well on how globalization affected the lives of common Indians also. There is a huge popularity for the art form Kathakali among the foreign nations and many artists foresee this art form as a way for their livelihood. Such a situation arises in Koman's family as travel writer Christopher Stewart arrives at a riverside resort in Kerala to meet Koman.

The novel shows how the life of Koman and his family take a major turn with the arrival of Christopher Stewart. Koman's niece Radha passionately draws into the charm of the foreigner while her husband Shyam, throws out of her love. Shyam helplessly watches how his wife passionately hugs the foreigner that he had never able to draw from her. Koman also remains as a silent spectator for all these relationship nuances happening in front of his eyes.

Koman also has a passionate and failed love story to share. A youthful dalliance Koman indulged in with Anglo-German artist Angela in 70s London. However the results are sharply observed and Koman returns to his normal routine. However as the roles he plays in Kathakali by the time he removed his make ups and returned to his normal life, the time was a little late.

The novel has splendid imagery and strong metaphors. It can be aptly called as a poem in prose. The blend between Kathakali and literature is very unique in this novel. The novel fills the reader's mind with emotions as filled by the unique art of Kathakali. Mistress takes us to a new realm of experience and as we return after a mesmerizing experience, we are ready to embrace the real life in front of us!