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Literary Review
Writing for oneself
Anita Nair...Writing about ordinary lives and looking for answers through fiction.
WHEN her first book hit the stands, she was tipped as one of the better and promising young writers of the time. The Better Man had all the right ingredients according to the critics. Today, with her second book Ladies Coupe, one would imagine ANITA NAIR would have achieved the same results. Critics have opined otherwise and what she has to contend with is a bagful of mixed reactions. It doesn't upset her unduly. Nair shrugs off this good naturedly, telling you that "she writes for herself." She also points out that the criticism on the subject choice, the period that the story is set in as well as the title of the book, is a little unjustified. Of course, apart from the straight-off-the-cuff kind of sentiments, she also confesses she has no "literary pedigree attached" to her. In a chat with SUCHITRA BEHAL, Nair talks about her book. Excerpts:
There has been some criticism about the title of the book Ladies Coupe. Does it seem outdated?
Contrary to popular ideas, the ladies' coupe was not removed from the trains due to reasons of gender but due to security. I spoke to the Railways and they told me that it was becoming increasingly difficult for them to assure security to the women travelling by the coupe so they stopped it. I think the book, its title and plot are valid. I've lived in south India all my life, I don't find that much has changed, just externally.
Do you think the changes are cosmetic?
To a certain extent, yes. In the South, there isn't too much of a distinction between the urban and non-urban areas. They carry the weight of traditions, the manifestations of marriage in which they feel secure. The women of the generation that is now in late forties are not so liberated. This does not hold true for today's generation. It's not about the 25-somethings — the book is not about them and to compare these women to that lot is a little unfair. I would use as a prototype my mother or aunt, not even myself.
How did the theme for the book evolve?
Until 1998, in Bangalore station there was always a separate line for ladies, senior citizens and the handicapped. I often used to wonder why they are being clubbed together, why women have to be treated like this. The book is about why women insist on using this line. When 15 years ago I was travelling in a ladies' coupe the women around me began talking — I was on the top berth — there is an atmosphere of intimacy that comes in. People talk more openly to strangers — there is no judgment.
How do you typify Akhila, the main character in the book?
She is typical of that generation. Not many have the courage to break away. You get sucked into the vortex. To me, Akhila in some sense enjoyed being a martyr. She's not an exceptionally strong woman. She is just somebody who has coped. All she wanted was to be a good wife and mother. It's a typical South Indian dream, specially for women of that generation. Akhila is 45 years old.
Why South India?
I don't know enough about North India whereas I know all about the South. I am meticulous about detail. Before I write anything I go and check out.
So even for fiction you feel research is necessary?
Yes, to give the whole flavour of the period and stuff, to talk about how that period changes, it is necessary. In magic realism it is different.
Is this a book about women?
I am not a feminist. I enjoy being in the house, I like to be treated nicely and pampered. I don't think this book is about feminism. It's about that inner strength which I see in so many women that overwhelms me. It doesn't come naturally. It has to be forced out due to unnatural circumstances — like in Akhila's case.
What is your view about Indian writing in English?
Most of it is mediocre stuff and most people feel that anybody who has any felicity with the language should write a book. The page-three syndrome that the media has built up doesn't help too much, making celebrities out of non-entities. My degrees will not make me a better writer.
And publishers? How did you find one?
I am an author. What I write is what matters. Both the books went to the publishers after being completed.
If changes are suggested how do you cope?
For this book there was a problem in the United States where the publishers suggested severe structural changes. I did not agree so it fell through. But then the Chatwin thing came through and I felt vindicated. I felt it is my book and it goes against the integrity of the book to change it.
Today there is quite a lot of writing that is done at the editors behest...
Writing a book is such nerve wracking experience and at the same time exhilarating. But to share that pain and pleasure with three other people over brainstorming sessions... I wrote the book for myself. Writing it was important. I'm happy with it so good or bad reviews don't matter. I wasn't writing for money.
So you never set out to write with an audience in mind?
No, never. Some people can write essays but I'm looking for answers through fiction.
Now, two books later, do you feel the need to tackle something more serious or will you always prefer fiction?
I need to confess I had a very ordinary existence with no literary pedigree. Ordinariness is the hallmark of my family and I have had a very middle class existence.
What are you working on presently?
A children's book on Indian myths — I'm going back to Kerala, which is familiar territory.
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