Book Review: The Music Makers

Book Name: The Music Makers
Author: Rohini Paranjpe Sathe
Publication: Om Figment
Genre: Literary & Contemporary Fiction

The Music Makers by Rohini Paranjpe Sathe is a novel that explores varied themes through an eye-opening story about the fractured lives of two sisters and their families, with music as a backdrop throughout the sequence of incidents that unfold until the mystery is solved and music ultimately wins.

Review

The story is set in Maharashtra, primarily in Pune and Mumbai, as the two families involved live in these cities respectively. From the streets of Worli, Mumbai, to Pune, the book follows the life of a man, Kartik, who has grown up with the trauma of not being able to stand up against his father for all the troubles he inflicted on him and his mother. From depriving Kartik of what he loved to separating his mother from her family and manipulating her into believing that her family members were jealous of her status, his father’s actions shape Kartik’s emotional turmoil.

What unfolds is surprising. Kartik goes missing for more than a month, with no information about where he might have gone and no clues that could lead to him. One day, he is found on the doorstep of his Mavshi, his mother’s sister, in a tattered state that crushes his aunt’s heart. What happens next, whether the two sisters will reconnect, what led Kartik to such a condition, and whether he will be able to return to his passion or lose himself forever because, according to his father, he failed him again and was of no use, forms the core of the story. To find all this out, this book awaits the reader.

The characters are well-structured and flawed, making them relatable. There is a backstory for each character explaining how the two sisters lost touch, which led to the current state of their relationship. As readers go through the book, they will realise that the author has tried to tell a unique story through each character. This is more than just one long narrative. It will allow readers to find multiple stories unfolding through the lives of different characters, which can be explored if readers feel drawn to them. This makes it a rewarding read for those who enjoy understanding people and their journeys as a whole.

To support this, one can look at the character of Sumati Tai, Kartik’s Mavshi. She represents resilience, hope, and strength. As readers follow Kartik’s disappearance and its aftermath, they also learn about Sumati Tai’s internal conflicts and her refusal to marry a man who would not allow her to follow her passion. She stands out as an inspiration. Then there is Kartik’s mother, Vibhawari, who represents the middle child in a family who often feels ignored or mistreated. Her story reflects this struggle, and she continues to voice her grievances till the end. There are other characters as well who keep readers engaged, even amid the serious tone of the plot.

The author’s writing style is vivid and thought-provoking. Readers will appreciate how beautifully each chapter is crafted, keeping the narrative free-flowing. One of the best aspects of the book is its subtle humour. Even during serious moments, readers may find themselves smiling or laughing at how a situation is portrayed through a character. Vibhawari emerges as one of the most entertaining characters. Despite facing her husband’s aggression and domestic violence, her resilience and sudden change in demeanor, where she challenges him, can make readers laugh out loud.

The ending is heart-breaking. The book carries trigger warnings, including rape, domestic violence, and drug involvement. Readers with emotional resilience may find this book suitable. Although the author has written the book to suit varied moods, it remains a deeply emotional read. The themes explored include family dynamics, domestic violence, a woman’s longing to stand up for her passion, rape, drug addiction and its consequences, and life’s philosophy. One aspect that may distract some readers is the use of difficult vocabulary at several places, where it occasionally feels forced.

Readers who enjoy exploring these themes will fall in love with this book. The Music Makers has much to offer through its characters, music, relationships, and its portrayal of love and devotion towards one’s passion.

Buy From Here: The Music Makers