Patjhar, Manav Kaul’s fifth novel, presents a thought-provoking journey through the emotions of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Published by Hind Yugm in 2023, this novel explores the inner life of its protagonist, Rishabh, as he tries to understand the complexities of his relationships and the personal transformations that follow. In Patjhar, characters and other supporting characters like Ridam, Sarthi, Olga, Nanny, Iris, Mala, Shashi, and more share a profound connection that explores the depths of love, loss, and human complexity, allowing you to experience emotions alongside them as they understand the delicate balance between relationships and self-discovery.
The narrator reflects on how their experience in a museum changed because of reading and visiting certain places. Before, they might have just casually walked through the museum without being deeply affected by the art. But after their recent experiences, the paintings began to draw them in. The brush strokes, filled with emotions like loneliness, pain, and love, resonated with the narrator.
Standing in front of Munch’s painting Weeping Nude, the narrator felt a strong connection, as if the colours and emotions in the painting were reflecting their own life especially the feelings of loneliness and bitterness. Munch’s paintings express such deep sadness that, to the narrator, they perfectly represent what profound sorrow looks like.
In simple terms, the narrator finds a personal connection with Munch’s art, especially its portrayal of loneliness and sadness, which mirrors their own emotional state.
Exploring Rishabh’s Journey in Patjhar
At the core of Patjhar is the character Rishabh, a man who is trying to handling the failed love affair of seven years. While the plot may seem to revolve around heartbreak, the true essence of the novel lies in Rishabh’s introspective journey of self-examination. The story digs deep into his psyche, where the real conflict is not just about love, but about his own understanding of life and his personal growth.
Manav Kaul’s skill as a writer is evident in the way he weaves together multiple layers of meaning within the narrative. Rishabh is not just a passive observer of his own life. His journey is rich with moments of realization and transformation, which are revealed as the story progresses.
Manav Kaul’s Unique Narrative Style in Patjhar
Manav Kaul’s writing is marked by a particular fondness for vagueness. This is especially apparent in the first chapter, Katherine, where it is unclear whether the speaker is the author himself or the protagonist, Rishabh. The lines between fiction and reality blur as Rishabh introduces himself to a character named Benjamin, only to reveal later that “Rishabh” may not even be his real name. The lack of clarity in this instance is a symbol of Kaul’s style, keeping readers intrigued and thoughtful throughout.
Kaul has often been known to embrace the process of writing as an integral part of his storytelling. As seen in his earlier work, Antima, Kaul’s protagonist (who is also a writer) remarks on how he has the habit of writing about the creative process itself. Similarly, in Patjhar, the character of Rishabh is introduced as if he is being birthed into the story, giving readers a glimpse into how characters evolve within Kaul’s narrative framework.
Exploring Identity Through Changing Personas
In the novel Patjhar, after the initial mention of Benjamin and Catherine, both characters completely disappear from the narrative. The story then focuses solely on the protagonist Rishabh and other supporting characters like Ridam, Olga, Nanny, Iris, Mala, Shashi, and more. The author, Manav, is known for creating such moments of confusion for the readers, but if you are familiar with his other works, you will know that this confusion serves a purpose. In another novel by Manav, Antima, the protagonist (who is also a writer) mentions to his editor, “I have this bad habit of writing about the process as well.” In this case, it feels like the whole episode with Catherine exists only to show how the character of Rishabh was born. Perhaps, the author intends to reveal when and how Rishabh’s character truly came to life.
This sense of ambiguity continues, but as the story progresses, it becomes clearer to the reader. For example, when Rishabh meets Ridam, she gives him the name Salim, and he continues to be Salim around her. When he meets Nanny and Shashi, he becomes Ridam. When he meets Sonia, he becomes Sarathi. It is as though the author is transforming Rishabh into different people so that he can put himself in their shoes and understand their perspectives. All these characters hold significant roles in his life. Sarathi is his ex-girlfriend, and after their breakup, he moves from Delhi to Copenhagen. Rhythm becomes a close friend in Copenhagen, but before their friendship turns into romance, Rishabh’s guilt over a one-night stand with Parul leads him to leave Horsens and return to Copenhagen. However, the discomfort of having betrayed Ridam prevents him from staying there, so he moves to Hamburg.
One of the most interesting aspects of Patjhar is how Rishabh’s identity shifts as he interacts with other characters. Whether he becomes Salim with Ridam, or a completely different person with other characters like Sarthi or Neni, Rishabh constantly redefines himself through his relationships. This fluidity of identity reflects a larger theme within the novel the idea that we are shaped by the people we meet and the experiences we have.
Rishabh’s transformations also serve a purpose in his journey toward self-discovery. By inhabiting different personas, he is able to assess his life from multiple perspectives, challenging the rigidity of his previous existence. This fluidity of identity is one of the novel’s most compelling themes.
A Commentary on Middle-Class Realities in Patjhar
Manav Kaul highlights the restrictions imposed by middle-class expectations through Rishabh’s character. Initially, Rishabh is a conformist, content to live his life according to societal norms, devoid of dreams or aspirations beyond his job and routine life. Kaul subtly critiques the “middle-class fears” that limit Rishabh’s imagination and personal growth. It is only through his travels and encounters that Rishabh begins to break free from the monotony of his life.
At the start of the story, Rishabh is a man who follows the rules to the letter. His life is predictable and devoid of spontaneity. He goes to work, comes home, and does not deviate from the societal norms or expectations placed on him. He does not dream of building a house in the mountains like Sarathi, nor does he have any ambitions beyond his routine life. He is like a dog chasing after the ball his master throws, without any sense of personal desire. The author does not give explicit details about why Rishabh is like this, but symbolically suggests that his “middle-class fears” have shaped him into this ordinary person, holding him back from his true potential.
As Rishabh ventures into unfamiliar places like Denmark, Copenhagen, Hamburg, and Norway, he begins to reflect on how his life, previously governed by order and predictability, was stifling his true self. His travels provide the backdrop for his internal transformation, making Patjhar as much a novel about self-exploration as it is about the external world.
Language and Simplicity
One of the most striking aspects of Patjhar is its language. Manav Kaul employs a simple, direct style, which makes the novel accessible to a wide range of readers. The beauty of the narrative lies in its straightforwardness, with Kaul choosing to tell a complex emotional story in the most relatable way possible. The simplicity of the prose allows readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.
This simplicity, characteristic of the “new Hindi” writing movement, has a particular appeal to modern readers, especially those new to Hindi literature. It ensures that even the most profound philosophical reflections are communicated in a manner that is easy to understand and emotionally resonant.
Where to Buy Patjhar Online
You can purchase Patjhar by Manav Kaul on various online platforms, including Amazon and Flipkart, where it is available in multiple formats. For readers who prefer e-books, Kindle also offers a digital version. Additionally, major bookstores with online ordering options, like Crossword and Book Depository, may stock this novel, making it accessible to readers worldwide.
A Reflection on Life’s Impermanence
The title Patjhar (which means “autumn” or “fall”) is symbolic of the cycles of life and the inevitable changes that come with it. Rishabh’s journey is akin to the falling of leaves in autumn a necessary shedding of the old to make way for new growth. By the end of the novel, Rishabh has undergone a transformation, much like a tree that has weathered the autumn and is ready for new leaves to grow. This metaphor resonates throughout the story, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the acceptance of life’s impermanence.
The Disappearance of Characters and the Birth of Rishabh: In the first section of the novel Patjhar, the abrupt absence of Benjamin and Catherine creates a sense of mystery and confusion for the reader. However, this is not merely an act of misdirection; rather, it serves a deeper purpose. The author uses this ambiguity to focus on the evolution of the protagonist, Rishabh. By removing secondary characters, the spotlight remains on Rishabh’s journey, suggesting that the Catherine episode symbolizes the point at which Rishabh’s character truly begins to take shape. This aligns with the author’s typical style of interweaving plot with a process-driven narrative, a habit mentioned in his other works.
The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Shifting Places: Rishabh’s movements from Copenhagen to Horsens and Hamburg reflect his inner turmoil and guilt. These physical shifts represent his attempt to escape his feelings of guilt and confusion, particularly regarding his relationships with Ridam and Parul. His inability to stay in one place signifies his discomfort with his actions and emotions. His travels symbolize a search for clarity and self-acceptance, as he tries to understand himself through his interactions with others. Rishabh’s continual movement mirrors his internal struggles, where every new place provides him with a fresh perspective on his life.
The Struggle Between Routine and Individuality: At the beginning of the novel Patjhar, Rishabh is portrayed as someone who conforms to societal norms without questioning them. He leads a predictable, planned life, shaped by the pressures of middle-class expectations. He lacks personal ambitions or dreams, and his actions are driven by external influences rather than his own desires. This represents a central theme of the novel: the conflict between individuality and the weight of societal expectations. The fear of breaking away from routine and the security it provides has kept Rishabh trapped in an ordinary existence. His journey throughout the novel, as he changes places and identities, is an effort to break free from these invisible chains.
Manav’s Literary Journey and Works
Manav is a writer who views writing as an essential aspect of human nature and a means to communicate with the world. With over two decades of experience, his literary journey has intensified in the last 6-7 years. During this time, he has authored a diverse range of ten books, including The Book Behind You (short stories), Pigeon of Love (short stories), About You (a unique work neither poetry nor story), How Far is Very Far (a travelogue), The Moving Ghost (short stories), Antima (a novel), The Doer by Action (a poetry collection), The Third Button of the Shirt (a novel), Ruh (a travelogue), Butterfly (a novel), and Broken and Scattered (a novel). Patjhar (Fall) is his twelfth book and fifth novel, further establishing him as a prolific and versatile contemporary author.
Final Thought: A Journey Worth Taking
Patjhar is a novel that offers a unique reading experience, where the focus is not just on the story but on the process of storytelling itself. Manav Kaul’s ability to creat a narrative that feels both personal and universal makes Patjhar a compelling read. The novel’s exploration of identity, love, guilt, and transformation, set against the backdrop of travel and self-discovery, ensures that readers are left with much to ponder.
For fans of Manav Kaul, Patjhar is another brilliant addition to his body of work. For new readers, this novel provides an excellent introduction to his unique style of writing and storytelling. It is a reminder of how literature can help us explore the depths of our emotions and the complexities of human relationships.
In essence, Patjhar is not just a story about Rishabh; it is a story about all of us, our fears, our transformations, and our constant search for meaning in a world that is ever-changing.
