The rich scent of pickles steeped in mustard oil pervade this beautifully told story of Indian village life with all the magic of a fairytale. Among the quirky characters who live in the village of Mardpur is Raman, an underachieving assistant at a government news agency. When his twin daughters reach marriageable age, he faces the daunting task of raising his share of a dowry. The words of his boss, the self-important Gulbachan set him thinking: 'There is nothing greater than writing a book. It brings out everything in a man.' 'Anyone could do it, even you.' Convinced that this is the way to show the world and his successful brothers his true capabilities as well as a convenient get-rich scheme, Raman's mind is set. His only doubts lie in one vital aspect: he has no idea what to write about. Amma, a blind old woman blessed with a magical vision that lets her see far beyond the material world holds the key. 'We would all become great writers if we could write all what is going around our heads,' she snorts on hearing of his seemingly absurd scheme, yet she alone knows that Raman will succeed beyond his wildest dreams. As he puts pen to paper, the news of his novel spreads, involving others, including Amma's granddaughter, the graceful Deepa. Touched by tragedy aged six, and raised by her grandmother, Deepa is in many ways the princess of the tale. But the fate of grandmother and granddaughter are intertwined with Raman and his literary dreams. As his tale of smugglers and adventure unfolds, with the help of Amma's prompting, Raman becomes convinced the magical raita made from the milk of Amma's buffalo, Jhotta, is fuelling his inspiration and concocts a plan to ensure the creative juices keep flowing until the final chapter. From the lush, insect-ridden lychee grove of Raman's family home, to the bustling streets of the village and marketplaces, a vivid background of smells and sounds bring this tale to life. Through naturally lilting dialogue, Sharma points out the foibles of Indian ways with a quiet humour. The push of progress and outside influence on village life, the stresses of family life, the belief in god's will, and the social framework are studied with child-like acceptance. There are tragedies, but it is not these darker elements that claim her characters' attention, but rather the magic of life and hope. Sharma's simplicity of prose and innocence of vision are a refreshing breath of air amid the florid and weighty prose of some Indian fiction. And as with the best fairytales, the happy ending is assured; it is the journey that matters most. The Buffalo thief by Yojana Sharma Doubleday $288
