Webster dictionary defines ‘light reading’ as something that is easy and quick to read. A read that doesn’t trouble one’s grey cells too much.
For e.g. ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’, ‘Bridget Jones's Diary’, etc. By that definition, ‘War and Peace’ isn’t an easy read.
But why is an ‘easy-read’ considered not literary enough to make the upper crust or doesn’t get the validation it deserves? Does a ‘light-read’ convey the impression that it is easier to write the same? Or because light-reads are perceived to lack enough gravitas while state the essential truth? On the contrary, it takes a great effort to see the humor in the most mundane of routine ordinariness!
Let us delve into this argument deeper.
There are a few things that are certain in this life. Government taxing us till we are emasculated and give up the fight, our own death and the sunrise and sunset (so far that is! Till Armageddon strikes us, we can hope for the darshan of our Morning Star!).
To elucidate further, if I were to say, the earth is round and that I will prove my declaration by two methods - One is by a complex equation running into pages and the second is asking you to either climb a tree and watch the horizon till it meets the land or watch thy shadow at different times of the day. Now which method would you prefer? Most, I’m sure, will say ‘as you like it’ and go about their business.
Also this is the Insta generation. Instant noodles, instant Upma, instant coffee, instant updates are the order of the day. Everything is served up on the go. Similarly, a short and succinct tale that conveys the ethos or crux in fewer words while making the reader ponder on the ‘could-have-been’ works well too. Because when a bitter pill is sugarcoated, it gets palatable.
Though these days, most of us are embracing our inner-chefs a tad bit wholeheartedly and trying out gourmet dishes by the dozen, most of us aren’t gourmands. We cannot subsist on Dal Makhni or Paneer Butter Masala every single day. After a no-holds-barred gorging session, the oppressed stomach does crave a comforting simpler fare. Because a perfectly made dal-chawal is soothing after a hard day’s work.
Similarly, stories that are short, sweet, tangy, and reflective of the real world albeit with a humorous twist have their own audiences too. Much like the longer and far more descriptive tales which have dedicated followers.
Given the penchant of most of us to be verbose, whether needed or not, it takes tremendous effort and discipline to be terse and to the point. Hence this form of writing needs to be appreciated too.
What we are witnessing and undergoing right now are truly difficult times. The virus has killed people, affected them in more ways than that could be enumerated. When despondency and anger at the unknown are slowly becoming the new norm, it is imperative to give happiness a chance. Because to fight it out is the only way out of the mess around. Opting to be happy in spite of the overwhelming odds should be a lifestyle choice.
My second book, 'Masala Mix: Potpourri of Shorts' was curated and brought out in 15 days flat and has received some great reviews. In its third week, it is still in the ‘Top 50 hot new releases-Short Story Collection’ on amazon.in
An author whom I respect a lot, said, 'this book was most readable in these trying times'.
So time for you to indulge in some ‘light & breezy’ reading and letting me know what you think?
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