Blurb from Goodreads

In the serene tempo of classical Soviet literature charmingly merged into modernity, Bayan is a unique blend from among the work of Pramudith D Rupasinghe. Bayan begins in the sunny Ukrainian summer and ends with a hidden, deeply meaningful message. It is not only the story of a strange, bearded old man who finds solace and a soulmate of sorts, in a traditional string instrument, while facing a common narrative of his era; it is a commentary on life, and a celebration of the ultimate coming of age. It juxtaposes the failure of physical strength and faculties to the accumulation of immense emotional fortitude. It lulls you into feeling safe in spite of the passing of transient seasons, the waning of political ideologies and the inevitable disintegration of the corporeal being. Bayan tells about changing world`s order, revolutions and the ravages of time, the music of life will go on.

My Summary

Bayan is the word for the musical instrument, the accordion, used in Russian. And Bayan, the book is the story of an older man in rural Ukraine, caught between the two worlds of the setting Soviet era and the dawning democratic nations. It begins on a sunny summer afternoon introducing you to a retired but beautiful soul, going about his daily life. It walks you through his life in the form of a commentary narrated to a stranger. Quite aptly, in Hindi, my national language, Bayan Karna, means to narrate.

My Review

This is my first review for 2021, and I’m oh so glad I picked up this novel on a cold Christmas morning in 2020. It was the perfect read, with a heart-warming and family-oriented theme set in picturesque Ukraine.

I loved Ivan. Seventy years old though he was, he had the energy and enthusiasm of youth. His wisdom, his witty humor, his kindness, even his subtle and gentle pushiness, and his love for his Bayan were so endearing. Many old folk song lyrics in the book add a realistic feeling to the entire story. Don’t we always relate songs to incidents and people in our life? It felt like that.

Ivan was yearning for a taste of the past, his family, and his job, which comes out effortlessly through the author’s writing. He played the Bayan every night, reflecting on his life, reflecting on his mood. To quote the author - The need for a companion is all that an aging life demands when it is caught in the seizure of isolation. And the Bayan was Ivan’s companion, melody, healer, and hope.

I loved the writing style of Pramudith Rupasinghe. As I was reading the first chapter, I had many reservations about how this book would turn out. Because frankly, it was a little slow towards the beginning. The arduous description of Ivan lazing around in the sun, taking a swim in the river, and reflecting on his youth felt a little exaggerated and adjective heavy. Like – it is grueling to explore the vigor of wisdom shrouded by superficial lunacy.

But as soon as the foreigner picks up Ivan’s book to return it to him despite the long journey, this book picked up speed and purpose. It was surprising to see the stranger's harmless intent, asking for nothing in return and settling for life stories from the older man. And it was even more joyful to read about Ivan’s kindness and trust bestowed upon the stranger.  He trusted the stranger enough to give him a very personal task to be carried out many years later.

I admire the research the author must have done to write this story. Studying rural life, the language, the local people's everyday interactions, their staple food, and even the entire geographic location described in detail. You will find many Russian language words like a matryoshka, kompot, Spasibo, shapka, Dosvidaniya, and so many more words. It felt lovely, like flavors of the local in your Chai.

What I Missed

I would love to have seen some pictures in the book about the then Ukraine or the river mentioned or even a few current pictures. I found that missing. 

Final Verdict

There are so many words of wisdom I can take away from this book. That’s the part I liked best about the book. And that is why I will rate this book a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars. I’ve shared a few in the form of quotes in this review.

Who Should Read This

Everyone should read this delightful story. But this isn’t a book to be read in a hurry. This story is a slow-read to be enjoyed with a cup of Chai and a relaxed setting. It took me my entire weekend to finish these 200+ pages, but I relished every minute I spent in the company of Ivan.

In the end, I agree with the author when he says; you will not forget the man who was playing the Bayan!!

Happy Reading.

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