Entertainment
Clear motifs over readability
Author of books like the memoir Aama ko Mutu and novel Kopila Ashram, Dr Raamesh Koirala is a medical doctor by profession. Koirala is a bibliophile who prefers a book with a strong core message and motif over one with a gripping narrative. In this conversation with the Post’s Samikshya Bhattarai, he talks about his love for books and his reading habits. Excerpts:Samikshya Bhattarai
Author of books like the memoir Aama ko Mutu and novel Kopila Ashram, Dr Raamesh Koirala is a medical doctor by profession. Koirala is a bibliophile who prefers a book with a strong core message and motif over one with a gripping narrative. In this conversation with the Post’s Samikshya Bhattarai, he talks about his love for books and his reading habits. Excerpts:
How did you first come to love books?
My love for books started out of curiosity. Growing up, I shared a room with my brother who was an avid reader and was always immersed in Nepali and Hindi novels. I first began reading over his shoulders and even in those small glimpses, I discovered that the pages could really transport me elsewhere. Soon, as soon as my brother left the house, I was sifting through all of his books; and that hobby
eventually developed into the deep-seated affection I have for books today.
What genre of books are you pulled towards?
My favourite genres are short stories and novellas. I love how authors writing in these
genres are able to succinctly grasp the motifs and the settings, and present it not just as interesting stories, but in a way that sparks the imagination of the readers as well. I derive a lot of pleasure from these books, particularly short stories.
Do you lean more towards fiction or non-fiction?
I think both strains are equally good. Instead of whether books are fiction or non-fiction, I judge a book by its style and the flow of the narrative. It is the way the story is portrayed in the book that is important, regardless of the genre.
Who are some of your favourite authors?
I love Ved Vyas’ works. I also like reading books by famous writers like Laxmi Prasad Devkota, Daulat Bikram Bista, Khaled Hosseini, Bhupi Sherchan, and few more.
What was the last book you read and how did you like it?
I last read Nayan Raj Pandey’s Sallipir—a very well-written book.
What is the one book that you would recommend as a must-read?
I believe each and every book is readable, if it finds its right audience. If you know your field of interest, you may find a book related to that subject interesting, irrespective of what others say. I think more than anyone’s judgement, it’s how you like the book and how it helped you that is more important. I don’t think there is one book that everyone must read, or even can read; that choice is so personal.
What is good writing for you? What would you say makes a good writer?
For me, good writing deals with well thought-out themes and motifs. Gripping plots and strong characters do help increase a book’s readability, but the book’s core message is what will make or break it in the end. I don’t like books that beat around the bush and go nowhere.
One book that inspired you a lot and why?
There are many books that have inspired and shaped me during different phases of my life. If I were to pick a couple: The elaborate and complex Mahabharata would definitely have to feature on the list. Rane, an old Nepali novel by Tulsi Ram Kunwar, has also always stayed with me, even though I read it as a child.
Any advice for other bibliophiles?
I think the readers should at first try to read everything they can get their hands on before focusing on only one genre. Only after dabbling and experimenting with a variety of genres will one have an idea about their choice and genre. Once you discover the genre you enjoy, reading will be fun and it will be a habit that you will take with you wherever you go.