Clark Watson writes...

Clark Watson, Senior Computer Scientist, Computer Science Corporation .

Clark Watson

He is also a lead vocalist and artist of a music band

called the "New York Disco Villains".

His views on Palmetto Heat.

Sumran's "Palmetto Heat" is a wonderful continuation of a young Sikh's first time experiences in America...... yet so much more. It is a linear tale told with occasional flashbacks to further accentuate the absorbing tale. As I read "Palmetto Heat", I almost felt a bit guilty. There are such honest, heartfelt revelations, it was like stumbling across the diary of some misunderstood artist. The author has a brave uncompromising ability to open his heart and paint a genuine picture with his words. Something lacking in many of the contrived productions I read or see on film today.
There are so many different layers to this story - An enticing autobiography; A journal recounting the exploration of America; Poetic verses of worldly observations. But, for me, underneath it all, there is an underlying theme, whether intentional or not, of loneliness and a genuine desire to find love. The desperate chances. The heart wrenching rejection. The excitement of possibilities. I could almost hear the immortal words from Freddie Mercury's song, "Somebody to Love" on each page:

I work hard every day of my life
I work till I ache my bones
At the end I take home my hard earned pay all on my own -
I get down on my knees
And I start to pray
Till the tears run down from my eyes
Lord - somebody - somebody
Can anybody find me - somebody to love?

Being from America, I was afraid the India and Sikh cultural references might be lost on me, but the elements were brought into the story as needed and actually served as compelling additions which in no way alienated me from the beautifully crafted drama. It was touching to witness the wide eyed exuberance of an international visitor experiencing America in a way that I have long taken for granted. Sumran's narrative quality is elegantly poetic - "There was a powerful stream galloping out of the plateau forest, dancing through rocky rapids..." "Whispering into my ear, her glittery semblance pervading the space around me."
A saga crafted by an artist. A saga whose continuation I anxiously await.

Traci Warren writes...

Traci Warren, Project Manager, Computer Sciences Corporation

Traci Warren

 

Her views on 'Palmetto Heat ':

If I had to describe the narrative quality of Sumran's "Palmetto Heat" in the shortest and the simplest way possible, I would just say this “lavish, intriguing and classy!”

There are a some amazing and striking aspects of this beautiful plot which touches your heart and soul deep within and yet looks so exotic on the surface also.

The beginning: Sumran scores heavily in this part. He manages to grab the reader’s attention from the word go and keeps a thrilling pace up unto the middle. It is a page-turner affair where the reader is bound to get involved into the proceedings by a superbly crafted narrative. The language is simple, the focus is more on the present and there is a subtle undercurrent flowing through the pages preparing the reader for an impending occurrence.  Words like “ perhaps it was destined otherwise”....” anonymous dream “...”someone was calling”....they reveal as much as they conceal the plot , which in my view, serves like a perfect backdrop to rest of the story.

The major attraction of this part is the classic juxtaposition of the lyrics of the iconic song ‘hotel california’ with the mundane situation of the author during his stay in the motel. I kept coming back to read that chapter again and again, allured by the sheer stroke of artistic excellence that Sumran manages to create. How could you imagine or rather, where have you seen such a classic rendition of a song in this manner?  It seems as if, for a change, Sumran dons the role of an Orchestra  conductor unleashing a symphony that casts a spell on its audience.  That is where both the lavishness and classiness of his writing comes to the fore. It’s an exclusive artistic piece...you must notice its finer nuances and once you do, you are enchanted to the core.

The middle: This is the part where the plot thickens and there is a gradual change in the narrative. After allowing the readers into his comfort zone during the initial chapters, Sumran now begins his experimental chic styling. There is a constant inner dialogue, as if there is another living character along with the author who has a voice of his own. That character is a transformation of the author as his inner simple self while the narrator becomes more and more complex with his meanderings. Sometimes, it becomes a literary conquest for the reader to interpret the excessive use of intense words and phrases.  It becomes weighty and might distract those who just like ‘light’ reading. And in my view, this serves like a litmus test for them. Those averse to such profound pondering and don’t want to run for a dictionary, might be put off. While those who get intrigued to the complicated thought process would realise its sublime importance in the context of the plot.

The ending:  Well, this is the part which is majestic in its scale and sculptured into a haunting and a heightened climax that leaves you craving for more, while creating a plethora of possibilities of the impending outcome.

It is very hard to explain or articulate the manner in which Sumran chooses to finish the story. Or rather, un-finish (and begin) the story.  Now, therein lies the beauty of it. He knows his medium too well and that is to use art as a medium of expression, in places where words don’t go.

Lets just read the last lines ...

“ When I walk myself down Pendleton Street, the sun beats down, no shoes on my feet , and I stumble on a daisy through concrete...”

According to me, there could not have been a better prose or poetry to exclaim the climax.

The name of the last chapter ‘Rubicon’ signifies crossing a point of no return. A point from where there is no looking back or going back. This signifies how at that very point, where the subject is walking down to meet another person, in this case, the Pendleton Street, becomes a metaphor for the outcome of his impending meeting or his next course of life. The point thereon his life changes forever.  It’s a  perfect allegory which represents the state of the mind, the place and its significance to the entire plot. Look closely at the words ‘sun beats down’ and you will see why this is called ‘palmetto heat’.  The author has, throughout the course of the plot, signified and elaborated his love for the palmetto tree, a symbol in itself of the State of South Carolina. Also, the plot is set during the summer which typifies heat . Now, those last lines are like culmination of one part of a journey and the starting of another. Further look at this line ‘ no shoes on my feet...and I stumble on a daisy through concrete’ . This combination of words,  the ‘heat , no shoes and concrete’ defines the author’s state of mind, his past bruised life, his anguish, despair, desperation and hardships and ‘stumbling on a daisy’ signifies ‘ an accidental, a coincidental meeting or rendezvous with a girl’ or allegorically, a fresh breath of life, a new beginning, hope and possibilities. 

Remember, the last lines of the first chapter “An anonymous dream...someone was calling me...and I was moving towards it ...at jet speed.”

Realize how these lines mingle subtly with the actual finishing lines. The anonymous caller and the stride....wow!  What finesse!

Ekta Roda Writes...

Ekta Roda

Ekta Roda lives in London, UK , and is a teacher by profession.


She writes  :

" Hey I read your book. It was brilliant, loved it!
You are a great writer!!..you know you really are an amazing person
I am really impressed and just the way u describe each moment- really touches the heart. I can almost feel everything that you were feeling.
And that makes u a great writer !"

Manpreet Sahota Writes...

Manpreet Sahota

Manpreet , QA Analyst, Fiserv, India
Here she writes her thoughts  :

"There is lot more to that story than what I can say. There are a lot of unanswered things and dangling pointers.
There are a few things I just loved about the story.
Especially the rainbows :)
And you stretching your arms to catch it.I could imagine it and it was a wonderful feeling!

The best thing about this part was the way you have chosen and written the words.
I myself cud feel those showers of rain, streams of water, big and black roads, green pastures, huge shopping stores, the thrill and the pain the incidences at times gave you.
It is narrated so very beautifully that it comes naturally that I could imagine all those things!

And there was a great thrill in everything, even your interaction with Jack in that chopper with loud noise.
And how people change, and the big thing, people are not what they seem to be and that was a great lesson learnt!"

Vijay Kannan Writes...

Vijay Kannan

Vijay Kannan, Senior Trade Analyst, Swedish Trade Commission, New Delhi.

"This one starts off on different plane, literally! For once you start this one; you would never feel like dropping it off. It is so distinctively peculiar in writing style and treatment. As the author gets ready to board his flight to US, it becomes so descriptive that the reader feels as if he is traveling along with the author. Hence, you get a feel of those last minutes before departure, the ‘goodbye’ time, the ‘check-in’ formalities, the take off …you have it all!

There is an amazing detail put into the description of minor customary things that even they become a statutory part of the story itself. For example, the author makes fun of aged Airhostesses of the American Airlines, this jolly banter continuing even as he travels in his forward journey in local US flights.

There is  use of lighthearted sarcasm, subtle humor and few remarks on the socio-political and economic differences between the two countries. This being illustrated through such dialogues,

“

“Post 9/11, everything going to America was being monitored; I was speculating if they could monitor an evil mind!”

“Perhaps he wanted to ask me” why you here and what are you going to do to make America happy?”

I wanted to say, “I was here to rediscover America just like Christopher Columbus did a few hundred years ago!”

Through the initial chapters the readers also gets an idea of how this journey is of great importance to the author and his family. Moreover, he also generates a little mystic about how his life could possibly change in this tour, this being characterized by such statements.

“I craved with a mouthful of sky, what if we could swap our seats as well as our final destinations!
Perhaps, it was destined otherwise.”

“It had taken more than 27 years and 16 hours to make this landing.I let out a relentless sigh of reprieve and liberation,
‘A small step for man… a giant step for mankind!’ “

As we progress further, the readers gets thoroughly fixed into the life of the author in America, his initial days in a hotel, his new apartment, his colleagues and his office life.

From there on, it’s a roller coaster ride which just not ceases to give you a breath until you are on the last page. In between, you feel, you laugh, you cry , you jump and you enjoy every bit of the feeling that the author projects. You actually “Live” each moment. And that I think is the highlight of this very artistically crafted piece of the story.

The author would leave you high and dry at the very last page of this book....you just cant wait for the next part..."whats gonna happen next"....it weaves sheer magic !!

Come on Sumran, give us the next ..."

Manish Prasad writes ...

Manish Prasad

Manish Prasad, Senior IT Analyst, Bank of America,
He is also my oldest buddy and greatest critic.

Here is his critical review : 

"I was glad that I was goaded into reading this book because it pleasantly surprised me. It was quite a good read and although not in the league of a classic, it was quite an impressive attempt at it.

The part begins with the author’s journey to America. He then goes on to describe his settling down into the new place and office. He describes his friend circle and his adventures with them. On the way he goes into soliloquy expounding his beliefs and outlook on life. He presents us with a matrix of interactions with the people he meets.

He dwells at lengths on his loneliness and his inability to ‘fit in’. While doing so, all the while, he takes us on a whirlwind tour of Southern USA, detailing each of the places he has lived in and visited. Mostly the part is about the author’s inner struggle with himself and also with the world around him.

The part ends with on poignant note with him about to meet somebody special in the alien country that he is in. The end has been built up to quite a hype and the reader does look forward to the third part. The moment he has stopped at is quite pregnant with possibilities.

So the moment comes now to review the work. Is it an interesting read? Does the author do justice to the work? Is the reader taken for a ride? Well let’s find out.

The focus of the whole book is the author, this being natural since it is an autobiography (of some sorts). So any person having aversion about reading biographies – be warned. This book is all about the author’s likes, dislikes, his beliefs, his friends, his family – you get the idea!

Considering that it so much about a single person, it is still a good enough prose. For what is a single person’s point of view other than the snapshot of the society, which he inhabits at large. Therefore, this book provides a window into the working of the human mind and through it reflects the state of the human consciousness.

Everybody will find resonance in the book, when they read the trials and tribulations of the author. For, who hasn’t faced rejection, exclusion, derision and separation at some point in his life.

This book brings out all these feelings beautifully in it. Through the mind of the author we are transported to the place where we can feel his hurt and pain. He takes us back to school when he describes his experience with the bullies. What I liked best about was that he stuck to actual conversation rather than give a more prosaic version of it. ‘Punch him, he won’t say a word’, ‘You don’t talk, are you dumb?’. These are some of the dialogues that he has produced verbatim that really makes feel his pain.

Throughout the book, you will find his inner feelings being projected onto you.

“

I wish I were always drunk, it was an exhilarating sensation, something that drove me to a different level, an echelon of reckless joviality. The fact that it does not last more than a glitch makes it a surreal experience; with it, I serenade my solitary song of life, a life as always, less ordinary. I wander with sheer vim and vigor, unfettering my verve onto the mass of humanity, eminently derisive of their pretentious demeanor. My victims were generally the odd balls, the likely lads, the elfish and the queer lot.

“

These paras provide you with the inner working of the author’s mind and also explains the incidents from the author’s point of view.

Although I quite enjoyed reading such parts, I often wished that the author had used less bombastic words to express his feelings.

The emotional quotient has been maintained throughout the book. Although it becomes tiring to read about emotions continuously, the author has maintained a balance by spreading the emotions out among the physical activities that he describes. Therefore, you have his views on his family (especially his mother), his views on religion and his views of arranged marriage interspersed among his descriptions about white water rafting, the ‘Gentleman’s ‘ Club and the ‘Little Vegas’ banter.

Most of his views are in the form of soliloquy, which often departs from the goings on in the book. In my views these are necessary incursions into the inner thought and I think everybody will identify with the thought process of the writer (if not with the thought itself.)

The most striking aspect of the book is the, description of the opposite sex. He starts off with the description of Air hostesses he meets on his flight to USA and ends it a point when he is about to meet a member of the fairer sex. In between is a posse of girls that he has met with, talked to and had fallen out with.

The author has pained to elucidate his points on women. The fact that he has been misunderstood most of the time by these ‘mysterious creatures’ is cause of pathos.
I mean who hasn’t tried to understand the opposite sex and come out unscathed?
By mentioning his encounters, the author has touched upon a nerve, which every reader will surely identify with. And there in lies the beauty of it. By letting us into his private world he has exposed his vulnerability. Rather than put up a bravado act, he has chosen to let the circumstances speak for themselves. He has not tried to be judgmental about any person and therein lies the honesty of his writing.

The other characters we come across in the work are rather sketchily etched. We do not have a total knowledge about the personality of the characters. For example – Devender comes across as a fickle minded person, hell bent upon making the author’s life miserable (intentionally or unintentionally). Jayanth is a calmer person who almost acts as the big brother to the author. Gauri is a mean girl (for want of any better expression), Vishal a hypocrite and so on.

We do not get to know any other aspect of these people or how they came across being such persons. But this being the perspective of the author, it is entirely justified. These are not fictional people whom he has to justify to the reader. Rather they are people from his slice of life. He has written about them, as he has perceived them. And even after that he has not been judgmental about them.

The most beautiful aspect of his writing is that he presents such a vivid picture of the place he is in, that the reader can’t help but visualize the scene. The author has painstakingly reproduced the catalogs and brochures of the hotel he has stayed in. Imagine the detail in writing!

Moreover, what takes the cake is the interleaving of poetry with prose. The chapter about the stay at the hotel ‘ESA’ has interludes of lyrics of ‘Hotel California’ among them. His stay at the hotel mirrors that of the song (Or that is how the author has spun the tale). This was an example of perfect marriage between prose and poetry. (Please also take notice the slight variation in the lyrics of Hotel California. Read it and you will notice it. It was a masterstroke).

There are several other songs / poems throughout the book. Some original, others borrowed. They do enhance the writing.

All in all I was very satisfied to read the book. It has all the elements necessary to make the readers interested. Most of all it is an honest book. And that is what touched me after I had read it. The hallmark of any book is that the experience of the book stays with you long after you have read it. Once you have finished this book, I am sure the experience will remain with you for quite some time to come.

Happy Reading.

Manish Prasad.