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!