MEMORIES OF MY FATHER BY JAYANTHI K. MANIKANDAN
The beautiful cover offers a hint of the contents within
the book by Jayanthi K Manikandan titled ‘Memories of My Father’. The pink
flowers and the calligraphy add a feeling of anticipation in the mind of the
reader. The book consists of seven chapters over 45 pages.
Chapter 1 deals the childhood of the protagonist, Sri. N
Kandaswamy, the third child amongst five siblings. Born in Viridhunagar, a
small town in Tamil Nadu, he and the family shifted to Vellore after a few
years.
Though the memories were hazy, the author was able to
piece together the significant events in her father’s life. His relationship
with his youngest sister, who was nine years younger, seemed to have played a
vital part in their lives. He was a keen observer and strove to improve the
lives of people around him. What is amazing is that he realised the importance
of English in life and set out to master the language, as well as encourage his
family members to do so.
After securing his Bachelor’s degree in Physics, he moved
to Chennai, where he shifted streams and got his Masters in history.
The pen portrait that emerges of this erudite gentleman is
impressive. Obviously, he was a person who knew exactly what he wanted in life,
and his desire for perfection spurred him on to greater heights, be it in getting
a bank job at SBI, or reading books that would hone his mind. A sociable
person, he made friends easily, and turned into a role model for many.
Marriage with a beautiful lady brought more happiness to his
life, and when his two daughters were born, the family’s cup of joy flowed
over.
There is a special relationship between most fathers and
daughters. The author considers her father the most important influence in her
life. She offers no specific reasons, but writes, “It was just the way he walked, his
wonderful voice and the way he carried himself which could melt anybody’s
heart. He was a powerful orator and there was not a soul who did not feel
mesmerized by his talk.”
The author lists out several memorable instances with her
father which she cherishes immensely, which included appreciating delicious food
and reading books that enhance the brain. He was proud of both his daughters,
encouraging them to do well at every stage. Since his was a transferable job,
they would move from place to place, and he would settle them in their new
schools, teaching them to adjust to every new situation.
Jayanthi Manikandan’s adoration of her father comes out in every chapter of the book, and it is not difficult to see why. His
far-sightedness, his protectiveness, his love for perfection and his amazing
sense of humour set the standards for the whole household. The book concludes with a short conclusion on the
last days of this wonderful gentleman as his health deteriorated.
It was Dr Seuss who said, “Sometimes you never know the
value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” This poignant memoir reveals the
value of both – precious moments and their memories.
#BlogchatterEBook #BookReview #Memories #relationships #Childhood
#LifeLessons #PreciousMoments #memoir
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