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Book Review: Semmaari (A Lamb’s Gamble) by Samura

In the preface the author has mentioned that there are many games that we have forgotten that our ancestors invented and played. Semmaari (A Lamb’s Gamble) by Samura is an historical novel signifying the value of one such game called ‘lambs & tigers’. This game represents the heritage of Tamil culture and is indeed a real brain teaser. Through this book, the author has tried his best to publicize this ancestral game.


The book introduces us to Semmaari, a poor nomadic shepherd boy who, along with his family, reaches to Chandira Kingdom. Ruled by the king Puthirasekaran, this kingdom is small in comparison to other neighboring kingdoms, but its love and passion for the art of sculpting makes it different and beautiful kingdom. Well, for this reason, other kingdoms keep a vigil and often spy on it.

In remembrance of his father, the previous king Manthirasekaran, Puthirasekaran orders to build a grand memorial hall of high architecture value. The project is led by Sadayudhar – the chief sculptor and his assistant Nakalan. Sadayudhar is a man of great experience and wisdom – he has discovered some of the best techniques that make labourers job easy. In addition to that he introduced Aadu Puli Aatam (a game of lambs & tigers) so that labourers can play it during their spare time as well as to sharpen their intelligence.

In the absence of Sadayudhar, Nakalan manages the site, and with time he becomes expert at the game also. Semmaari, the shepherd boy, sneaks in secretly to learn this fascinating game. Later on, he befriends Nakalan and then both play the game. Semmaari being a shepherd uses his sheer brilliance while utilizing lambs in the game. Semmaari too learns this game like a champion. Among all the workers on the site, there is a huge man named Kodari. He respects Sadayudhar but fears none. He is brutal with his labour management skills. Beating and torturing labourers is quite common for him and he also holds a grudge against Semmaari.

One day two strangers dressed as soldiers reach at the site and one of them challenges Nakalan to play the game of ‘lambs & tigers’ (in a set of three). Nakalan being overconfident accepts the challenge. But it is not a simple game – the soldier asks him to put something at stake as a bet. Nakalan agrees to his conditions. But much contrary to his anticipation, Nakalan finds himself losing the game and he knows that Semmaari can help him. As expected Semmaari helps him and he finishes the game as a winner – winning two sets out of three. The soldier fumes at Semmaari’s help and feels being defeated by a low-caste shepherd. He feels a blow on his dignity and soon brawling fills the ambience.

However, as per the condition, the loser has to donate one hand. Kodari being proud of his arrogance and manly power cuts off one hand of that soldier. Soon the soldiers run away only to return later with an army to destroy everything. And from this point, the novel takes up an action-tight momentum. The returning soldier, with an amputated hand, was actually an army commander from the neighboring kingdom. He bows to kill Semmaari and Kodari to seek his revenge. Their army force Semmaari and his family and many other people of the site to flee.

Well, soon it becomes clear to Semmaari that there is no one who can help him. He is being chased by three enemies: Kodari, that army commander, and the king Puthirasekaran. Now the question is, will he be able to defend his family and himself from them. What kind of strategy can he use on them? Will he use the principals of ‘lambs & tigers’ game in real life? If yes, then how?

Filled with history and action, Semmaari is a riveting read for all types of readers. The pace of narration is aptly accelerated and use of Tamil jargons with meaning in English ads ups the overall charm to the story.


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