Book Review: The Wheel Turned by Malathi Ramchandran

The book opens up in early 1960s; China and India are at war. Meena is married to Anand, an army captain who is taken as the Prison of War (POW). Soon after his disappearance, the army declares him dead. However, Meena shows compelling optimism and believes that he will return one day. On the other hand Meena’s life is pale and solitude, so she visits her native place, then Anand’s officer friend, Pradeep marries her. She starts a fresh life, though Anand is alive in her heart.

Up there in the Chinese prison Anand acquaints with a Chinese girl, Ming lee, with whom he falls in love. Though their love story couldn’t carry on, but that girl helps Anand to escape from the prison. Anand returns to India as a monastic fellow than a soldier in a group of monks. Meena’s reunion with him fails, as he’s never a part of her life. Love comes to her again, tenderly rakes up her old feelings and memories but leaves her again. Meena is devastated on her ravaging fate, but she accepts that as a turning of fate just like the wheel turns in the Tibetan mythology.

It is a classic saga of love, escape, fate, reunion and separation. Though Meena is supremely rich in characterisation, but Anand’s sweeps hold a prominent narrative in the book. It’s a must read book for who believe in destiny.

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