PLOT: 4/5 CHARACTERS: 4/5 WRITING STYLE: 3.5/5 OVERALL: 4/5
“The book of nature has no beginning, as it has no end. Open this book where you will, and at any period of your life, and if you have the desire to acquire knowledge you will find it of intense interest, and no matter how long or how intently you study the pages, your interest will not flag, for in nature there is no finality.”
– Jim Corbett
There’s just something about Jim Corbett’s writing that speaks to the nature lover in me. Thus, when I read about author Balamurugan KA’s high regard for Jim Corbett and Kenneth Anderson, I was visibly happy, as if I shared an easy camaraderie with him. Though we’d never met, it was as if we’d instantly clicked.
A Man Eater in Kasan Kadu is a book that delves into the wild lanes of the tiger territory and I was really happy to delve into the adventure promised in the book.
What is the book all about?
This fictional tale set in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu takes us on a spine-chilling edge-of-the-seat action-adventure thriller where poachers and their wanton and illegal ways cross path with tigers and their ferocious nature, where the simplicity of the village folk and their lives is challenged by the ushering in of a man-eater.
The story as it goes (without spoilers)
Arivalagan is a notorious poacher, who with the help of Arul and Viji, manages to capture a tiger. Arul and Viji, who used to work for the forest department were later suspended due to their illegal poaching activities.
This tiger, a young male, had the habit of roaming in the fringes of his tiger reserve, killing cattle and getting away with it. This vulnerable behavior is spotted by Arivalagan and he lays the bait for the capture of the tiger.
But while the tiger is being transported illegally to an unknown location, an unfortunate accident leads to its escape and it entering an area that is lacking in natural prey. Given there is no history of tigers ever being spotted in this area, the people have no idea about its presence and move about unhindered.
As Arul and Viji, along with their companions, gear up to track and capture the tiger once again, they are forced to believe that the tiger has turned into a fierce man-eater. After all, all the evidence and cases of missing persons piling up, point to the same.
As this adventurous and thrilling saga unfolds, we witness a narrative that intricately intertwines humanity and wilderness.
Will the elusive tiger ever be captured?
Will Arul, Viji, and Arivalagan ever be held accountable for their sins against nature?
Amidst all this chaos, what will happen to the poor innocent villagers, whose lives now lie at the mercy of forces beyond their control?
As the man-eater prowls its newfound territory, how many more lives will it claim before its reign of terror is brought to an end?
My thoughts
The unique theme
What I absolutely love about A Man Eater in Kasan Kadu is its distinct and compelling theme. Barring the books written by Jim Corbett, I have yet to come across a book about man-eaters, and in this regard, this book is a welcome addition to this literary niche that remains largely unexplored by most Indian authors.
The scenes come alive
I am enamored with the concept of this book, its unique setting, the intriguing poaching subplot, and the resulting narratives that emerge out of the disastrous accident. In writing a book like this, it’s very important to write in a way that makes the scenes visually come alive.
In addition to that, it’s also very important that the whole setting, the atmospheric vibe of the lush jungles, the silence and foreboding of lonely nights, spine-chilling actions, and thrilling hunting scenes are executed perfectly. This the author manages to do quite well, immersing the reader in a world teeming with danger and suspense.
All throughout the book, my imagination was running wild, and I could visualize scene after scene as if it were a movie playing in front of my eyes.
The adrenaline rush from action scenes
The adrenaline rush of the action scenes was palpable. With each kill that the man-eater secured, my heart paced up as if witnessing all of it live and don’t get me talking about the last few scenes. The thrill was just electrifying. It was an edge-of-your-seat thriller in every sense.
From the tense moments of baiting the tiger to the nerve-wracking anticipation, the tiger’s bold and unpredictable behavior managed to create a rush that was hard to resist.
The rural and rustic setting
I love the setting! The rural landscape, its people, their life stories, intricacies of daily life, the flora and fauna, and the customs and traditions – every aspect of rural Tamil Nadu comes alive in vivid detail. The writing flows with a kind of love and appreciation for these rural roots that are hard to find these days. It’s a testament to the author’s deep connection with the land and its people, making the rural setting an integral and unforgettable part of the story.
What could have been better?
One aspect that could have been improved upon is the cohesion between episodes. There were places where there was a disconnect between episodes, individually they are written well but collectively they need a better binding agent.
The writing lacks finesse. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this is not uncommon for a new author. I am pretty sure, that with more years and books under his name, Mr. Balamurugan’s writing would only refine more. All in all, a great effort from a new author on the block, I am surely looking forward to his next work.
In the end
A Man Eater in Kasan Kadu holds great appeal for a diverse range of readers. It would be loved by nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those drawn to stories about animals. Moreover, individuals who appreciate narratives set in rural Tamil Nadu, with its rustic charm and untamed wilderness, will find the book captivating.
Also, the atmospheric vibes of the wild, coupled with the allure of man-eaters, make this book a compelling choice for fans of authors like Jim Corbett and Kenneth Anderson, who have delved into similar themes.
Overall, it’s a captivating read that promises to enthrall a wide audience with its richly drawn setting and gripping storytelling.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of A Man Eater in Kasan Kadu using the link below.
