Scion

Scion means a descendant of a notable family. This book talks about dharma and tradition. The story is multilayered and each character have different perspective. It was very interesting to see how each and every characters were expressing their feelings. It is a novel of expansion of meaning that deals with values and clash of values.Scion portrays the moral dilemmas when long established social patterns are questioned in the name of the individual fulfillment. The most sensitive topic shown in a very diplomatic way, the author reaches the peak in understanding the emotions of a woman and a mother. At the vortex of this upheaval is Katyayani who transgresses the taboos against widow remarriage, jeopardizing her relationship with her son and linking together the destiny of two emotionally scarred families that are striving to preserve their integrity and their lineage. It is a sensitive exploration of love and loss, tragedy and triumph, interwoven with spiritual, historical and cultural insights. The book also talk about polygamy, purpose of marriage, life and lineage through various characters.I love the character Srinivasa Shrothri for upholding his dharma. Love the way author describes Kapila River, Mysore outskirts and Chamundi hills. It was really interesting in last 50 pages where the story took drastic turn.This book was written in 1965. You can imagine how Bhyrappa was way ahead of his time. The story is so gripping and it is thought provoking. He wrote this first landmark novel Vamshavruksha in just 31 days and then forget about it. After couple of years he revisited it for a thorough revision until he was satisfied that it was fit for publication. Later this became his lifelong practice. This book was originally written in Kannada. Now its available in Sanskrit, Hindi and Marathi.