THE BOOK REVIEW OF
Publish Year: 1936
Author: Laxmi Prasad Devkota
Subject: Narrative Poetry
Characters: Muna, Madan, Bhote, Madan's mother, Madan's friends, etc.
Muna Madan is a folk epic composed in 1935 by Nepalese poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, which tells the tragic narrative of Muna and Madan. It is one of the most widely read pieces in Nepali literature. Just before his death in 1959, Devkota made the famous statement, "It would be all right if all my works were burned, except Muna Madan." It is the most commercially successful Nepalese book ever released. It's based on the Jhaurey folk tune.
Muna Madan, a classic work by Nepalese poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota, is a timeless piece of Nepali literature that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the human condition. This folk epic, originally published in 1935, has become the most financially successful Nepali book ever written. Devkota once famously stated, "It would be all right if all my works were burned, except for Muna Madan," emphasizing its importance in his creative career.
The book tells the story of a guy (Madan) who abandons his wife (Muna) and travels to Lhasa to make money. Madan represents all of Nepal's youth who travel overseas to earn a life.
The story revolves around Madan, a man who abandons his beloved wife Muna to travel to Lhasa in search of riches. Madan's departure represents the struggle of many young Nepalese men who migrate abroad to make a career, abandoning their families and loved ones. Muna, the pinnacle of love and sacrifice, regretfully accepts Madan's departure despite the risks and difficulties it implies. She stays behind to care for her elderly mother-in-law, demonstrating her strength and commitment.
As Madan returns home, he becomes seriously unwell. Madan is abandoned by his companions, who believe he has died, and his life is spared by a man of a lesser caste. This act of humanity confronts Nepalese society's deeply ingrained caste stereotypes, highlighting that true greatness stems from a heart full of love and compassion, not one's social standing.
Madan is devastated to return to Kathmandu and discover that both his mother and Muna had died while he was away. This heartbreaking realization reinforces the idea that money is useless without the company of loved ones. The story depicts a woman's extreme sorrow in the absence of her husband, which eventually leads to grief.
Devkota's literature delves not only into personal suffering, but also into larger society themes including unemployment, poverty, and unscientific beliefs. He criticizes old cultural conventions through Muna and Madan's story, highlighting the hard reality of living in Nepal at the time.
Muna Madan is a fascinating and moving story, but it is not a simple read. The detailed descriptions and dialectal dialogues can be difficult to understand. However, the emotional depth and cultural significance make it a worthwhile undertaking.
Laxmi Prasad Devkota's story of Muna and Madan aims to stabilize the truths of traditional communities, unscientific ideas, and the detrimental effects of unemployment and poverty in Nepalese society. The poet has beautifully expressed love by describing Muna and Madan's bond. The book has shown to be a brilliant item in the Nepali Literature. This is a must-read novel in Nepalese literature.
To summarize, Muna Madan is a must-read for anyone interested in Nepali literature and culture. Its compelling story and timeless ideas ensure that it is a valued masterpiece. I dare you to remain unmoved after reading this remarkable book; it is a literary trip that speaks to the heart and soul.
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