The Protagonist
JAISIMHA M.L.
Notion Press
Rs.275/
As a reviewer of books for mainstream newspapers almost for three decades, it is the first time I have had an opportunity to review an autobiography, where the author relates how he conquered two maladies, one inflicted in the prime of his life and the other due to the consequences of medication for the first.
This candid account of his life filled with challenges he faced career wise and health wise narrated in 11 chapters in lucid style is gripping as well as exciting for its contents. In the first six chapters he talks about his early life, his hobbies his aspirations and failures (his priorities were joining the Army and Medical profession) and how he landed in Sales which he realized was where his heart belonged. ‘Once a salesman is always a salesman’ is his refrain
The subsequent chapters: Travels and Travails, Discipline is Top priority and Illness to Wellness deal with the recurring health issues which had become an unwanted companion to him during his official travels leaving him at the end of the tether but how he bounced back with renewed vigour bring goose pimples to the reader.
This book comprising a large number of Endearing Endorsements from the author’s family, his doctors and friends bring out the author’s persona in full.
The last chapter is again something unusual where Jaisimha has a dialogue with his previous heart and the new heart that has taken its place.
It is said one cannot judge a book by its cover, but the suave dignified ‘Protagonist’ (the apt title of the book) in blue suit smiling at you certainly merits compulsive reading for its captivating contents which are sure to enrich one’s knowledge regarding the ‘Emperor of all Maladies’ (the title of the biography by Dr.Siddhartha Mukherjee) and its repercussions on one’s Heart..
N.Meera Raghavendra Rao
Author and Blogger
Just Li'Es 