Set in the beautiful region of Coorg in the south of India, Tiger Hills, the first novel by Sarita Mandanna presents us with the traditional love triangle. A heroine finds herself torn between two suitors: the debonair bad boy and the dependable childhood friend. Set at the turn of the twentieth century, this atmospheric novel follows the life of a girl named Devi, a girl so determined that at the age of 10 she declares that she will not marry anyone but Machaiah, a famed local tiger hunter. To the reader’s dismay, she has no idea that her lifelong friend, the shy and reserved Devanna, harbours his own secret hopes of their union.
Despite this romantic entanglement, Mandanna’s novel is more than a love story. Her multi-generational tale explores the danger of passion, the power of memory and the sadness of thwarted love. As children, Devi and Devanna are practically inseparable and together they attend a missionary school run by a German priest. However, things start to change when Devanna’s intelligence is recognised and after private tutoring, he leaves the village for Bangalore Medical College. From this point, everything shifts as a series of catastrophic events unfold that will change the lives of the characters forever. Following both Devanna’s traumatic experiences at college and Devi’s blossoming relationship with the man with whom she has been consumed since childhood, the book follows their lives apart and together.
Of all the characters, romantic, tortured and ambitious Devanna captures the heart of the reader the most. Mandanna carefully articulates the psychological breakdown that leads him to the violence and regret that he suffers from for the rest of his life.
Alongside its epic narrative, the book also gives us an insight into the life in the region and its superstitions, food, festivals, local customs and folklore. Mandanna explores the changing political climate in India during the turn of the 20th century, charting its struggle for independence, both world wars and the effects of colonisation. She particularly brings to life Coorg itself; the European settlers, coffee plantations and clans, creating a portrait of a far-away land during 60 years of social upheaval.
The language is lyrical and evocative; this book is a perfect read for someone interested in India, its people, culture and history. The tale ends with Devanna’s thoughts: ‘There was so much left to say,’ leaving the reader to feel the impact of all that he has lost. It’s a perfect story for someone who wants a taste of Indian culture while reading about loss, suffering, love, forgiveness and human experience.
Brit Backpacker 