Two Friends: A Perspective of the Third by Bharat Sasne (Translated by Vilas
Salunke)
Reviewed
by
Dr.
Sanghamitra Raiguru
Poet
& Translator
Ranchi,Jharkhand,
India
Two Friends: A Perspective of the Third | Novel | Bharat Sasne | Translated by Vilas
Salunke
Target
Publications, 2020, pp. 208
ISBN: 9788194089018
Bharat Sasne’s Two Friends: A Perspective of
the Third, translated from Marathi by Vilas Salunke, is a profound exploration
of friendship, communal harmony, and the deep fractures within society. Through
an emotionally resonant narrative, the novel captures the enduring bond between
two elderly friends—one Hindu, the other Muslim—whose relationship becomes a
powerful symbol of unity amid rising socio-political tensions.
The novel’s brilliance lies in its unique
narrative perspective—told through the eyes of a third individual who serves as
both an observer and a commentator. This choice adds depth, offering readers a
reflective lens through which they can analyze the unfolding events while
feeling the emotional weight of the characters’ journey.
At its core, the novel celebrates the triumph
of friendship over religious and ideological divisions, challenging the notion
that communal identities should dictate personal relationships. Sasne’s
storytelling is both intimate and expansive, weaving personal struggles with
larger socio-political realities. The novel serves as a poignant social
commentary on communal discord, mirroring the contemporary landscape of India
where personal bonds often become casualties of ideological conflicts. The
stark realism with which Sasne portrays the fragility of human relationships
amidst external pressures makes the novel both intellectually stimulating and
emotionally moving.
Vilas Salunke’s translation does a
commendable job of retaining the essence of the original Marathi text,
preserving the cultural depth and emotional richness. However, as with many
translations, some idiomatic expressions may lose their full impact in English.
The novel’s strengths lie in its
thought-provoking themes, deeply human characters, and the unique narrative
voice that balances emotion with critical social observation. However, readers
seeking a fast-paced plot may find the storytelling slow-moving at times.
Ultimately, Two Friends: A Perspective of the
Third is a powerful and timely novel that urges introspection on the nature of
friendship, identity, and the barriers that society constructs between
individuals. A must-read for those who appreciate literary fiction with a
strong socio-political undercurrent, this book resonates far beyond its pages,
leaving the reader with lingering questions about human connection and the
forces that seek to divide us.