In the realm of literary concoctions, Jairam N. Menon's debut book, Masala Chai for the Soul, is a delightful blend of wit, humour and insightful observations on the quirks of human nature. Menon's ability to capture the essence of mundane moments and elevate them to comic or catastrophic heights is reminiscent of the legendary P.G. Wodehouse.
I remember reading Menon's witty contributions in THE WEEK. I am sure that like me many readers must have relished his selection of topics and the ease with which he expressed his thoughts. Masala Chai for the Soul is a testament to Menon's ability to transport readers to savour prose in slow motion. He effortlessly expands characters, trivialities and plots to create a tapestry of humour.
Menon's facility to make words dance to his bidding, the eloquent turns of phrase and a profound understanding of human foibles are evident throughout the book. Each chapter is a testament to his storytelling prowess, making the reader laugh, ponder and nod in agreement.
One of the standout features of the book is Menon's ability to infuse wisdom seamlessly into his narratives. In a chapter on quotation marks, he humorously suggests that to clinch arguments or to appear knowledgeable, borrowed wisdom is your best ally.
Menon's writing transcends the boundaries of a typical humour book, offering readers not just laughter, but a profound understanding of human nature.
MASALA CHAI FOR THE SOUL
By Jairam N. Menon
Published by Rupa Publications
Pages 224; price Rs295