Book Review : EM & the Big HOOM

Starting with the very first book review on this blog, I chose a very special book which has left a deep thought on my mind since last year. It is very uncommon for books to give such experiences to the reader that remain etched in the minds forever.

This story is deeply routed in Bombay of the 70s. With nostalgia and memories , comes an account of relationships and upbringing - all from the perspective of the author (as a young boy).

As we start to meet the characters, we are thrust onto a small suburban Bombay flat which comprises of 1 Bedroom, 1 Hall and 1 Kitchen , all made habitable by its 4 glorious family members. The flat / house has as much role to play as any character designed in the book... We meet the Mendeses, the ever rock solid, angel ears Father - so notibly called as the Big Hoom.............the brother and sister duo who have understanding even in silence amongst themselves and have learnt the understanding of relationships by seeing the best and worst.... and the very important Self destructive , mania stricken , beedi (local cigarettes in India) smoking mother going through a very hostile and psychological trauma.

It is indeed very rare of a book or an author to talk about mental health in such terms, as have been addressed in this book. Even more so, the affects of the same have been addressed in such a way that makes you wonder if these stories were personal in any way for the author. The author Jerry Pinto has said that this is in a way an account of his early years and his family upbringing, but how much is fiction /reality we may never know.

The book does not in any way try to demean any character or show indifference to mental health. However it shows how togetherness and relationships can actually build on that.

Imelda (Mother / EM) , has had suicidal tendencies from postpartum depression it seems. The Big Hoom is shown to be supportive and taking care of her during the episodes and is always present for the children as the head of the family.

It is in these episodic phases that EM talks to her kids about her life, her thoughts, her dreams. She talks freely about anything and everything including a conversation about abortion and unwanted pregnancies to a 9 year old! This does not deter the inquisitive mind of the children as they want to know as much as they can about their parents, their life, their romance and their decision to marry and live together...they are known to revisit their mother's memories through her long kept journals and talk to her asking questions about her thoughts.

For me it was a good change of a book I found while browsing my Kindle one day. Then slowly the book grasped my attention and it was not easy putting it down.

To me, it was a show of commitment and support. Commitment of the promise of marriage and commitment to go through all ups & downs together in a relationship. It was the ever endearing presence of the Big Hoom who gave up so much , yet showed and shared so little.

To me it was the love of the children for their mother. At such young age, finding and understanding their mother in this frame of mind and then trying to live with her memories from a time they did not know....

It is a good read for sure! You can find the book on Amazon, sharing below link with you.

https://www.amazon.com/Em-Big-Hoom-Jerry-Pinto/dp/0143124765