Black, Grey and White by Santosh Avvannavar and Santosh I. Biradar

Name of Book - Black, Grey and White

“No one is spared from it.”

Authors - Santosh Avvannavar

                 Santosh I. Biradar

Blurb - This book gifts its reader’s five fantastic short stories that have a common aim – to spread awareness about AIDS. It is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against AIDS and show their solidarity for HIV positive people. This book is an eye opener for everyone who wishes to see the wave of positive change in society. Everyone including the brave hearts Savita, Chintu and  Mithali have the right to live with their heads held high without fear of social ostracization. Life does not have to be like this. The time is ripe to act now with one’s sense and sensibility. Break the myths. Come, be the change!

What Makes the Book Tick - As the year comes to end I wanted to end it with a social message and I am glad that I got the opportunity to do so through Santosh Avvannavar’s book. The blurb provides a good insight into what this book is all about. The 5 stories that the book is made up of, talk about different aspect of life - AIDS being the most dominant. Let’s look at the stories one by one!

Story 1 - Shahid –The Martyr

This story, which is written as a script, deals with Shahid and his search for Anjali a.k.a Neha. It talks about his social obligation and need to solve the mystery of Anjali and her husband. This story brings to the core myths surrounding AIDS and how fake doctors and people who use black magic prey upon others, especially children. I was heart-broken when I read this story and had tears in my eyes every time I visualized the young children who are victims of people who lack knowledge about HIV positive people or just want to make easy money.

Story 2 - Chintu – The Earth is Round

If all of us had a chance to reason with God, I am sure that everyone would be born perfect! Written as a narrative, this story brings to the forefront the reality of how people with AIDS are treated. Chintu did not ask to be born HIV positive…why then should Chintu and others like him suffer for lack of knowledge? This story emphasizes the fact that people with AIDS would be able to live a better life if only we do our bit to spread the reality behind AIDS and inform people of the facts rather than let them make their own assumptions!

Story 3 - A Game of Life, Lust and Death

There is a world outside that all of us know about; it’s just that most people deny it exists. This story talks about the exploitation of young girls in various industries. It highlights the fact that lust can lead to irreversible physical and mental damage which could even result in death. Maithali is one of the girls who falls prey to these men and how she ensures that they do not go scot-free! Pain, disappointment and regret, this story will make you realize that life is not easy for everyone!

Story 4 - Highway Sex: A Journey of Hope

There are many like Savita who are seen as a responsibility and married off at an early age. They know nothing much about life, about the men they marry and yet go into it because of society and their parent’s insistence. This story, which is written as a script, talks about how Savita gets AIDS and deals with her problems with the help of positive building sessions, counseling and in turn helps others like herself. Ending on a positive note, this story is one of inspiration and strength!

Story 5 - Abram and His Prodigal Son

This story is made up of different chapters and moves away from the other four stories that have an underlying message about AIDS. Of course keeping with the main theme of the book, this story deals with a young boy, Cain and how he goes astray! The deep message behind this story is that people can change if they are loved, appreciated and understood. In this story, the author has drawn references from the story of Cain and Abel from the Holy Bible.

The authors have put great thought into making the stories interesting and easy to understand. They have brought up topics about HIV positive people and problems that young children face in the hope that it will move others to reach out and remove the myths surrounding AIDS. I feel that this book should be placed in every library so that more people will be aware of how they too can make a difference!

What Could Have Been Better  -

I feel the cover could have been more interesting. The slogan “No one is spared from it” could have been placed below the title instead of above it. The blurb and the reviews could have been written in black so that it would have been easier to read. Apart from this, I think the authors have done a good job of using their skills to spread awareness about AIDS.

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