Kausam Salam

It’s one of my favorites in terms of design and intricacy of characterization. The Russians are great with depth of characters whereas others focus on the plot or story line mostly. This play can be read as a commentary on people dealing with their past as well as with huge changes in their lives: does one go with the flow of one’s destiny; or, follow social trends that rarely contribute to solace and contentment? And class or status, the great Chekhov knew, though thought to be part of one’s personality, has always been a man-made thing.

The Road, by Cormac McCarthy: One of those rare books that one can read again and again and again, while still finding something new, of hope despite the pessimistic landscape, of bonding over suffering, in father and son:parent and child: the organic growth of love and mutual understanding despite that hardened clime, resilience despite fear.