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REVIEW: Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
On the outskirts of a sprawling Indian city, children go missing every day. For Jai, a nine-year-old with a penchant for watching detective shows (in particular Police Patrol), it’s something he feels that he must resolve. Along with his friends Faiz and Pari, they set out to find out what happened to the missing children whose disappearances rock the close-knit community.
‘This story is a talisman. Hold it close to your heart.’ (p.129)
The young trio, led by Jai, turn to solving these missing incidents themselves. We learn their child-like traits as well as their familial circumstances. They venture far from within the confines of the neighbourhood basti and towards to the Purple Line station in search of finding clues. Initially the novel begins with a sense of adventure, but takes a sudden turn in the latter parts as we’re invited to view the reality of the harsh (and unfriendly) surroundings; the descriptions are something to behold and Anappara’s dialogue reinforces into the mistreatment of the wider diverse society i.e. Muslims and how islamophobia is rife.
What struck me the most was the way the narration is told through Jai’s child-like mind, and the language deployed. I in particular enjoyed the phrases expressed in the local language (Hindi), and that in itself brought the setting to life. There’s seemingly robust research that has gone into the dire situation of missing children, echoed by Anappara’s appearance on BBC Radio 2 Book Club with Jo Whiley. Even down to the lexicon of each character (my personal favourite phrase being ‘okay-tata-bye’), she paints an honest, yet brutal portrayal of modern India. I was in awe of how she carefully responds to a real-life issue with sheer frankness; it was a rewarding read, and I wept well into the final pages. The Indian class divide is something that is tackled with tact: from learning about the volatile scenarios with the workers and their boss (the madam living in the hi-fi apartment) to the injustices faced by minority groups, the issues are highlighted display the plight of those often ignored by wider society.
‘Maybe a Djinn took him’, Faiz says, touching the gold-coloured taweez that hangs from a frayed black string tied around his neck.’ (p.23)
To conclude, I found Djinn Patrol to be a funny, moving and searing read. I devoured Jai’s story; it takes you right into the heart of his basti and on an inescapable journey.
Deepa Anappara, for me, is a superb storyteller that you should all watch out for in this new decade.
Reviewed by Hamza Jahanzeb ©
Follow Hamza on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hamzajahanzeb
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Published by Chatto & Windus on 30th January 2020
£14.99 Hardback
ISBN: 9781784743086
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