The spirit of never giving up and going on steady is what is the main purpose of any person’s life. Everyone, from their childhood, is inculcated with the spirit of striving to thrive even in adverse circumstances. “Samrat: Who Never Gives Up” by Suchi Smita Sahu has the resonating effect of this philosophy, which the title character signifies and the subtitle substantiates. In her short book, Sahu captures the life of her protagonist and the different stages that occur while addressing different themes and issues which are prevalent and familiar in the lives of many. At the same time, she may have chosen to keep her characters concentrated, yet the book conveys many ideas apart from the message of the subtitle.
The subtitle also becomes an essential attraction for the readers as it gives a vibe of positivity and an idea that what they are going to read is going to transport them away from the negativity of life and despite showing situations that may affect the protagonist in a negative way, yet they would see the positive that comes out of it. When the readers begin with the introduction as given by the author, they know that what they are going to read is be a work of fiction, yet the effect and validity it will have will be on a universal level. She gives just the required details in the introduction and touches the nerve of interest of the readers in no time.
Although they know a bit about the plot, yet they are drawn towards reading the book due to the suspense and uncertainty with which the author packs the book. The story majorly revolves around the protagonist, Samrat, and the events of his life. Through one character, the author shows the different shades of life that occur in the life of an average human being and how they shape their personalities as a whole. She also shows that even a simple life can be eventful and filled with unimaginable changes and also shows the versatility of human nature and behaviour.
“Samrat” comes across as a story that would be a characteristic of an average Indian household, and the circumstances the protagonist faces can also be found. This makes Samrat a representative of the many who would be like him. Sahu’s capturing his life right from his early days to the days when he looks at the early days of younger ones shows how life comes in a complete circle as time passes. In the midst of this, the author explores many themes and thoughts that incarnate Samrat’s life and the lives of many. These include the importance of family, compassion in relationships, complexities that life can throw at a person, the ability to adapt and adjust to new situations, and the significance of living on specific standards. Other thoughts that the readers may trace in the book include the world above materialistic madness; the marvels hard work can do in someone’s life, human beings and their emotional vulnerability, and the fact that those who live for others while living for themselves are remembered later.
The story of “Samrat” touches the hearts of the readers both due to the purity of emotion with which the author portrays his life and also the faithfulness with which she builds it. At one juncture, the readers reminisce their lives with Samrat’s habits and mischief, and on the other hand, also see the mature version as times change. They would also be able to relate to it as they would have gone through similar circumstances. This opens Sahu’s book to reading by people of all ages. Younger readers would be able to enjoy the younger days of Samrat and learn about life in the later phases of the story, while the grown-up readers would be able to both reminisce and relate to the protagonist’s life. In addition, the author uses a language that all readers can read.
Parents can also read this book to their children or choose this book to be read by their children for the content and the values the book imparts. These values would be instrumental in shaping their sensitivity as a human, therefore, “Samrat” would be a good book for children too. At the same time, the subtitle, “who never gives up,” also becomes significant since it teaches a crucial value of striving to thrive in life and not giving up no matter how challenging life becomes. In this light, the book also becomes a piece of motivational writing, and the readers carry the impression of taking life head-on in all circumstances. It also instills the readers with optimism even when Samrat faces adverse events.