Book Review: ‘The Green Book’ by Amitava Kumar

Book Title: The Green Book: An Observer’s Notebook
Author: Amitava Kumar
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Number of Pages: 254
ISBN: 978-9365692754
Date Published: Dec. 5, 2024
Price: INR 515

Book Review

Amitava Kumar’s “The Green Book: An Observer’s Notebook” is a captivating exploration of art, observation, and storytelling. As the third book in his series, following ‘The Blue Book’ and ‘The Yellow Book’, this “observer’s notebook” combines Kumar’s talent for writing, painting, and sketching into a deeply personal yet universally resonant work. The right and colourful illustrations, often abstract yet emotionally stirring, serve as the heart of this book, inviting readers to experience a world of vibrant colours and nuanced creativity. Kumar’s artistic expressions speak louder than his words at times, capturing emotions and fleeting moments that elude textual description.

The book accounts for observing the World, One Stroke at a Time through author Kumar’s eyes. His travels across continents, and visits to rivers, highways, and even a prison, form the backdrop of this unique literary endeavour that particularly focuses on the colour green, true to the book’s title. The sketches and notes he pens during these journeys reveal a profound philosophy: “Seeing is, in fact, being.” His observations on the Ganges, Varanasi, Rishikesh, and even everyday details have a spiritual undertone, bridging the gap between the external world and internal reflection. The book doesn’t just document his experiences; it transforms them into a meditative exploration of life, nature, and the human condition.

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“The Green Book” is a Marriage of art and stories and is more than a notebook but an immersive experience. Kumar’s illustrations are not mere accompaniments to the text but are central to the storytelling. Through them, abstract concepts come alive, emotions take shape, and cultural nuances are painted with a beautiful palette. Whether it’s a drawing of a leafy tree offering shade or a scene from nature reflecting unripe love, or a large Gulmohar tree, the visuals enhance the narrative, making it as enriching as it is evocative. Kumar’s ability to balance spontaneity with purpose in his artwork adds depth to his reflections, making this book a feast for both the eyes and the mind.

This book is a tribute to the enduring power of art and literature to provide comfort and inspire hope in a world that is constantly changing. Closing one year and beginning the next with Amitava Kumar’s writing feels like a true gift to the soul. Following the charm of ‘The Yellow Book‘, which Storizen reviewed earlier, “The Green Book” offers a similarly intimate glimpse into the author’s world. Through life’s highs and lows, this book feels like a quiet guide, resonating even with those who typically shy away from self-help genres. With nature and travel as his muses, Kumar crafts a narrative that is neither preachy nor overbearing but instead brimming with compassion and a generous sharing of insights.

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