This book offers new translations of the Tiruppavai and Nacciyar Tirumoli; composed by the ninth-century Tamil mystic and poetess Kotai. Two of the most significant compositions by a female mystic; the Tiruppavai and Nacciyar Tirumoli give expression to her powerful experiences through the use of a vibrant and bold sensuality; in which Visnu is her awesome; mesmerizing; and sometimes cruel lover. Kotai's poetry is characterized by a richness of language in which words are imbued with polyvalence and even the most mundane experiences are infused with the spirit of the divine. Her Tiruppavai and Nacciyar Tirumoli are garlands of words; redolent with meanings waiting to be discovered. Today Kotai is revered as a goddess; and as a testament to the enduring relevance of her poetry; her Tiruppavai and Nacciyar Tirumoli continue to be celebrated in South Indian ritual; music; dance; and the visual arts. This book aims to capture the lyricism; beauty; and power of Kotai's original works. In addition; detailed notes based on traditional commentaries; and discussions of the ritual and performative lives of the Tiruppavai and Nacciyar Tirumoli highlight the importance of this ninth-century poet and her two poems over the past one thousand years.
#78304 in Books 2008-12-26Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.50 x 1.00 x 8.10l; 1.15 #File Name: 0195376854374 pagesDefiance by Nechama Tec
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating account of a heroic survivalBy Gregory BlockNechama Tec's "Defiance" is a fascinating account of the survival of 1200 Jews during the second world war. Three brothers - Tuvia; Asael and Zus Bielski; created a sanctuary in the forest for Jews fleeing from Nazi persecution and extermination in the ghettos. According to Tec; the Bielskis accepted all Jews; including those who were unarmed and those who were not able to fight; such as children and the elderly. Despite several attacks from Germans; and continual friction from nearby Russian partisans; the Bielskis formed a "tribal society" that lasted until the Red Army liberated the group in 1944.It is hard to look back on the heroic efforts of the Bielskis without feeling a sense of awe. While the Germans slaughtered their families in the ghettos; a few escaped to join the Bielskis in the forest; suffering hunger; mistreatment; disease; and the fear of German raids.While the history is incredible; the narrative is uneven and apologist. Nechama Tec seems to be building a case for Tuvia Bielski. The author describes his infidelities; suspected favoritism; the peremptory execution of a tanner who refused to follow orders; and offers commentary; either in her own words or by using the thoughts of eyewitnesses; to rationalize Tuvia's behavior.In my mind; Tuvia needs no explanation or apologies. What he; his family; and the Jews who joined him in the forest achieved defies belief.Ed Zwick directed a movie; presumably based on this book. The movie makes several gratuitous and unnecessary departures from the book; presumably for dramatic effect. In addition; the movie focuses on the main characters at the expense of everyone else in the film. It seems as if the Jews spend the entire movie standing in line; waiting for food and complaining about the servings. This seems like an insult to the men and women who risked their lives and suffered so many deprivations.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I recommend this bookBy G. RyanI saw the movie Defiance in the theaters and wanted to read the book after seeing the movie. The book is even better than the movie with much more details about the Bielski brothers. The book by Nechama Tec is well written. It tells an interesting story about the war that how the brothers fought and how they went about saving many people. If you enjoyed Schindler List; you will enjoy this true story. I recommend this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An Epic Tale of Survival Against the Odds that Needs to be ProclaimedBy Thomas J. NovakThis book is the clear-cut; unembellished; source of the material that was incorporated into the dramatic movie bearing the same name. Contained within its chapters are the sobering details of the heroic and courageous fight for survival of a band of Jews during World War II. Under the leadership of the Bielski brothers these Jews stood against the contempt and hatred of both Nazis and Soviets alike; and survived destruction despite the odds stacked against them. This is an historic account; and it provides significant details of the personalities involved; their challenges; their hopes and disappointments; and their commitment and sacrifices for each other in the midst of this epic struggle for survival. The maps and photographs contained within help bring this tale to life. A must-read to discover the hidden treasure of this little known story!
