Escaping the Land

Blending the tapestry of history, myth, and contemporary politics, Escaping the Land embarks on a profound odyssey through a captivating yet occasionally turbulent landscape and its resilient inhabitants. Renowned poet-novelist Mamang Dai guides us on an indelible voyage, spanning from the mystical realm of Kojum-Koja—a sacred domain existing beyond the constraints of time—to the genesis of the modern state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Maying, a woman who has long dwelled far from her homeland, returns with a purpose—to pen a chronicle of the people who have shaped her beloved land. As she engages in heartfelt conversations and delves into the annals of yore, a kaleidoscope of stories and destinies unfurls. An ancient deluge intertwines with a celestial lake adorned with shimmering stars. The quest for understanding and the spirit of exploration give birth to NEFA (North-east Frontier Agency). Hardy souls like Lipun brave treacherous mountain passes and dense forests, forging connections with remote tribes. The enigmatic “rainman” deciphers the elements, tethered to them by an intimate bond. Umsi embarks on a distant journey to discover her true self. And Lutor, the child of a shaman, senses the pulse of his people, even amidst the disillusionment of public life.

Yet, amid the tapestry of narratives, there loom figures of land and forest mafia, corrupt politicians entangled with violent militants, and friendships that morph into bitter enmity in the pursuit of personal ambitions. Maying recoils from the murky stage of the modern state, but in doing so, she also recognizes that although “our hearts are taken, given, mistaken, lost,” the original obsession—a dream of love—endures, never truly vanishing.

Lyrical, vital, and epic in its scope, Escaping the Land weaves a timeless saga of a people and a place. In its essence, this remarkable tale transcends boundaries, encompassing the collective human experience. Through the intricate interplay of characters and settings, Mamang Dai illuminates the universal truths that unite us all, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart and soul.