Corbett Park Half Marathon - Roar of the Tiger

Corbett Park Half marathon lived upto its image of a scenic route, skirting the forest all along the way with some parts being tough with gentle undulations and tough hills as well. It was definitely not an easy route with the start itself on a trail path for 300 metres before it hits the main road when it immediately hits a climber and a steep descent. Mental notes made – to navigate this killer hill on the last leg, the route thereafter petered into a steady straight path with the forests on both sides. The race started at 6.00 a.m. by which time it was already bright and clear. I had mentioned to Rahul Varghese that perhaps we should have started at 5.30 a.m., but then the distance of the route from the respective resorts where people were staying and being the first event of its kind, the timing was perfect.


When Rahul announced the Corbett Park half marathon dates, I think around early to mid-February, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get away with the family on a holiday as well as get to do a half marathon in a world renowned natural forest. Late april seemed perfect with the weather still holding good. In order to reach Corbett, one had to first come to New Delhi and then take a train or a car to Ramnagar which was the nearest rail head. There are two trains from old Delhi railway station to Ramnagar, one leaving at 1630 hours and another one late at night. We took the 1630 hours train which arrived at Ramnagar station at about 2030 hours. In the train itself, I came across and met fellow runners from Delhi and Ahmedabad. Percy and Vijay respectively from these two cities were equally enthusiastic about running in Corbett. The resort Jaagar – the Village Resort was about 15 minutes away from the Ramnagar station.

Jaagar is a quaint little resort with individual cottages for each guest. Each cottage had a thatched roof and all the amenities to keep the guests comfortable and rested. The food was like home made, very delicious, so carbo loading was done with gusto. They had about 8 cottages, so the quality of service was excellent.

We were up the very next morning at 4.00 a.m. (well runners never crib about early mornings, hanh!) to do a jungle safari visit where we saw every animal in the forest but the tiger. We saw the tiger pug marks, heard the roar of a tiger which was closing in on a sambar deer, saw the carcass of an animal – the handiwork of a tiger, but the magnificient royal Bengal tiger was elusive to us.

Well, we visited the Expo organized by Rahul at the Mapple Resorts which was unlike any other expo visited by me. There were about 4 stalls, all running related - forest honey, saloman trail running shoes, suunto & R&L stall. The goodie bag was a paper bag with all the stuff in it being running related – there was no masala powders or noodles pack in it!! They had WWF coasters, health magazines, discount coupons for saloman trail running shoes and other stuff. There was a complimentary t-shirt as well.

Nikhil Shah & Divyesh Shah had already checked in before me and there was Priya who was doing 10K and a couple of other friends who had planned a Corbett trip.

Cars were arranged to take us to the starting point, which was near the Mapple Resorts. The route was an out and back route with the first/last 300 metres in a trail route with mud and stones and then straight road all the way to 10kms and from 10 to 10.5 kms also being a dirt road. Water stations were kept at 2.5, 5 & 7.5 kms respectively. Met up with Nikhil, Divyesh, Sujit all from Pune and Suneela from Bombay at the start point. There was a lone Kenyan in the race and it was certain that he was going to bag the first prize.

The race started exactly at 6.00 a.m. and had to be careful for the first 300 metres in view of my delicate ankle. Having negotiated that comfortably, ran into a steep climb immediately on hitting the tar road and then a steep descent as well, which was described in the first paragraph. Thereafter the route was a flat one with tall trees on both sides. Nikhil and Sujit went by, but I was like holding back the pace in order to gauge the course upto the half way mark. After 4 kms there was again gentle undulations – the sun came out somewhere around the 6 kms mark. Just after 7.5 kms, the Kenyan came by expectedly followed by two Indians much later. At the 7.5 kms station, I had a honey water drink which was very good – kept me strong upto the halfway mark. At 10 kms, there was rough patch of 500 metres on both sides which was like up and down with lots of stones – a muddy path which needed to be navigated carefully.

Halfway done, refreshments taken – I hit a blue patch at this point streaming away with all might from 11 kms to about 14 kms. The sun was out in full glory at this stage and the tree shade was not sufficient to provide succor to the runners. From 15 to 16 kms, it was absolutely brutal with no tree cover at all – so kept the pace steady at this stage without exerting too much. 16 kms to 18 kms were relatively better but from 18 kms onwards again it was quite tough with the sun beating down hard on the runners. At just after 19 kms there was a flutter amongst the runners, and when I turned to look at what it was all about – there was a magnificent and majestic tusker standing just near the road – it was an awesome sight. At around 19.5 kms there loomed a large and killer hill just abreast which looked like a beast, but I kept chugging on without stopping, this hill was the distance from the bottom of the aarey hill to the first tabela and the gradient was also the same, so navigated it comfortably, but then just down the hill the cramps started on the left calves, saw my daughter holding the placard.

Went into the last 300 metres for a good finish in a time of 2.10.35 hours just outside the Personal Best but entirely satisfied with the effort in April.

Got a medal and a certificate immediately on arrival.

Met up with other runners at the finish line. Nikhil finished in 1.58, Sujit in 2.02, Divyesh in 2.16 and Suneela in 2.24. Priya who had done the 10K finished comfortably in 1.03 hours in 2nd place.

The organization of the event was impeccable and in fact there were quite a few innovative things which stood out as something to be emulated.

Private Patient

A measured, atmospheric, and morally complex mystery by P.D. James in The Private Patient.

The story begins with investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn, who has carried a long scar on her face since childhood. She visits Cheverell Manor, an old Dorset estate converted into a private clinic run by the renowned surgeon George Chandler-Powell, to have the scar removed. Rhoda is both excited and uneasy about the operation, but she never lives to see the results. She is found dead in her bed the morning after her surgery — murdered.

Commander Adam Dalgliesh and his team, including DI Kate Miskin and DS Francis Benton-Smith, are dispatched from London to investigate. Their inquiry takes them deep into the closed world of Cheverell Manor and its eccentric household: the ambitious surgeon Chandler-Powell, his staff, the manor’s owners and servants, and the varied assortment of people with motives against Rhoda.

As the investigation unfolds, another death occurs, adding to the layers of mystery. Dalgliesh and his team must untangle not only the mechanics of the murder but also the complex webs of resentment, secrecy, and ambition that permeate the community. Meanwhile, Dalgliesh himself faces personal choices, particularly regarding his relationship with Emma Lavenham, which underscores the theme of private lives intersecting with public duties.

Rhoda’s scar is both literal and symbolic; it represents the wounds of the past that never fully heal. James explores how history, trauma, and memory shape individuals and communities. The clinic embodies privilege, status, and secrecy, while Rhoda herself — through her career as a journalist — represents a force that exposes hidden truths.

The investigation is not simply about finding a killer but about understanding human weakness, guilt, and responsibility. The novel reflects on endings, both professional and personal. Death is a constant presence, but so too are the possibilities of reconciliation and love.

Adam Dalgliesh — Cerebral, reserved, and deeply moral, he remains James’s quintessential detective. Rhoda Gradwyn — Although she dies early, she is a haunting presence throughout the novel. Her scar, her career as an exposer of secrets, and her enigmatic character drive the mystery.

George Chandler-Powell — The distinguished but arrogant surgeon who epitomizes professionalism tinged with egotism. Kate Miskin — Continues to grow as a central figure, balancing her ambition and loyalty. Francis Benton-Smith — Provides a foil to Kate, often challenging her.

James’s writing is characteristically measured, elegant, and richly descriptive. The manor house setting is almost Gothic in its resonance: a place steeped in history, isolation, and atmosphere, where the boundaries between healing and harm blur.

The pacing is deliberate — some might even call it slow — but it reflects James’s commitment to psychological depth over sensationalism. Readers are invited to ponder the inner lives of suspects and the social structures around them, rather than race through plot twists.

The Private Patient is a novel that rewards patient readers who value depth over speed, atmosphere over sensationalism. Goodreads 4/5

Picture taken from the internet not with an intention to violation of copyright. 

BNP 5k Team Relay Race

Though the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi is known more for its organizational mess and corruption, it was also the event which saw some stirring performance by Indian women sportspersons – one of such electrifying performance was the Indian women quartet winning the 400 metres relay title besting holders Nigeria and England. This was followed a month later by another stupendous feat of winning the 400 metres relay gold at the Asian Games held at Guanghzhou in a tougher field. Indians were on their feet!


This led to a clamour amongst the runners’ fraternity in Mumbai to host a similar such event for runners i.e. a relay race – thus was born the concept of a relay race for long distance runners. The idea was to have a 4 into 5K relay race in a team with four runners each doing 5k each totaling 20K for the team. We were aware that RFL Bangalore organized urban stampede on somewhat similar lines, so were comfortable with the concept.

The concept was debated amongst few of the organizers and it was felt that the team selection should be left to the runners themselves – the organizers would not get into the nitty gritty of selecting teams – however, since this was first time event in Mumbai a lifeline was offered to the runners in the sense that they could look for teams online. The event was originally scheduled to be held on 28th November, 2010 but due to some reason got postponed and then the Mumbai marathon season dawned upon us, which therefore resulted in the event finally being scheduled for Sunday, 27th March 2011.

A core organizational team of Ram, Giles Drego, Milton Frank, Ashok Someshwar, Shashidhar Shankar, Bharatbhai & Kaushik Panchal was formed to tackle the various issues that kept cropping up vis-à-vis the organization of this race. It was decided to give certificates to the first three teams and for that purpose Milton Frank took control of the design and printing of the certificates. Bharatbhai took charge of the printing of team bibs, Kaushik of organizing day passes at the Borivli National Park and Giles Drego of procuring the team batons. Giles and Ashok were responsible for doing the km markers at the BNP in yellow paint, a back-breaking job in itself. All of us met a day prior to the event to take care of last minute glitches and procure the snacks and refreshments to the runners.

We received entries from 30 teams for which registrations were closed one week prior itself. Many a teams were made online at the RFL wall, some were locality based, few were company based and a few teams kept on getting changed from time to time and sometimes on a daily basis.

Finally on D-Day i.e. March 27th, 2011 we had 24 teams turning up and every team hoping in their hearts that they would do a good race, do well for themselves, come in the top three etc. Bibs distributed, it was time to brief the runners the rules; tell them what to expect and explain a few other details. This was beautifully done by Milton Frank with a few skipped out details being added in by Bharatbhai and Giles Drego. We had four volunteers collecting the registration fees and giving out team bibs and batons. A couple of teams were made on the day of the race itself comprising of runners who did not have teams or whose team members did not turn up at the last moment.

The Relay was of 20K and each runner in a team was to do a run of 5K. The runners were supposed to go 2.5K out, U-turn and return back, passing the baton to their next in turn team mate. The teams were a mix of champion athletes, veterans, regulars, sprinters et al. There were three all-Girls teams as well vying for glory with the Veterans. Surely there must have been some thought process to the composition of the teams as well as race strategies. There was a lot of eager, animated and frenzied talk of which team would win. Hot on many runners lips were teams like The Twlight Zone, Flying Cheetahs and Speed Kings; the first two teams boasting of State Level runners.

The race was flagged off by Khushru Patel a legend in running circles in Mumbai. Khushro Patel, 71 years still runs regularly and recently completed the Mumbai half marathon despite having an injury. Khushro was recently felicitated in the RFL Mumbai Runners’ Bash held in January 2011 with a Lifetime Achievement Award in running in view of his tremendous achievements in the last few decades.

At the whistle, there was loud cheering and the runners were off with some of them running with such pace and gusto that it looked as if they were in a 100 meter dash. But it surprised many to see the first 3 or 4 runners all doing their first 5K Leg in 18 to 20 minutes. Looking back, that should not have surprised many, as there were quite a few top runners, some representing their State and others from top Mumbai clubs and groups.

Once the event started, everything started clicking in clockwork precision – batons were exchanged to the thunderous roar for the incoming runners and steadily each teams started completing their respective legs. Priya & Sripad were noting down the names of each team that came in at each leg and Venkat Krishnan & Ram were noting down the timings of the teams that were finishing at the 4th leg.

Few popular runners such as Giles Drego, Radhika Misquitta, Roshni Rai, Ganesh Krishnan, Mahadev Samjiskar, Shiv Dogra etc. came in to thunderous applause from the remaining runners and people gathered to witness the event.

The Flying Cheetahs team of Gaurav Saktavat, Gautam Salaskar, Parvachan Kumar & Dharmendra Yadav came in first in a time of 1.25.50 hours followed by Twilight Zone comprising of Radhika Misquitta, Adrian Lasrado, Gareth Dias & Craig Fernandes in a time of 1.28.02 hours. Third came in BNP 3 team of Ambarish Gurav, Prashant Abhange, Devendra Yadav & Sanjay Kasle in a time of 1.36.01 hours.

The certificates were awarded with Milton Frank being the MC of the event and the first three awards were given respectively by Khushro Patel, Ashok Someshwar & Bharatbhai Oza. At the end of the relay, soft drinks and glucose biscuits were provided, snaps and photos were taken by our official photographer Ashok Someshwar.

Thus ended the 1st edition of the team relay race which we hope will be a regular feature in the running calendar in Mumbai.

Thane half marathon makes a dream debut

Narendra Deraje and his team deserve a standing ovation – for an almost perfect start to the Thane half marathon innings – few glitches remained which has been pointed out to him and for which he has responded in double quick time with positive intentions.


THM route straddled between two highways – starting from eastern express and almost touching the western express highway – it was a undulating hilly route with few twisters – a tough route for runners. It was an out and back route from the starting point it goes to the left for about 500 metres before turning back all the way to 11.5 kms and then returning to the starting point. Timing mats were placed at 1.5 kms and 11.5 kms in between – the road most part was concrete on the way up and on the return leg, there was a small stretch of tar road on the extreme left, which was used by the runners. The route was a straight east-west road and so on the return leg, the runners were running into a climbing sun, which was gentle for most part of the stretch except perhaps from 15 kms onwards. One part of the road was closed to traffic, so the runners had one entire part to themselves. Volunteers there were plenty – all enthusiastic and smiling friendly faces – lots of water stations, forgot to count, including lucozades and also volunteers holding water bottles in between the water stations. Medical teams was roaming up and down the entire route and ambulances were blazing their sirens up and down the route indicating the toughness of the route and the requirements of medical aid by few runners – in between young volunteers were providing relispray to the runners. Music bands there were about four in number, I think – providing much needed boost to the tiring legs.

THM was to start at 6.00 a.m. and so we set out from our houses at 4.15 a.m. travelling by eastern express highway despite staying in the western suburbs in order to pre-empt the possibility of road jams on the ghodbunder road. Reaching the venue at 5.00 a.m. we found everything in orderly fashion – volunteers directing traffic to the parking slot, people standing at the entrance guiding runners – everything working in smooth clockwork fashion.

Bhasker, myself and Sripad travelled in Bhasker’s car to the location and ran into a whole horde of RFL runners – it seemed the entire RFL fraternity was there – enthusiastic, eager and boisterous – Mike with his camera and all others exchanging notes and hi5s and wishes a plenty. Met with Neeraj from DM site while waiting for the event to start – the holding area was huge with sponsors’ banners on one side and cloth wall on the other side – fireworks was in eager display and announcements from the MC kept us in high spirits.

Start at 6.00 a.m. got delayed first by 5 minutes, then by 5 minute instalments until at last it started at about 6.33 a.m., delay which we thought was due to a politician’s delay in arriving at the site, but clarified by Narendra to be due to an overturned truck which needed a crane to be brought in to clear the site.

The weather was pleasant at the start, the route reached the main ghodbunder road and then branched off to the right for about 500 metres which had the first timing mat and then turned left – Milan stayed with me for about 5 kms – good going at the start – brisk pace – unfortunately there were a few walkers who were blocking our road – we had to urge them to move to the extreme left in order to allow the runners to proceed. First small incline at just after 5 kms – okay no bother – Milan stayed back at this point. At about 6.5 kms there was a monster hill which was a twister as well – a real beauty – almost 1 kms in length. The kms markings were on the road so had to strain to look out for them. A couple of times, had to stop to re-pin the bib, which was coming off, possibly due to sweat from the t-shirt.

At around 8 kms, runners started coming back on the return leg, our guys started I think at around 9 kms onwards – first of course, the marathon monk Apurba, no surprise that – was looking out for him only as the first one – followed by ageless Bhasker, Sohanlal, bare chested Ajit, Kavin and others.

Reached the turnaround at 11.5 kms still going good, sun not yet out in the open. Again on the return leg, hollered out to runners still coming in to the turnaround at half-way mark – Hari, Gary, Genieve, Supriya, Pandurang and others, Shashi bringing up the rear. Encountered a few hills on the return leg as well by running slowly and picking up on the downhill. From 15 kms onwards, the sun started hitting the runners, but there were plenty of water stations, so stopped at a couple of them to throw water on my head and neck. Ran into Mani who was not running but was there to encourage us and to take some pictures at around 17 kms. Dr. Oak passed me with his trademark umpire hat and full sleeved white shirt at about 19 kms, turned the last corner - slight twinge of cramps here, but not enough to come in the way of an almost sprint finish – to a personal best of 2.06.54 hours.

Came in to a joyous reunion with RFL friends – almost all of them returning their personal best – unanimous confirmation that it was a beast of a course. Stayed put at the finish to greet other runners coming in one by one – Supriya, Mohana, Ganesh, Dhanraj and others. Went in to collect medal from an ever smiling volunteer who actually put it around my neck, some refreshments, some more joyous shouts, hi5s, camera clicks galore – all in all a satisfying second event of 2011.

Waking up from a much deserved siesta, a SMS greeted with the net timings – WOW! how brilliant was that – Masthane has surely upped the bar with their outstanding first marathon at Thane.

the blooding

In The Blooding, Joseph Wambaugh, delivers a work of true crime that chronicles one of the most groundbreaking murder investigations in British history. The book recounts how two brutal murders in the quiet English countryside led to the world’s first use of DNA fingerprinting in solving a criminal case.

The story begins in Narborough, a small Leicestershire village in England, which is shaken by the 1983 murder of 15-year-old Lynda Mann, followed by the eerily similar 1986 killing of another teenager, Dawn Ashworth. The crimes sent shockwaves through a community unused to violence of such magnitude. Wambaugh paints Narborough vividly — not as a stereotypical “quaint English hamlet,” but as a place both ordinary and haunting, where the violence felt almost incomprehensible to its residents.

The initial police work, while methodical, was stymied by the lack of concrete leads. Suspicion fell on Richard Buckland, a local teenager with learning difficulties, who confessed under pressure but whose confession didn’t entirely align with the evidence.

The turning point came with the involvement of Alec Jeffreys, a geneticist at the University of Leicester who had recently pioneered DNA fingerprinting. Wambaugh dramatizes how the scientific breakthrough was applied in a law enforcement context for the first time, showing both the uncertainty of venturing into untested legal ground and the profound implications for forensic science.

The police then undertook an unprecedented strategy: a mass DNA screening of thousands of local men, an effort nicknamed “the blooding.” This massive undertaking eventually uncovered Colin Pitchfork, the true perpetrator, after he attempted to evade the test by persuading a friend to submit a sample in his place.

Wambaugh’s narrative style blends journalistic precision with the pacing of a thriller. He avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the humanity of the victims and their families, giving readers a strong sense of the tragedy’s impact. The police officers, portrayed with empathy as professionals navigating unfamiliar scientific territory and public scrutiny.

The scientific innovation, explained in clear, accessible language without diluting its complexity. The Blooding is respectful, emphasizing the investigative process and the historical significance of DNA evidence.

The book highlights how technology can transform the pursuit of truth, foreshadowing the central role DNA would come to play in modern forensics. Buckland’s false confession underscores how vulnerable suspects can be coerced or manipulated, a sobering reminder of why forensic corroboration is vital.

Wambaugh captures the fear and suspicion that gripped Narborough during the murders and mass screening, showing how crime fractures the social fabric. Though understated, the story raises questions about mass DNA testing, consent, and the balance between individual rights and collective safety.

It documents a watershed moment in criminal investigation. Despite the outcome being known, Wambaugh sustains suspense. Complex forensic science is made digestible for general readers. The book respects victims and avoids lurid sensationalism.

The Blooding is more than just a crime story — it’s a landmark chronicle of forensic history. The case it documents paved the way for DNA evidence becoming a cornerstone of modern criminal justice. 

Joseph Wambaugh’s The Blooding is a meticulous and compelling true crime narrative that captures a pivotal moment when science revolutionized law enforcement. It balances the drama of a murder mystery with the weight of historical significance, offering both suspense and insight. For readers interested in true crime, forensic science, or the evolution of policing, it stands as an essential work. Goodreads 5/5

Picture taken from the internet not with an intention to violation of copyright. 

the fast buck

James Hadley Chase’s The Fast Buck is a classic crime thriller that carries his signature hallmarks — greed, deception, moral ambiguity, and an intricate web of characters whose fates intertwine in unexpected ways. The novel reflects Chase’s mastery of the hard-boiled crime genre and his talent for weaving multiple storylines into a tightly wound plot.

At the center of The Fast Buck lies the universal theme of the destructive lure of easy money. The narrative revolves around a priceless Indian treasure — the famed “Shivling of Shiva,” a sacred jewel stolen from a temple in India. Its immense value attracts a rogues’ gallery of crooks, adventurers, conmen, and opportunists, each scheming to get their hands on it.

Chase structures the story as a series of converging plots, introducing characters from different walks of life who all see the jewel as their ticket to fortune. There’s the smooth operator who sets up scams, the femme fatale who uses her beauty and cunning, the ruthless gangster who relies on muscle and intimidation, and the seemingly innocent players who are dragged into the mess. As expected in a Chase novel, alliances shift constantly, betrayals are rife, and no one can be trusted.

The jewel changes hands multiple times, and each theft, double-cross, and deal gone wrong ratchets up the tension until the narrative races toward a violent, ironic conclusion — true to Chase’s style, where greed ultimately consumes those blinded by it.

Chase portrays the desperate, unrelenting pursuit of money as a corrupting force. Every character believes the jewel will solve their problems, yet the “fast buck” always comes with a heavy cost. There are no true heroes in this story. Even the more sympathetic characters are motivated by selfish desires. This lack of a moral compass is a recurring element in Chase’s work and keeps the reader questioning outcomes. 

Lies, double-deals, and backstabbing form the backbone of the novel. Trust is an illusion, and survival often depends on being more ruthless than the next person. Like many of Chase’s novels, The Fast Buck ends with a grim reminder: crime and easy money rarely pay off in the long run.

Chase’s prose is lean, fast-paced, and highly cinematic. The dialogue crackles with sharp exchanges, and the pacing leaves little room for digression — every chapter pushes the story forward. The narrative shifts between characters, offering multiple perspectives that add depth to the plotting. This approach keeps readers on edge, since loyalties and situations change abruptly.

Unlike traditional mystery or detective fiction, The Fast Buck doesn’t feature a singular hero like a hard-boiled detective. Instead, it offers an ensemble of morally dubious figures: The Conmen and Racketeers — smooth, calculating, always scheming. The Femme Fatale — seductive, dangerous, and often underestimated. The Muscle — enforcers and gangsters who prefer violence over strategy. The Innocent/Outsider — characters who stumble into the chaos, often becoming victims of circumstances.

Chase doesn’t necessarily flesh them out psychologically but gives each enough distinction to make their motivations clear. Their interactions — alliances formed and broken — become the novel’s engine.

The story moves like a runaway train, keeping readers hooked. Multiple characters and subplots intersect seamlessly. The underworld settings, smoky bars, hotel rooms, and seedy backdrops are vividly drawn. Constant betrayals ensure that the reader never feels secure about outcomes.

The Fast Buck is quintessential James Hadley Chase — a gritty, fast-moving thriller where greed drives men and women to betrayal, violence, and destruction. It encapsulates Chase’s worldview that the pursuit of quick riches is always a dangerous gamble. It remains a fine example of his craft: economical storytelling, suspenseful plotting, and a sharp eye for human weakness. Goodreads 5/5

Picture taken from the internet, not with an intention to violation of copyright. 

red earth and pouring rain

Vikram Chandra’s debut novel Red Earth and Pouring Rain (1995) is a sprawling, ambitious, and richly layered narrative that fuses Indian myth, folklore, history, and modernity into an intricate tale about storytelling itself. The book sets out to explore the enduring power of stories in shaping both memory and identity.

At its heart, the novel revolves around a monkey who is shot in present-day India while attempting to type at a keyboard. This monkey is soon revealed to be the reincarnation of Sanjay, an 18th-century poet and freedom fighter who was executed by the British. As he lies dying, the monkey bargains with the gods: he will be allowed to live if he can keep his audience enthralled with stories. This premise becomes the frame for the novel’s vast collection of interconnected narratives.

From here, Chandra weaves together: The tragic story of Sanjay, the poet whose life intersects with colonial politics and rebellion. The modern-day tale of Abhay, a young Indian returning from America, who listens to the monkey’s narration and struggles with questions of identity and belonging. A tapestry of side stories involving kings, warriors, courtesans, gods, demons, and rebels — each imbued with mythic resonance.

The monkey survives by telling stories, turning the act of narration into an existential necessity. Chandra meditates on the idea that stories not only entertain but also preserve memory, history, and cultural identity. The novel consistently blurs the line between myth and history. Historical realities of colonial India intertwine with epics, divine interventions, and folklore. This juxtaposition highlights how myths often shape the way people understand their past.

Through Abhay, the book explores the experience of displacement and return. As a young man raised in the West, he struggles with alienation from his homeland, mirroring Sanjay’s exile from his own era and the monkey’s estrangement from humanity. Sanjay’s life as a poet-rebel speaks to the violence and upheaval of British colonial rule. His personal defiance is both political and artistic, suggesting that art itself is a form of resistance. The monkey’s bargain with death symbolizes humanity’s desire to outlive itself through stories, suggesting that narrative is a way to cheat oblivion.

Chandra’s prose is lush, baroque, and often dazzling. He moves between registers — from the lyrical cadences of myth to the sharp, ironic voice of contemporary life. The novel’s structure is non-linear and digressive, resembling an epic oral tradition where one tale begets another.

The novel’s ambition and scale are remarkable, offering a near-total vision of Indian history, myth, and culture. Chandra’s prose captures the grandeur of epics while maintaining wit and modern immediacy. References to the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and classical poetry enrich the narrative’s resonance. Abhay’s struggles provide a contemporary anchor to the novel’s mythic expansiveness.

Red Earth and Pouring Rain is not a conventional novel; it is a kaleidoscope of stories, voices, and traditions that reflect India’s cultural vastness. Vikram Chandra demonstrates extraordinary narrative control and intellectual ambition in attempting to fuse myth and modernity into a single artistic vision. Goodreads 4/5

Picture taken from the internet not with an intention to violation of copyright.