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theStack A novel wAy to explAin

South ASiAn geopoliticS
Bells of shangri-la: scholars, spies, The novel feeds of the reflective narration of
invaders in TiBeT septuagenarian Abdullah, who refuses to see the
By Parimal Bhattacharya; Speaking Tiger; 450; 261pp issues in black, white and shades of the conservative
The non-fiction book, which weaves biography with the memories Winner of the inaugural DSC Prize for South
of the author’s own treks, opens in a rustic Shimla Asian Literature, HM Naqvi follows his critically-
bookshop where the author found a yellowing volume lauded debut <Home Boy> with <The Selected Works
on Kinthup, a spy in monk’s disguise sent to explore of Abdullah the Cossack>, an enthralling novel about
the unknown Tibet. Britain had sent a number of one unforgettable and gloriously unaccomplished
spies into this forbidden land, disguised as pilgrims man, his impending death, and the history and life of
and wanderers, outfitted with secret survey equip- his bustling, shape-shifting city.
ment and not much else. These intrepid explorers Winner of the inaugural DSC Prize for South Asian
were tasked with acquiring topographical knowledge Literature, HM Naqvi follows his critically-lauded
and information about the culture and customs debut Home Boy with The Selected Works of Abdullah
of Tibet. Bells of Shangri-La brings to vivid life, the the Cossack, an enthralling novel about one unforget-
journeys and adventures of Kinthup, Sarat Chandra table and gloriously unaccomplished man, his im-
Das and others, including Eric Bailey, an officer who was part of the pending death, and the history and life of his bustling,
British invasion of Tibet in 1903, and who later followed in Kinthup’s shape-shifting city.
footsteps to the Tsangpo. Naqvi is a superb stylist and writes like a poet. With
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- careful attention to details
and with enormous patience
The nexT level: WhaT insiders KnoW aBouT he presents a world that
execuTive success is at once fascinating and
By Scott Eblin; Nicholas Brealey Publishing; 599; 228pp familiar. The Selected Works
of Abdullah the Cossack is
First published a decade ago, the third edition of the “The Next completely original in form
Level” is a revised guide to executive success, with and sensibility.
new insights on leadership effectivenes by the author. Abdullah, bachelor and
It reads like a series of conversations with a trusted scion of a once prominent
coach who has brought together a cadre of suc- family, awakes on the morning
cessful senior leaders to deliver a master class on of his seventieth birthday and
executive-level best practices. This practical guide to considers launching himself
success at the executive level helps readers under- over the balcony.
stand what they need to pick up and what to let go Having spent years at-
of to achieve the results that are expected at the next tempting to compile a mytho-
level. Scott Eblin, a former Fortune 500 HR executive poetic legacy of his beloved Karachi, the cosmopolitan
turned executive coach, has identified what separates heart of Pakistan, Abdullah has lost his zeal. A sur-
success from failure for new executives as well as for more prise invitation for a night out from his old friend Felix
experienced professionals who could be even better. Pinto snaps Abdullah out of his funk, and saddles him
------------------------------------------------------------------------- with a ward Pinto s adolescent grandson Bosco. As
Abdullah plays mentor to Bosco, he also attracts the
living The Bhagavad giTa: ancienT Wisdom for romantic attentions of Jugnu, an enigmatic siren with
modern life links to the mob. All the while Abdullah’s brothers’ plot
By Braja Sorensen; Hachette; 299; 224pp to evict him from the family estate. Now he must try to
save his home or face losing his last connection to his
In this recently released book, West Bengal-based Australian writer familial past.
Braja Sorensen has combined the teachings of Hindu god Krishna The novel is a joyride of a story set against a kalei-
and the sage Patanjali to emphasise the real purpose of yoga as a doscopic portrait of one of the world’s most vibrant
way of life - and its goal is the union with the cities. Heavy on flourish, fleet-footed to the point
Divine. Living the Bhagavad Gita brings to you the of extreme convolution and desperately crammed
life-changing qualities that Krishna taught, and with humour, HM Naqvi’s second novel The Selected
shows you how the Bhagavad Gita is a fine guide Works of Abdullah the Cossack, deserves a re-read, if
to understanding life, love and relationships, the only to understand what the hell happened when you
body, mind and senses, and the nature of the soul. read it the first time. Set in Karachi, or Currachee as
Sorensen is an Australian writer who moved to India the author prefers to call the port city where the plot
at the turn of the century, and lives in Mayapur, West plays out, the novel feeds of the reflective narration of
Bengal. She is the author of Lost and Found in India, septuagenarian Abdullah, a man who refuses to see
Of Noble Blood, Mad and Divine: Collected Writings, the city as well as issues in his country in black, white
among others. and shades of the conservative.

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