Avasthe

A literary colossus THE NEW YORK TIMES One of the greatest Indian writers of the last century PANKAJ MISHRA A masterpiece that will continue to speak to generations K. SATCHIDANANDAN First published in Kannada in 1978 Avasthe is U.R. Ananthamurthys tour de force. In a nation struggling with corruption and the corrosion of human values the prime minister is all set to become a ruthless dictator. From his sickbed Krishnappa Gowda revolutionary leader of the peasants grapples with his conscience the schemes of partymen and flattery from hangerson. Memories come and go as his mind tethered to a failing body reaches for the true meaning of life. In Ananthamurthys hands lifes cruel negations caste poverty pettiness are delicately balanced with its triumphs the splendour of nature the majesty of poetry the delight of friendship the deliverance of love. The quintessential Indian novel Avasthe is a masterpiece whose meanings will continue to resonate and reveal themselves long after it has been read.