What themes or aspects of the human condition does the novel explore?
Coming of age.
Despair.
Search for identity.
Dislocation.
How does the novel balance humor and pathos?
It is a sweeping novel that blends in the misogyny of the protagonist with his despair, by unmasking his sexuality in his brief relationships, whilst on an earnest search for his ultimate true love.
Can you provide more information about the narrative that reminds one of Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
I guess this is the comparison to The Knights’ Tale, where Chaucer combined the sauciness of sexuality in the archetype’s search for a meaning in life.
What aspects of the lead character’s journey make it extraordinary and far from ordinary?
Perhaps it is more the protagonist’s mind itself that is the journey, where the reader gets into the nexus of his soul. The journey provides the backdrop for his character development, where one sees a redeeming of his negative qualities as the novel proceeds. The plot does break with convention, in that the character meets with unusual swamis, has some mystical experiences along the way, which jump into magical realism.
What are some of the specific cultures, diversity, and architectural marvels that you find fascinating in your travels?
Well, I consider myself an amateur anthropologist as such, and in each city and country I go to, I try to immerse myself in the local kaleidoscope, where one meets the ordinary folk. For example, whichever city I go to, I make it a point to visit the local market, just to get a feel for the soul of the city. As an engineer, I am fascinated with architecture, as these are inter-related fields, so I love understanding the marvel of a structure not just in how it looks, but as to how it stands as well.
How did your educational background in civil engineering, MBA, and development studies contribute to your career as an entrepreneur and writer?
Honestly, I don’t know if it did. I think writing is just intrinsic to me, and I would’ve been a writer no matter what educational qualifications I had. However, I think the engineering allowed me to put together a structured novel. I am finding too many writers penning very scattered tales these days.
Is there any particular message or theme that your literary works tend to convey?
Indeed. There are many themes. A major one is the obvious search for life. But the sad crux of the novel focuses on the fact that in life, one gets what one deserves, not what one wants.
Does Dr. Aman Singh Maharaj engages in any other creative or artistic pursuits besides writing?
I do wish I did. I remain an avid bathroom singer, who would love to be a Mohammad Rafi, but, in reality, I am quite screechy. I have tried painting a bit, but I come off as a grade one kid. Poetry, I think I am quite good at, and I have even tried to do a few ghazals in English.
What does success mean to you? What is the definition of success?
As I have become older, I have come to realize that the ultimate success of my life is about finding peace in this mayhem called life. Everything else is ancillary.
How do you handle literary criticism?
Oh, I’m quite egotistical about my writing, so if anyone critiques me about it, I just assume that such a person is not very bright. In fact, I earnestly seek critiques so that I can have a good argument. It’s good for sales.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
Yes. Please convince people to get back to reading. The world has become a lot dumber ever since we immersed ourselves in watching satellite and streaming television. Reading exercises this muscle called a brain, which raises our intellect. Don’t waste the capacity that we have been given.
