Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Parthiban's Dream

A melting pot of mystery, adventure...

Chandamama
(June 2007)
A gripping story spanning a wide canvas, Parthiban’s Dream is a melting pot of adventure, mystery, romance, black magic and history. It is cast in the times of the Cholas and Pallavas, and brings alive the period in its lively and intricate description of the life and times of the people. In the background is the bustling port town of Mammallapuram (now called Mahabalipuram) and the sound of stone-chipping and sculpting can almost be heard as the writer describes the dream of Narasimhaverma Pallava, the King of Kanchi.

In the foreground is Woriyur where the waning Chola kingdom is surviving on the dreams of King Parthiban. Burning with desire to restore the Chola kingdom to its past glory, Parthiban raises his flag in defiance of the powerful Pallava ruler and refuses to pay taxes to the Pallava state. A war ensues and Parthiban loses his life on the battlefield. Enter a strange character – the Sivanadiar – a strange old man ostensibly dressed like a devotee of Lord Shiva, but obviously he is a lot more than that. Parthiban dies, leaving his infant son and young wife in the cares of the Sivanadiar.

The novel picks up the thread of the story six years after the death of Parthiban, with his son grown from a mere slip of a lad to a handsome and chivalrous young man, the pride of father’s kingdom. He lives his father’s dream as does his mother Arul Mozhi. The presence of the mysterious Sivanadiar, and the dream of King Parthiban overshadow the entire novel.

The adventurous Vikraman visits Mammallapuram and gets a glimpse of the beautiful Pallava Princess Kundavi. Unaware of each other’s identity, the two fall in love with each other. However the Chola Prince’s identity is revealed and the wrathful Narasimhaverma, finding his enemy of his doorstep, banishes him from his kingdom. Vikraman seeks his fortune in the lonely island of Shenbaga Nadu where he is easily accepted by the people as their ruler. Bolstered by his new status, Vikraman makes bold to regain his old territory. Black magic in the middle of thick forest, a vicious hunchbacked dwarf, and several shadowy characters from a hazy past complete the picture that is Parthiban’s dream. Who is the Sivanadiar? What role does she play in the story? Do Vikraman and Kundavi marry in the end? To know the answers to these, you really must pick up the book.

A simple and elegant style of writing and eloquent charcoal illustrations in a folksy style are highlights of the novel. A pictorial historical map, tracing the Pallava and Chola kingdoms, would have added spice to the presentation.

- Sumathi Sudhakar.
The Author
The Translator
Gita Rajan
The Illustrator
Publishers: Katha
Cover Design: Geeta Dharmarajan
Cover Art: Srivi Kalyan
Age Group: 10 + years
Statistics: 240 pages
ISBN 81-89020-64-1 [PB]
Price: Rs 150 [PB]

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

A World of Words


KATHA's Storytelling Workshops for Children begins again in May 2007, from 21st to 25th: a five-day module of fun, intrigue, adventures and thrills. In today's context of globalization where the dynamics of marketing, product promotion and packaging have made reading choices a foregone conclusion for children, Katha perceived a need for introducing children to fiction that has been written by the great wordsmiths of our country but which have completely bypassed their readership.

This Story-telling workshop for kids in the age group 3 - 9 years, is an initiative by Katha to bring to children in the age group the best of Indian fiction, both classical and contemporary. It seeks to cultivate in young minds a taste for fine writing and subtle sensibilities. Stylishly presented, the workshops will present books that strike the right balance of Indianness in content, and a global up-market look and feel. These are stories children would love to read and be seen with!

Come, join the KATHA family!

Register @

KATHA
No 8, 1st Main Road,
Karpagam Gardens,
Adyar,
Chennai 600 020

Timings: 10.30 AM – 1 PM

Age Group: 3 – 9 Years

Dates: 21 – 25, May 2007

For further details and enquiries, please contact us at 4211 4326/ 94443 90134

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