Achala Moulik’s most recent book, Phantom Lovers: Two Novellas was launched amidst a room full of book lovers and readers at Oxford Bookstore on Park Street. The event was organised by Oxford Bookstore and Indo-British Scholars’ Association in collaboration with Ahava Communications and Niyogi Books. The book, which takes inspiration from the writer and former diplomat’s life, comprises two novellas — With Fate Conspire and Fate! — both of which revolve around the strength in love with political upheaval in the background.
With Fate Conspire is a love story between a young British magistrate and a zamindar’s daughter with the revolt of 1857 creating seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Meanwhile, Fate! is based in Rome where an Afghan man and an Indian woman plan an idyllic life together until the political turmoil disrupts in April 1978 in Afghanistan. Notably, Moulik’s novellas mostly justify an NRI perspective in depth as she stayed abroad with her diplomat parents, received her education there and worked outside India multiple times. She served as the director of the Indian Administrative Services. She said: “The characters in the book are all time travellers in space. Considering my upbringing and life at large, I do write from an NRI perspective because that is what I know deeply. I loved the conversation that unfolded today as the excellent panellists brought out points in my book that even I had not realised.”
Published by: Niyogi Books; Number of pages: 384; Price: Rs 595
The event saw Alexei Idamkin, consul general of the Russian Federation, Calcutta, as the chief guest and he also partook in the conversation. Co-founder of Authors Upfront, Manish Purohit and author, activist and gender development specialist Jael Silliman were on the panel that was moderated by Oindrilla Dutt, founder of Open Doors. The panel asked Moulik their questions and discussed the book at length as the conversation brought out several intricacies of the novellas, ranging from the characters, storyline, backdrop, author’s influence and more.
Oindrilla said: “Phantom Lovers: Two Novellas was fascinating. What I loved is how it is set in a different time and slowly comes into the modern world... it is about the triumph of love, brotherhood and peace. Even in the second book, it is the victory of love over war and these messages are needed and wonderful, especially in today’s context. Additionally, the book has a lot to offer in Afghanistan’s history as an ancient country who we have so much in common with.” “We have been associated with this book from the very beginning. The book has a range of subjects that it talks about. It is a political commentary and a reflection of our times while capturing different stories from multiple timelines. The book celebrates heritage India and very interestingly diverse characters. A must-read for someone who loves romance and politics,” said Manish Purohit.