THE FLAME OF THE FOREST

by Sudhin N. Ghose ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

The fourth volume of Dr. Ghose's autobiography, this account of the Calcutta adventures of the young Penhari scholar comprises a lyrical comedy which with its blend of improbable incidents and commingling of mystical-spiritual and political elements delightfully intoxicates the pragmatic Western novice. In darting episodic fashion that lends to the sense of reeling, the author relates his adventures -- his meetings with Myna, the kirtani who has received the revelation that makes her Radha's handmaiden; his jobs -- writing for a magazine destined for an American audience and acting as part-time secretary for the Diwan; his playing host to the Diwan's ferocious but devoted bull-dog Piram and also to the astounding Presbyterian teacher Charlie, who has humbly refrained from learning native languages in his fifty years in India so as not to confuse himself, while conceiving of Christ as an avatar. The Diwan, a believer in matra and in retaining the traditional India, falls prey to his political foe Ek Nambur, an ambitious modernizer, and a providential agent maneuvers our hero away from a frame-up and to the tenacious Myna, whose command is to come as he is -- and accompany her on her pilgrimages. Initiates only.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION