Author: Radhika R. Dhariwal
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Pages: 312
Memories of stories that we read in childhood never fade. From the fables of Panchatantra to the mysterious adventures of Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland', fantasy novels find fans across age-groups. Taking a leaf out of this genre, author Radhika Dhariwal has come out with her debut book, The PetPost Secret. This is a fascinating tale of love, loss and freedom. Characters that populate the narrative landscape have been etched out from wildlife.
Why a children's fantasy?
Radhika, who also runs a speakeasy-themed bar by the name PCO (acronym for Pass Code Only), in Delhi that serves classic cocktails from what can be termed as the 'Prohibition Era' of 1920s America turned author by "accident". "When I moved back to India from New York, I was planning to open a pre-school. Children were always on my mind; and then one day, I saw a squirrel, a dog and a crow on the side of the street fighting over a piece of bread. The scene didn't really mean much to me when I saw it; but that night, for some reason, I couldn't sleep. As I tossed and turned, my mind kept wandering to the three animals fighting on the side of the street. Soon, those animals morphed into my three main characters".
Not just about animals
The Squirrel is the protagonist who leads an unhappy life under the oppressive rule of Bacchu Banoose (a lazy mongoose)- the head of the PetPost Mail. The legendary 'Map of Brittle' is the key that will unlock the cage of slavery the Squirrel is desperate to set himself free from. Is the reference to the 'Map of Brittle' allegorical? "The 'Map of Brittle' alludes to the many arbitrary yet powerful laws that have proclaimed one community "inferior" to another—a theme that dominated world history. From India, South Africa to Germany, communities have been considered superior to others because of their race or religion. The "Map of Brittle" is a simplified and fictionalised allegorical reference to the dictats that have broken and fractured societies," explains the author. Does 'Fantasy' then become a literary genre best suited to make a social comment? "Writing fantasy is a lot of fun because the challenge is completely different—it is about creating a world, and making people believe it," she adds.
What's in a name?
The names of all characters have been carefully chosen in this book. It seems that the personality of each character has been summed up in its name. Was it a deliberate narrative choice, we ask: "Names are a very big motif in this book. For example, 'Lady Blouse' is a symbol of vanity and beauty, 'Bacchu Banoose' is a complex character—he has a sweet side (which we do not see) and a mean side (captured by a-'noose')," suggests Radhika.
It's about the journey, not destination
The PetPost Secret drives an important message home- Freedom is not granted but earned. The journey toward liberation does not always have to follow a smooth terrain. To be disheartened is not the way to be, but to put a brave face on amid crisis guarantees success. The squirrel's quest for freedom is exemplary. Confidence, self-belief and the determination to not be bogged down by failures keep the squirrel's spirit strong. These powerful lines sum it all, 'You cannot destroy those who are clean of heart'. "It's one of the rare beliefs that crosses cultures and crosses time, and which is very much bubbling under our consciousness," asserts Radhika.
The one who is willing to spread wings and fly shall not die with a grieving heart. The PetPost Secret is a wonderful work of imagination! It is only fair you include this book to your must-read list this season.
About the author
Radhika Dhariwal grew up in India, Australia, South Africa, Hungary, the Philippines and the United States. She currently lives in Delhi, where she runs a bar called PCO. Radhika has a B.Sc in Psychology from Brown University and a MA in Psychology, with a focus on child development, from New York University. This is her first novel.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Radhika Dhariwal,fantasy,Children's,book
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