A literary colossus - THE NEW YORK TIMES

One of the greatest Indian writers of the last century - PANKAJ MISHRA

A masterpiece that will continue to speak to generations - K. SATCHIDANANDAN

First published in Kannada in 1978 Avasthe is U.R. Ananthamurthy's tour de force.

In a nation struggling with corruption and the corrosion of human values the prime minister is all set to become a ruthless dictator. From his sickbed Krishnappa Gowda revolutionary leader of the peasants grapples with his conscience the schemes of partymen and flattery from hangers-on. Memories come and go as his mind tethered to a failing body reaches for the true meaning of life.

In Ananthamurthy's hands life's cruel negations - caste poverty pettiness - are delicately balanced with its triumphs - the splendour of nature the majesty of poetry the delight of friendship the deliverance of love.

The quintessential Indian novel Avasthe is a masterpiece whose meanings will continue to resonate and reveal themselves long after it has been read.