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SHRAYAN
Shrayan is an adult fantasy tale.
It is a story is about an individual’s quest for acceptance in an unfamiliar and unforgiving world. Shrayan emerges from the underground, a fully formed creature, not quite human in appearance. In the dark forest where he finds himself, he is surrounded by snakes. Brought to the city and made to dance as an ajooba, he breaks free and learns dancing and martial arts. He falls in love to discover that beauty has its own price tag. The night he achieves stardom, he leaves his clamouring fans and takes to the streets, hoping to find his lost son.
In his quest for his self, Shrayan discovers aspects of his personality that he did not know existed, and also learns to come to terms with what he is and deal with the challenges that life throws up for him as he knows best. Love is difficult to find and hold, friendship has different meanings, and trying to fit into a world concept is neither possible not required, these are some of the things he learns.
It is a story is about an individual’s quest for acceptance in an unfamiliar and unforgiving world. Shrayan emerges from the underground, a fully formed creature, not quite human in appearance. In the dark forest where he finds himself, he is surrounded by snakes. Brought to the city and made to dance as an ajooba, he breaks free and learns dancing and martial arts. He falls in love to discover that beauty has its own price tag. The night he achieves stardom, he leaves his clamouring fans and takes to the streets, hoping to find his lost son.
In his quest for his self, Shrayan discovers aspects of his personality that he did not know existed, and also learns to come to terms with what he is and deal with the challenges that life throws up for him as he knows best. Love is difficult to find and hold, friendship has different meanings, and trying to fit into a world concept is neither possible not required, these are some of the things he learns.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Abha Iyengar
21 books55 followersAbha Iyengar is an award winning, internationally published poet, author, essayist and a British Council certified creative writing mentor. Her work has appeared in Muse India, The Four Quarters Magazine, Kritya, Cha-An Asian Literary Journal, Bewildering Stories, Arabesques Review and others. She is a Kota Press Poetry Anthology Contest winner. Her haiku won her the 2nd Prize in Life Positive. Her story, The High Stool, was nominated for the Story South Million Writers Award. Her stories have been selected for A Rainbow Feast: New Asian Short Stories, The Asian Writer, Crime Scene Asia Vol.1 and The Unisun-Reliance Time Out anthologies. She has received the Lavanya Sankaran Writing Fellowship for 2009-2010. She also received the Mariner Award 2010. She was Featured Poet at Poetry with Prakriti, 2010. She has been honoured with the BTB Literary Award 2012 for Best Fiction in a New Genre. Her poems have appeared in The Anthology of Contemporary Indian Poetry. Her poem was long-listed in the RaedLeaf Poetry Contest 2013. Her micro-fiction has won several contests. She was among the top 15 finalists at Flash Mob 2013, an international flash fiction event. Her short fiction, The Marshlands, was short listed in the DNA-Out of Print short story contest 2016.
Her poem-film, Parwaaz, has won a Special Jury prize in Patras, Greece.
Her published works include Yearnings (poetry collection), Flash Bites (flash fiction), Shrayan (fantasy novel), Many Fish to Fry (novel), and The Gourd Seller and Other Stories (short story collection). She dabbles in street photography, digital art and writes poems in Hindustani as well. Her website: www.abhaiyengar.com She blogs at www.abhaencounter.blogspot.in and ankahi-abha.blogspot.in
Abha holds Creative Writing Workshops and personally mentors some students. She also speaks on Motivation, Confidence Building and finding the Creative Self.
Her poem-film, Parwaaz, has won a Special Jury prize in Patras, Greece.
Her published works include Yearnings (poetry collection), Flash Bites (flash fiction), Shrayan (fantasy novel), Many Fish to Fry (novel), and The Gourd Seller and Other Stories (short story collection). She dabbles in street photography, digital art and writes poems in Hindustani as well. Her website: www.abhaiyengar.com She blogs at www.abhaencounter.blogspot.in and ankahi-abha.blogspot.in
Abha holds Creative Writing Workshops and personally mentors some students. She also speaks on Motivation, Confidence Building and finding the Creative Self.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 23, 2013
If, like me, you grew up on a diet of British and American science fiction and fantasy, you’ll know how tired those genres have become. The authors and publishers of fantasy, in particular, have been content for far too long to churn out ‘product’ in the worst way my use of that word implies. There are thousands of fantasy novels that take an ‘emperor’s new clothes’ approach to readers, because authors know that their audience has been lulled by and feels secure with an easy, undemanding read. The same motifs are trotted out over and over again in lengthy, and often poorly written, novels. Tales of dragons, fairies, witches, wizards, battles between good and evil, fabled cities, quests for the lost whatever, are all to be had in over-abundance—and every one of them is ‘reminiscent of Tolkien,’ or some other big-name player, at his best. Perhaps readers read this stuff because they’re offered little else, perhaps they genuinely want to read the same story over and over again.
This is a pity, because every part of our planet has its own store of myths and legends that are just waiting to be used by writers who have the imagination to weave them into their stories. Fortunately Abha Iyengar, the author of ‘Shrayan,’ is such a writer. True she had a bit of a head start in as much as she is not from within the Western fantasy tradition, but she has trodden her own path anyway by choosing to write a novel based on the myths and legends of her own country, India. For this she is to be commended. Her writing is both assured and confident, it slips easily between the poetic and the mundane, and in places achieves true beauty.
Shrayan is the eponymous central character, he appears from another place, he’s not fully human, but appears human enough to allow him make his way in our world. His life in the world of men is troubled; he faces many problems, learns many things and, ultimately, makes an uneasy place for himself. At it’s heart ‘Shrayan’ is the story of twin quests. Intertwined, as they must be, these quests involve both finding a way to come to terms with what he is—to understand himself—and to find his lost son. The adventures that befall Shrayan, how he deals with his strange new world, make for a fantasy novel unlike any you will have read before. Totally lacking the spurious melodrama found in most contemporary fantasy this is a unique and fascinating book; if you want to read something different give ‘Shrayan’ a go, you won’t be disappointed.
(‘Shrayan’ is available in both print and e-book editions.)
This is a pity, because every part of our planet has its own store of myths and legends that are just waiting to be used by writers who have the imagination to weave them into their stories. Fortunately Abha Iyengar, the author of ‘Shrayan,’ is such a writer. True she had a bit of a head start in as much as she is not from within the Western fantasy tradition, but she has trodden her own path anyway by choosing to write a novel based on the myths and legends of her own country, India. For this she is to be commended. Her writing is both assured and confident, it slips easily between the poetic and the mundane, and in places achieves true beauty.
Shrayan is the eponymous central character, he appears from another place, he’s not fully human, but appears human enough to allow him make his way in our world. His life in the world of men is troubled; he faces many problems, learns many things and, ultimately, makes an uneasy place for himself. At it’s heart ‘Shrayan’ is the story of twin quests. Intertwined, as they must be, these quests involve both finding a way to come to terms with what he is—to understand himself—and to find his lost son. The adventures that befall Shrayan, how he deals with his strange new world, make for a fantasy novel unlike any you will have read before. Totally lacking the spurious melodrama found in most contemporary fantasy this is a unique and fascinating book; if you want to read something different give ‘Shrayan’ a go, you won’t be disappointed.
(‘Shrayan’ is available in both print and e-book editions.)
August 26, 2017
Inadvertently I am the one who enjoys reading romance more than any genre for that matter when it comes to reading.
We all have a hidden place within ourselves, the place of longing and of escape from the dissatisfactions of life. However, is it that easy as it might sounds
The story revolves around Shrayan, a dweller of the underground finds his first friends in snakes and Sapera and discovers dance, which gives him strength and solace throughout his life. Sapera’s brother Vishwasghat murders him and sells Shrayan like an animal. Fate rescues him and he reaches a school. This is where he discovers beauty and love for the first time. He learns Kshatriyam, a martial arts dance form, and he learns to read and write. However, due to certain unfortunate circumstances, he is forced to run away and he battles with his own bestiality. Eventually, he reaches a place where he finds food, shelter and a job with a baba and his hunchback companion. But will this last or will Life continue to test him?
Shrayan has hooves and fur, but speaks, walks, eats and dances like a human. He reaches the fantastical land of happiness, where he meets Nordic beauties, snake-dragon women and a giant named Trishna, which means hunger. Iyengar brings in Indian arts, in Kshatriyam, mythology, in the dance drama unfolding the love story between Krishna and Rukmini, philosophy, in conversations Shrayan has with Lotus, Madeira and Manila, and Indian culture, in kundalini. Indeed the climax was quite interesting with twists and turns as they unfold. For that, you need to read this book.
Now my Positive viewpoints:
The positives of the story are the narrative is conversational and engaging and lots of unexpected plot turns and character appearances keep the reader immersed. Love takes innumerable shapes and so does sexuality. Fatherhood recurs in the many relationships that are formed and lost. Most of the characters are unvoiced and multifaceted with histories, strengths, and failings.
Some suggestive points:
Although the narration of the story is good but in my opinion, the explicit descriptions went over the top. However, I was not convinced by several actions of the characters in the book. At times, it felt that they were maneuvered to satisfy what authoress want to state. Though sometimes it is hard to connect with any character. Still, they are plain and monotonous characters who don’t have a life.
Final words:
Overall if asked I would say this is a good job done by the authoress, the book has got great imagination context. Overall I would say...this is good job done by Authoress (Abha Iyengar) … I would give 3 stars to this book.
We all have a hidden place within ourselves, the place of longing and of escape from the dissatisfactions of life. However, is it that easy as it might sounds
The story revolves around Shrayan, a dweller of the underground finds his first friends in snakes and Sapera and discovers dance, which gives him strength and solace throughout his life. Sapera’s brother Vishwasghat murders him and sells Shrayan like an animal. Fate rescues him and he reaches a school. This is where he discovers beauty and love for the first time. He learns Kshatriyam, a martial arts dance form, and he learns to read and write. However, due to certain unfortunate circumstances, he is forced to run away and he battles with his own bestiality. Eventually, he reaches a place where he finds food, shelter and a job with a baba and his hunchback companion. But will this last or will Life continue to test him?
Shrayan has hooves and fur, but speaks, walks, eats and dances like a human. He reaches the fantastical land of happiness, where he meets Nordic beauties, snake-dragon women and a giant named Trishna, which means hunger. Iyengar brings in Indian arts, in Kshatriyam, mythology, in the dance drama unfolding the love story between Krishna and Rukmini, philosophy, in conversations Shrayan has with Lotus, Madeira and Manila, and Indian culture, in kundalini. Indeed the climax was quite interesting with twists and turns as they unfold. For that, you need to read this book.
Now my Positive viewpoints:
The positives of the story are the narrative is conversational and engaging and lots of unexpected plot turns and character appearances keep the reader immersed. Love takes innumerable shapes and so does sexuality. Fatherhood recurs in the many relationships that are formed and lost. Most of the characters are unvoiced and multifaceted with histories, strengths, and failings.
Some suggestive points:
Although the narration of the story is good but in my opinion, the explicit descriptions went over the top. However, I was not convinced by several actions of the characters in the book. At times, it felt that they were maneuvered to satisfy what authoress want to state. Though sometimes it is hard to connect with any character. Still, they are plain and monotonous characters who don’t have a life.
Final words:
Overall if asked I would say this is a good job done by the authoress, the book has got great imagination context. Overall I would say...this is good job done by Authoress (Abha Iyengar) … I would give 3 stars to this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
Shrayan is not your run-of-the-mill underdog story, where the outcast snakes his way to the top through the noblest of means.
Shrayan is by no means a hero. Nor should you expect him to be.
Abha Iyengar’s story is a collage of dissensions that strings the titular character through a series of five trials that brings out his true mettle.
While not one is like the other, they symbolically amount to the same amount of development for the character, albeit in halted proportions.
Shrayan has conflicting traits, most of which are despicable, laced by the good which will diminish over time.
Consider the character of Shrayan as an ancient tree of old bark. Peel the layers away, and you will find events of his life imprinted on the wood.
Shrayan’s destiny has already been written – unchangeable and inescapable.
The reader as well as the character cannot hope to escape it.
The author primarily uses linear progression with minimal flashbacks to drive the story forward, and in effect, ensuring that Shrayan acts as was prophesied earlier.
The book can also be termed as the chronicles of his life. Shrayan doesn’t grow into a sympathetic character, but rather one that achieves a selfish oneness with his dance. The narrative doesn’t create a downward spiral arc for the character, but removes other steadfast alternatives for him.
It is a strange case of fixated evolution for Shrayan – although it shows his honour in the briefest of moments during his encounter with Mukundam, it is short-lived.
Bitterness ensues, but it is quickly overshadowed with resignation. As was the case with the tree.
You cannot help but wonder about the circumstances of his true origin and the fractured timelines – the answer will always remain a mystery.
Though the exposition lies on the heavy side, the ajooba manages to accomplish what he truly intended in his moments of resignation – to fade away into the recedes of the mind, as he finally loses himself to dance.
Shrayan is by no means a hero. Nor should you expect him to be.
Abha Iyengar’s story is a collage of dissensions that strings the titular character through a series of five trials that brings out his true mettle.
While not one is like the other, they symbolically amount to the same amount of development for the character, albeit in halted proportions.
Shrayan has conflicting traits, most of which are despicable, laced by the good which will diminish over time.
Consider the character of Shrayan as an ancient tree of old bark. Peel the layers away, and you will find events of his life imprinted on the wood.
Shrayan’s destiny has already been written – unchangeable and inescapable.
The reader as well as the character cannot hope to escape it.
The author primarily uses linear progression with minimal flashbacks to drive the story forward, and in effect, ensuring that Shrayan acts as was prophesied earlier.
The book can also be termed as the chronicles of his life. Shrayan doesn’t grow into a sympathetic character, but rather one that achieves a selfish oneness with his dance. The narrative doesn’t create a downward spiral arc for the character, but removes other steadfast alternatives for him.
It is a strange case of fixated evolution for Shrayan – although it shows his honour in the briefest of moments during his encounter with Mukundam, it is short-lived.
Bitterness ensues, but it is quickly overshadowed with resignation. As was the case with the tree.
You cannot help but wonder about the circumstances of his true origin and the fractured timelines – the answer will always remain a mystery.
Though the exposition lies on the heavy side, the ajooba manages to accomplish what he truly intended in his moments of resignation – to fade away into the recedes of the mind, as he finally loses himself to dance.
December 30, 2013
A fantastical, sensual effort by Abha Iyengar, Shrayan is a creature seemingly cursed from birth. The adventures that he winds up ensconced in bring about new definitions of the term "suffering." With that, you might suspect that the read is repetitive and predictable. Not so! The author's expert ways of spinning tales that the hero wanders into (including one world that truly "redefines" suffering in a very imaginative and unexpected way!) are usually captivating and intriguing. The ending was the only thing that disappointed me in its abruptness. However, it doesn't stray from what Shrayan's path would ultimately deliver. All in all, an entertaining and worthwhile read!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews