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Vagabond
A fable about following your heart, ‘Vagabond’ explores the concept of destiny and what it means to be an individual in a world increasingly cliché. Leonardo spins a globe to begin his backpacking adventure, and before too long he engages in a world of travellers, all searching to find and define their own happiness.
The course of human history is changed forever as three seemingly unrelated lives impact on one another, with the universe dictating the transcendence of energy between the three as an ultimate revelation unfolds.
The course of human history is changed forever as three seemingly unrelated lives impact on one another, with the universe dictating the transcendence of energy between the three as an ultimate revelation unfolds.
300 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2011
5 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Karakai
3 books14 followersAnthony Michael Karakai was born in Melbourne, Australia.
His father is Hungarian and mother French-Italian. Holding an International Business degree, he is also a qualified percussionist and music producer, having studied music extensively since the age of eight. His articles have been published internationally in various magazines and sites, which is cited as a favourite past time of his.
With an insatiable appetite for travel and an eagerness to explore off the beaten path, Karakai travels at every opportunity- his travels and ongoing commitment to exploring the world are what inspires him to write.
He is signed to New York City's Trident Media Group, with whom he has released three novels. Vagabond, The End of Athens, and The Black Lion: Satan's Kingdom.
To visit his official website, please go to http://www.anthonykarakai.com or http://www.akarakai.com.
His father is Hungarian and mother French-Italian. Holding an International Business degree, he is also a qualified percussionist and music producer, having studied music extensively since the age of eight. His articles have been published internationally in various magazines and sites, which is cited as a favourite past time of his.
With an insatiable appetite for travel and an eagerness to explore off the beaten path, Karakai travels at every opportunity- his travels and ongoing commitment to exploring the world are what inspires him to write.
He is signed to New York City's Trident Media Group, with whom he has released three novels. Vagabond, The End of Athens, and The Black Lion: Satan's Kingdom.
To visit his official website, please go to http://www.anthonykarakai.com or http://www.akarakai.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 28, 2013
Captures the Traveler in All of Us!
I was provided with a reader’s copy of this book.
Rafael is an old soul. It isn’t a term he’s given himself—rather, a title that fellow villagers and travelers have bestowed upon the young man. His wisdom exceeds the parameters of someone of his younger age and lesser experience. Yet, the tobacco farmer seems to have an ability to guide others in the matters of heart and life. He realizes early on that his life has a greater meaning—that producing tobacco and rolling handmade cigarettes is beneath his calling. But sometimes, duty leads us to forgo those more liberal ideas involving helping mankind with little to no recognition or compensation. When Rafael fails to heed the call, he discovers that his gift, much like the tobacco that grows abundantly in his village, is a part of a greater plan by a greater force.
Leonardo maintains a lifestyle similar to most young men of his age. He drinks, parties, and sexes all with no contributions to society. He recognizes this, and decides to venture to Costa Rica for more than adventure. He wants to discover a greater purpose in life. Along the way, Leo meets other expats who have thrown away their previous lives to find a more meaningful path. After a friend reads his palm, the neo-cosmopolitan is convinced to go south, and embark on a journey that brings him to Rafael’s prosperous village in Ecuador. There, he makes discoveries that affect not only him, but those most precious to him. The two men become connected in a way that is saddening, yet inspiring.
Vagabond spoke to me in a way that was honest and eerie. I’ve styled myself as a cosmopolitan thanks to my international travels in my military career. During that time, I gained more responsibility with promotions and parenthood, decreasing my ability to romp around the World freely. Regardless of life’s changes, I’ve never given up the nomad in me that maintains this desire to live happier and simpler abroad. How did this novel know exactly how I felt?
This story was very profound in that it addresses many emotions that I feel towards modern ideas of success. Mostly, I relate to Rafael, who became torn between sharing his gift of wisdom, and providing for his family. He chose the latter. Most would agree that was the right decision, but this calls into question the idea that if you’re bestowed a certain gift from God (or some other higher power), He will provide for all your needs while you use His gift. Tell that to a 10 year old who is sprouting at an exponential rate, loves snacks, and already has a Christmas list written for this year. So, I think this story plants the seeds for finding the right path while recognizing there might be compromises.
I want to live in Central America. In the meantime, I’m putting off my ex-pat trek to Costa Rica until my man cub graduates from high school. And, I’m attempting to make gallo pinto with lizano salsa to familiarize myself with local cuisine (and eat delicious food, because why wait for that). When the time comes, I, too, will become a vagabond. If you’ve ever questioned your purpose in life, read this novel. It is beautifully poetic—rich in philosophy, thought, and culture.
I was provided with a reader’s copy of this book.
Rafael is an old soul. It isn’t a term he’s given himself—rather, a title that fellow villagers and travelers have bestowed upon the young man. His wisdom exceeds the parameters of someone of his younger age and lesser experience. Yet, the tobacco farmer seems to have an ability to guide others in the matters of heart and life. He realizes early on that his life has a greater meaning—that producing tobacco and rolling handmade cigarettes is beneath his calling. But sometimes, duty leads us to forgo those more liberal ideas involving helping mankind with little to no recognition or compensation. When Rafael fails to heed the call, he discovers that his gift, much like the tobacco that grows abundantly in his village, is a part of a greater plan by a greater force.
Leonardo maintains a lifestyle similar to most young men of his age. He drinks, parties, and sexes all with no contributions to society. He recognizes this, and decides to venture to Costa Rica for more than adventure. He wants to discover a greater purpose in life. Along the way, Leo meets other expats who have thrown away their previous lives to find a more meaningful path. After a friend reads his palm, the neo-cosmopolitan is convinced to go south, and embark on a journey that brings him to Rafael’s prosperous village in Ecuador. There, he makes discoveries that affect not only him, but those most precious to him. The two men become connected in a way that is saddening, yet inspiring.
Vagabond spoke to me in a way that was honest and eerie. I’ve styled myself as a cosmopolitan thanks to my international travels in my military career. During that time, I gained more responsibility with promotions and parenthood, decreasing my ability to romp around the World freely. Regardless of life’s changes, I’ve never given up the nomad in me that maintains this desire to live happier and simpler abroad. How did this novel know exactly how I felt?
This story was very profound in that it addresses many emotions that I feel towards modern ideas of success. Mostly, I relate to Rafael, who became torn between sharing his gift of wisdom, and providing for his family. He chose the latter. Most would agree that was the right decision, but this calls into question the idea that if you’re bestowed a certain gift from God (or some other higher power), He will provide for all your needs while you use His gift. Tell that to a 10 year old who is sprouting at an exponential rate, loves snacks, and already has a Christmas list written for this year. So, I think this story plants the seeds for finding the right path while recognizing there might be compromises.
I want to live in Central America. In the meantime, I’m putting off my ex-pat trek to Costa Rica until my man cub graduates from high school. And, I’m attempting to make gallo pinto with lizano salsa to familiarize myself with local cuisine (and eat delicious food, because why wait for that). When the time comes, I, too, will become a vagabond. If you’ve ever questioned your purpose in life, read this novel. It is beautifully poetic—rich in philosophy, thought, and culture.
May 22, 2013
Vagabond, a fable-like story, is Melbourne native Anthony Karakai's debut novel.
Without giving too much of the story away, Vagabond opens with the telling of an Ecuadorian fable. The reader is introduced to Rafael Núñez, a young Ecuadorian who works with his father on a tobacco farm. As the fable unfolds, Karakai reveals to the reader that Rafael is considered "special" and wise beyond his years by his family. This belief earns the young boy the reputation within his village and beyond as having the ability to help others find themselves. As such, Rafael is often sought out for advice on matters of the heart and happiness. This is where Karakai plants the seed for what I believe to be the most important lesson to be gained from Vagabond, "Embrace who you are, stop being who you think you are and be who you are.”
Midway through the book time advances in the story and the attention shifts away from Rafael Nunez. The reader is introduced to Leo – a young man struggling to understand what it is exactly that he should do with his life.
For this part of the story, Karakai's choice of where and how the story be told is pure genius. Stepping away from his comfort zone, Leo goes in search of himself on a backpacking adventure to Costa Rica and other areas of South America. Leo's bold endeavor to get out and see the world before making the most important decisions in his life not only validates the lessons learned too late by Rafael Nunez but also exposes Leo to new experiences, new friendships and new cultures. This new awareness of God's creation is the thread which ultimately conveys the full meaning behind Karakai's story.
The book is a timeless tale all can relate to but especially those stepping out into the world for the first time following graduation. I can still remember thinking to myself after packing away my graduation cap and gown, “Now what?” Now what indeed!
Without giving too much of the story away, Vagabond opens with the telling of an Ecuadorian fable. The reader is introduced to Rafael Núñez, a young Ecuadorian who works with his father on a tobacco farm. As the fable unfolds, Karakai reveals to the reader that Rafael is considered "special" and wise beyond his years by his family. This belief earns the young boy the reputation within his village and beyond as having the ability to help others find themselves. As such, Rafael is often sought out for advice on matters of the heart and happiness. This is where Karakai plants the seed for what I believe to be the most important lesson to be gained from Vagabond, "Embrace who you are, stop being who you think you are and be who you are.”
Midway through the book time advances in the story and the attention shifts away from Rafael Nunez. The reader is introduced to Leo – a young man struggling to understand what it is exactly that he should do with his life.
For this part of the story, Karakai's choice of where and how the story be told is pure genius. Stepping away from his comfort zone, Leo goes in search of himself on a backpacking adventure to Costa Rica and other areas of South America. Leo's bold endeavor to get out and see the world before making the most important decisions in his life not only validates the lessons learned too late by Rafael Nunez but also exposes Leo to new experiences, new friendships and new cultures. This new awareness of God's creation is the thread which ultimately conveys the full meaning behind Karakai's story.
The book is a timeless tale all can relate to but especially those stepping out into the world for the first time following graduation. I can still remember thinking to myself after packing away my graduation cap and gown, “Now what?” Now what indeed!
May 26, 2013
I chose to read The Vagabond because it was set in Ecuador and Costa Rica, the jewel of Central America. When I got to the Amazon site, it was priced $0.00. I gladly would have paid $2.99, but whatever. Right away, I noticed something funny going on; it seemed like a straight-forward narrative and then it didn’t. An agenda filled the pages, some sort of philosophy of transience, death being a transfer. I thought OK, anything’s possible, why not? From Rafael in a tobacco growing region in Ecuador (tobacco plays a big part in this novel) we switch characters and follow Leonardo, a backpacking traveler in Costa Rica (with access, whenever he seems to need it, to an ATM). Then we go to Panama, the San Blas Islands, Columbia, Ecuador, and back to Costa Rica. Prophecies and oracles link the action; we’re in a dream world. Or are we? The central philosophy is ongoing; it seemed profound and at the same time silly. Things happen; and the resolution drops out of the sky. Throughout, I found myself reading enthusiastically. Why? Because it was different. You can tell the author was sincere and that sincerity won the day. So if you want a story and a way of looking at life that is off the beaten path, then this book is for you.
October 3, 2020
DNF. Felt like I was being preached at.
November 1, 2024
A magical book. Probably the vast majority of readers will not survive the first 20 pages but if, like me, you will be transported into a fantastical journey.
February 16, 2018
I really, Like this book. When I was told about this book I said.. ' Let me give it a go!' The title alone was pretty catchy. If I can say, just as catchy as the book itself. Still, I wanted to know more. What did this book in all, in tell? Was it one of those dull books with just some catchy title used to steal readers? Or was it just as interesting as the title and cover? Instantly, I was driven to read it and I was interested in it. This would be a book, that even after I am done, I would still buy it and reflect on it again later.Book bibliophiles, this is a book to add to your collection. Just saying....
September 24, 2015
I really, Like this book. When I was told about this book I said.. ' Let me give it a go!' The title alone was pretty catchy. If I can say, just as catchy as the book itself. Still, I wanted to know more. What did this book in all, in tell? Was it one of those dull books with just some catchy title used to steal readers? Or was it just as interesting as the title and cover? Instantly, I was driven to read it and I was interested in it. This would be a book, that even after I am done, I would still buy it and reflect on it again later.Book bibliophiles, this is a book to add to your collection. Just saying...
October 6, 2015
Rating
I enjoyed this book. It has a reflection on life that a lot of people should take the time to read and truly comprehend. Not light reading and not for the cynical. That's all I have to say.
I enjoyed this book. It has a reflection on life that a lot of people should take the time to read and truly comprehend. Not light reading and not for the cynical. That's all I have to say.
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 199
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews