Woven in Deception

by Nirmala Kasinathan

Woven In Deception is the story of a wealthy Indian family, a forgotten deceit, and a malignant curse. At the age of 65, Doraisamy inherits his father's textile empire. Soon afterwards he is diagnosed with colon cancer and dies following a long, drawn out and painful struggle. His eldest son and rightful heir, Rajendran, is a successful aeronautical engineer who lost his leg during the Communist Insurgency War at the Thai-Malaysian Border in 1967. Rajendran is also afflicted by a familial cancer that leaves him depressed and hopeless. Before passing away, Doraisamy appoints Rajendran as managing director of the textile business. Rajendran continues to face numerous problems, not the least of which are his own failing health and mental state. Unbeknownst to him at the time, his son Vikram is suffering child abuse at the hands of the family's domestic maid. However Vikram possesses great determination, and through hard work he manages to establish himself as a successful entrepreneur and artist, although even he suffers from numerous modern day trials and tribulations, including a dissociative identity disorder. Will Vikram be able to maintain his sanity and triumph over the malicious curse that has gripped his family for three generations? Nirmala Kasinathan is a practicing medical doctor who lives in Ipoh, Malaysia, where she grew up. Woven In Deception is her first novel and she was inspired to write it in English, as she grew up speaking the language at home and at her Convent school. She has contributed several articles to school and college publications in the past. Publisher's

166 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2013

About the author

Nirmala Kasinathan is a practising medical officer in Ipoh and the author of Woven In Deception.

Reviews

[S. L. Than · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woven in Deception is an intriguing novel based on the extended Indian family structure, culture and social behavior. It introduces a rich cast of characters that span numerous generations. Each character faces their own challenges and the author makes it a point to introduce the reader to the various facets of the characters.
The novel begins in early twentieth century India with what is seen as an act of betrayal by Doraisamy - a result of human weakness. The betrayal is met with scorn and a demand for justice from beyond the grave. Despite migrating from India to Malaysia, Doraisamy and his decedents seem continuously afflicted by the past. Although his legacy flourishes and is cast with entrepreneurs, professionals and even a decorated service man, it is plagued with illness, abuse, abduction, legal cases and family unrest.
The author artfully develops the characters across the generations and infuses elements of Asian culture and language. The concept of karma, or cause and effect, is central to the plot. The author tactfully addresses intensifying social issues such as child abduction, child abuse and mental illness. Historic events and legal elements are nicely incorporated into the novel which draws the reader in and gives the novel a degree of realism.
Woven in Deception makes for a good read and is likely to appeal to a slightly more mature audience due to the subject matter. Although some portions of the novel maybe troubling to certain readers, the novel is crafted in a way to provoke thought and refection. It is a novel well worth the read.

[Suresh Mahathavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally, it is really a good read and I believe all of us, irrespective of any race and/ or religion can easily relate to the storyline and its characters because some of us may have experienced or came across persons/ friends who went through those "moments" as depicted in this novel. But what made this novel stand out and interesting all the way from the beginning up until the very end was that the author has carried the story telling as smoothly as possible with all the characters given equal importance. I can't seem to find any parts where the outcome was left "hanging" and/ or "unanwered". It is as compact as a unit and a well tailored storyline. Also, the storyline is well supported with the history of Hindu traditions and caste practiced by the families in the story from the early period of time and how it evolved and changed with time until today. Last but not least, it is to my opinion that in the event this novel is chosen to be adapted into a movie or serial, then the potential director would not face any problems as to the script as this novel itself is good enough to be a movie script in that all the characters are well developed.

[Nishamini Subramaniam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nirmala Kasinathan writes about a forgotten deceit and a malicious curse gripping a wealthy indian family for three generations. Her superb story-telling skills make for engaging reading. Aside from her eloquence, her ability to potray characters, make this a stunning literary debut!