The Buddha of the Brothel

by Kris Advaya

When Kris made a trip to India to study Ayurvedic massage, he never thought he would find love, adventure, and heartbreak. Traumatised by the loss of his friend and army abuses, Kris came to India practicing meditation and chastity, but both efforts were turned head over heels when he caught sight of Radha, a sex worker in Pune’s notorious red-light district.
Before he knew it, Kris was wrapped up in the world of pimps and crime lords, losing his hold on the life he had been pursuing and all the dreams of stability he had once built in his head. To be with the woman who had stolen his heart away, a life-altering decision awaited.
A true story, The Buddha of the Brothel is a poignant look into the world of godmen, spiritual seekers, and the men and women whose lives are ruled by the sex market and its overlords. Advaya’s account, written in refreshingly sparkling prose, is by turns anguished, humorous, hopeful, and bewildered, as he wades through a world he had never expected to encounter.
Sure to appeal to readers of Gregory Roberts’s Shantaram with its less than glittering setting, this is a literary memoir that opens readers’ eyes and minds and will not let go easily of their imaginations.

About the Author

Kris Advaya emerged from the void in Yugoslavia in the spring of 1976. After crawling his way through a stint in the military, and already multilingual, he spent five years studying French, Russian, and literature at the University of Ljubljana. Always artistic, he spent most of these years writing songs and abusing an electric guitar while playing with his alternative rock band. Soon afterwards, life took him to India and its enticing ways, and he’s been trying to cure himself of nomadism ever since.

Genres: Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2017

Reviews

[Sheetal Maurya - Godse (Halo of Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to thank the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The first thing which attracts the readers is the enchanting book cover, adorned with magenta colour and the palm of Buddha. This book cover can attract even a non-reader. After reading the blurb and genre, I was quite skeptical about this book but to my surprise, it turned out to be one of best non-fiction books of this year. Let’s check what this book offers!

You can read the full review here my link text

Summary:

The writer of this book, Kris Advaya, is from the Yugoslavia. Struggling with the terrible past of losing a close friend and army abuses, he made his way into the world of spirituality and chastity. To explore more of it and to learn traditional Ayurveda massage, he came to Pune, India. His journey in India started in Mumbai and it is worth reading.

After journeying for hours in the train, bus and rickshaw, he finally reached Arun, an experienced Ayurveda therapist. Kris lived in the adjoined rented room provided by Arun.

Everything was going fine until one day, Kris saw Radha, a beautiful sex worker from the infamous brothel of Pune. Kris didn’t know that she is a sex worker and he instantly fell in love with her. Kris started visiting the brothel and slowly he made his way into the heart of Radha. The person who had been a celibate for years lost his determination and fell for Radha. He also got to know about her terrible past and how she is bound to the brothel where no one listens to her and no one considers her as human.

In between, you will get to know more about Arun and his Ayurveda clinic through the eyes of Kris. In search of peace, he also visits various spiritual centres which turn out to be totally opposite to his expectation.

On the other side, he wants to marry Radha but this is not an easy task where Radha is among the ‘best girls’ in the brothel and pimps never want to lose such girls. Kris already started to make a plan for their future and how his family going to react. In short, he wanted to marry Radha no matter what cost.

Kris’s appeal went to the brothel owner Sunil, who gave him a task (not to mention it was illegal) in lieu of releasing Radha.

The story takes a turn here where Kris has to decide what he needs to do next. Should he forget Radha and move on his life? Should he take the risk and make Radha his wife? Should he trust a pimp? How are they going to be one?

Kris’s journey is spread from Mumbai, Pune, southern part of India and Sri Lanka. To see these countries and cities through the eyes of the writer is totally amusing yet hard to swallow. With this, the author has also narrated the plight of these poor girls and how rooted this illegal business is.

Writing style:

The author has unique writing skill. He has excellently used satire at many places and with the same excellence, he has described other events. The narration will make you hold until the end. The language is simple and can be understood easily.

My perception:

This book will give you a shock, make you smile and cry. Being a girl I was literally devastated reading Radha’s plight. The love story of Kris and Radha is totally heart touching. Seeing the Indian cities through the eyes of the author is very interesting. There are various sexual explicit contents in this book; hence I would not recommend this book to those who are not comfortable with this. Overall, this book is an amazing digest of a description of Indian cities, a blooming love story and struggle of lovers in an unusual love story. If you want to read something out of the box and unique, I strongly recommend this book.

[Readers Cosmos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb does no justice to its contents except for its declaration of being a "true story".

A true story- a depiction of life is a fine concoction of a bland and as tasteful in different pockets, as life itself. This book does complete justice to this balance, that being its greatest merit.
The depths of Indian ashrams, sex market in the country, etc. is written about but these aspects aren't written in depths Shantaram went into with Mumbai underworld. If that is what you are looking for this book isn't for you.

The book is a journey of finding oneself and love. It as all the elements of confusion, self questioning, experimentation, discovery, love, realizations and to some extent action. It is beautiful for it is relatable, for each of us at some stage of life or another (not as bizarre or dangerous as Kris's) have gone through this period of deep self questioning, self doubt and signals from the universe. We have received love from the barren lands, a warm smile from tormented lives and beauty in ugliest settings of the world. A few pages from a fellow beings life is what you will live through this book called - The Buddha of the Brothel.

A life story is always better than fiction. Recommended especially for lovers of the written word. The language is your treat, the metaphors your balm and wound too.

For a detailed review check: my link text

[Chitra Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Buddha of the Brothel by Kris Advaya is quite the book! Everyone has been raving about it on FB and Instagram and when I was kindly offered a copy by the publisher Fingerprint! Publishing, I was thrilled, to say the least!

The Buddha of the Brothel is a true story. It is a personal account of the author who is a Slovenian by birth and has mastered the mediation and chanting techniques on his previous visits to India. This time, though, he comes to India in order to familiarize himself with ayurvedic massage techniques. As he roams around the red light district of Pune, he lays his eyes on the dark and beautiful Radha and is mesmerized. But Radha being a slave of the flesh trade doesn’t make it any easier for him. What transpires hereafter forms the rest of the story, which I strongly recommend you read and find out!

Well, for starters, I love the cover! How beautiful! Many may find the title offensive but it totally makes sense when you read the book. I think the USP of the book is its narration. The language used by the author is so uniquely descriptive (a little too much at times) and interesting to read at the same time. The ample amount of humor in it, makes it more fun.

As for the story line. It had to be a true story, one written mirroring the emotions settled in the deep recesses of the author’s mind. Absolutely riveting and well written, the story has a dream like hold on the reader. I do not wish to reveal more but this book is definitely unique in so many good ways!

I would definitely recommend reading it, purely for the narration. Fantastic!


*** This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Sagar Chamoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Buddha of the Brothel is one of the books I decided to pickup for two reasons-

1. An interesting cover
2. Its based on city which I'm most attached to after my hometown i.e. Pune

Seems, it turned out to be the good decision as the book did not disappointed me. The story revolves around Kris Advaya a foreign national who visits India for his spiritual journey. He moves to Pune were he see Radha and falls in love at first sight. However, Radha turns out to be a prostitute and Kris starts visiting her brothels frequently. There love goes further from there and Kris decides to marry her. However, it's not easy to take a prostitute from a brothal, especially a good one and Kris will have to navigate through pimps, ganglords and other obstacles. Will he be able to take out her from that prison? A true story, The Buddha of the Brothel is a look into the world of godmen, spiritual seekers, and the men and women whose lives are ruled by the sex market and its overlords

What I liked most in this book is Kris honesty. He have penned down his feelings graciously and shout out to him on being so transparent. Another key takeaway was the harsh life of prostitutes. How moving into this life is only there option and how bad they are treated. Made me feel grateful for all good things God have given to us. What I don't like was the complex language used in book. At some point I felt like reading Dan Brown's book. Also, I felt that book was overstretched specially in climax were I just started skipping pages.

Overall its a very good book and I highly recommend if you are looking for some different type of read.

[Dr Kashmira Gohil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A foreigner, Christopher aka Krish visits India for short period to learn meditation, Ayurvedic message & all things spiritual & falls heads over heels in love with a girl prostitute, Radha in one lower rated brothel in Pune, as he sees her first time in milk bar, one day. It's his journey of love & pain and all he had to do & he did to get her. The end was rather abrupt & simple but the journey of reading this individual love saga was good as the author turns out to be prolific in expression & language to give voice & emotions to his true story, to my pleasant surprise, though I initially regarded him as a novice writer. He can emote & think rather very well in words. I liked reading this one. 3 to 3.5 stars.👍

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Buddha of the Brothel is the story of a part of Author Kris Advaya’s journey that brought him to India. Trying to leave behind his experiences of army and that of loss, Kris came to India with hopes of starting a fresh phase in his life that would include spirituality, meditation and Ayurveda. Instead of the calm, he found the storm when he met Radha, a sex worker. Getting sucked into the world of flesh trade and pimps was the last thing he had planned. But life doesn’t always follow a plan and so Kris’s journey take on a least expected turn.

Once immersed in the beautiful prose of Kris, it was difficult for me to remember at times that the book is based on real life experiences. The author’s style of writing is simply beautiful and his language is immersing. Books like these are why I am forever enchanted by the world of literature. Kris’s narrative style is such that it easily paints a picture in the readers mind and reading the book is almost like living that life for the few hours that it takes to read it. Amazingly seductive.

Read the full review on Bookish Indulgences with b00k r3vi3ws

[Wangmo Ghalley · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 pretty useful things I learned from the book. Thank you?

1. You are totally into her if you come out so fast (if you know what I mean)
2. Hanuman is a Saturn-carrying monkey
3. “Gym” came from a Greek word meaning “naked”
4. Pune is the unofficial HIV capital of India

[Abhilash Ruhela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just done reading the book with one of the most interesting titles “The Buddha of the Brothel” written by the debutante, Kris Advaya. The title and the cover page of the book, both are enough interesting to not let you pick it up. The book took me more than a week to complete because of the author’s style of writing English and narrating the story. This is the first time when I have read such kind of a narration of a story which could have been written in a simpler language. I found it little tough but the readers into English authors will love reading this book.

The story is said to be true and author’s own tale but the way this non-fictional plot is given a fictional narration and styling speaks about the skill the author has. Initially, it is quite tough to get into the flow of the story but once you get used to author’s writing style, you will start enjoying the tale. I believe that author could have edited the book a little more as I found several plots repeating itself in the first half of the book which makes it quite boring for the reader.

The characterization is nicely done and the best part about author’s style of narrating the conversation between two characters is incredible where he uses less dialogues and more emotional verdicts. This book is full of emotions, self-realizations, confusions, love, lust, belongingness, helplessness etc. Every emotion is nicely projected by the author which directly touches the reader’s heart. This book is unique in its very own way. I give it 4* out of 5.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!!

[Mirang Shah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Though, I haven't completed reading but this book is so boaring and random that, I don't want to waste my time reading it further.

It is wandering here and there and moving at Snail's speed. Story moves an inch but with 3 - 4 pages of "what author thinks about it per inch of moving" . And so, I found it utterly boaring and was literally draging myself to move ahead. But couldn't drag myself anymore.

In it's 70-80 pages, one thing I clearly noticed that author is interested in sex, but is trying to stay clean with other noble sounding explaination. e.g. He tries to sleep with other girl to check whether he really loves the 1st girl or not !!

In short, simply avoidable book. There are way better ones than this one to spend our non returnable time with.

[Deepa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a true story from the life of Christopher (aka) Kris Advaya. Kris is from Yugoslavia and has been to India before. He is skilled in meditation and chanting mantra’s which has helped him to be hold himself together in the past. He has been celibate and without a girlfriend for 7 years, recently lost a close friend to cancer and has now come to India – in particular Pune, to learn Ayurveda massage from a therapist named Arun- whom he found through the internet.

During his initial days in Pune he roams around the red light areas of Pune and sees the dark and beautiful Radha along with her 2 other girls who are in front of their brothel wooing customers. It is love at first sight for Kris. He cannot take his eyes off Radha and goes with her inside. He pays for spending time with her and is captivated in her beauty. Kris’s few days in Pune include work at Arun’s clinic trying to learn massage, sleepless nights in the room he has been given which stinks of Ayurveda oils, his visits to Osho’s ashrams etc.

Kris finally decides that he wants to marry Radha and asks her hand in marriage to t “Sunil” the pimp who runs the place. Sunil puts a price tag for Radha and Kris can only afford half of it. For the rest of the amount, Sunil gives Kris an errand – quite a risky one and if he completes that successfully – Radha can marry Kris.

Although this book has obtained many good ratings, I somehow felt it was a bit hyped! The story was dragged at most places, the author’s thoughts on random stuff was sometimes boring and the ending was quite abrupt!

[Sohinee Reads & Reviews (Bookarlo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on my blackberry from Poesy In Chrysalis : https://poesyinchrysalis.wordpress.co...

Though this book is not completely a personal account of the author, he does include some true to life events which he had come across during his trip to India. Kris Advaya who takes a break from his regular life visits India to study Ayurvedic Massage. What he didn’t saw coming was falling for Radha who worked in the red light district of Pune. We all know the issues related to sex market. It’s not a safe business neither is a healthy one. Soon, Kris Advaya finds himself crossing paths with the lecherous underground people associated with drug dealings, murders and other such merciless crimes.

The languid flow of the narrative made the book all the more enjoyable. The author hadn’t tried to paint India with dark colours. Yes, he was tormented and even baffled at the situations these women have to live through every day but moreover he questioned his findings. He has opted for a writing style which isn’t heavy and complaining instead he uses humour, amazement, befuddlement and also at times he expresses his anguish. But, as he explores through India, he presents his thoughts with honesty and not in a controversial manner.

[Siddhi Palande · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fingerprint Publishers' The Buddha Of The Brothel by Kris Adavaya is a story set in the most dingy, dark, and neglected and sometimes frequented by some, alleys of a cosmopolitan where humanity doesn't exist.

The novel is said to be a true story of the author who had landed in India to gain spiritual respite from his past. This is not his first visit to India. He has been our guest multiple times before. However, this time is different. It brings him closer to the sex workers in a cosmopolitan and pimps and crime lords ruling these streets when he falls in love with a yet disregarded prostitute of the brothel.

The novel is a mix of grime facts, sarcasm, pun, Indian English and the version of Indian English as seen by this Slovenian tourist. Every sentence was laden with the experience of the author.
And it became difficult for me to even think of binge reading the book. It is peppered with wit, humor and sarcasm so much that at times your untrained eyes might miss it but your mind will alert you and make you go back to re-read the sentence.

Entire book review: https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...

[Usha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book on Goodreads and fell in love with the title. I was very curious to know who this Buddha was and immediately bought the book. The cover was another reason for getting the book.
Initially, the story was quite good and became interesting the moment the female lead of the story was introduced. I liked the fact that the guy has fallen in love with the girl irrespective of her background, work or looks. This point has played a key role in building excitement and I couldn't put down the book until a certain point. But slowly, the book lost its way to find my time as the story was dragged unnecessarily and most of it was just the writer's thoughts on random things. Added to this was the abrupt ending which was so out of blue. Another drawback was the language used. The vocabulary in this book was way too extreme that a beginner reader will find it very difficult to understand.
Despite all these, the author has however got me reading the book with a few twists which were quite good.
The bottom line is this book is a one time read for those who are okay with long stories going nowhere.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cover of the book, its damm attractive. I loved the plot, it's out of the box and amazing. Its Kris's journey to find peace where he falls in love with Radha who is a sex worker. The author very well describes each and every situations and built very strong characters. Each and every scene that the author described is very connecting. One can easily connect with the book. The pace of the story is also smooth and lil slow with which reader can easily connect. the author used very simple language to describe each and every situation beautifully. The Tempo of the story is amazing full of twists and turns. There's fun, romance, emotions which will make you cry. The way kris described everything is just amazing. Radha's part of the story is where you feel so bad for her. Strong characters, amazing plot, simple language and a crisp story makes it obne of the best read.

If you love reading non-fiction, do not miss this book!

[Nishita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is supposed to be non-fiction, but is exciting enough to read as a fiction. I found myself zipping through the pages eagerly wanting to find out how it all ends.

The protagonist Kris is very endearing. He is a gentle soul who believes in Radha - a prostitute in spite of her profession, and the very shady people around her. I found this aspect of the story very touching. His journeys through the underbelly of India is also interesting and fun to read.

Normally, books by foreign authors about India can have me feeling a bit on the defensive side – especially when they point out any of our foibles. But in this case, I didn’t feel even a bit defensive. I guess the author’s accepting attitude towards India makes all the difference.

Overall, I thought this was a surprisingly good read, and I recommend it highly.

Complete review here: http://nishitak.com/2018/03/06/the-bu...

[Anil Dhingra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a different type of a book. I enjoyed because I have stayed long in Pune and the spots are familiar.
Here the author falls in love with a prostitute and wants to marry her. He writes about his varied experience in India as he tries to meet the pimp's demands and gets into the smuggling network.
He also explores the spiritual side with meditation and rajnish ashram.
Written more like a narrative it's not an easy read.

[Kirti Changlani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this one will be a story like "Sold" or "Laxmi - the movie", but it turns out that this is non-fiction memoir by the Author. I was deeply drawn to the story in the beginning. But in between it turns boring. The story is simple as to how Kris goes through everything to save a girl from the brothel. Further, I won't comment because it's his own life story. Anyone who likes the initially mentioned type of realistic stories may go for it.

[Willow · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is so disturbing. I wish Radha can be found.

Tried to read up more about Kris but there's only reviews on his book and one Q&A. He says he wished he had written Lolita - if he were to have authored another book. Lolita; pedophilia, sordid obsession, impetuous actions.

My prayers for Radha. IF it really is a "true" story.

[Nilesh Rebello · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow first half, picked up towards the end. His writing style takes some getting used to, but really does immerse you into the India I know.

A good sprinkling of musings too, for eg does desire begin in the subconscious mind before reaching the conscious?

Wouldn't go over the top to recommend this to someone.

[Yogesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a awesome reading, but sad news is that you did nit get Radha. Instead of ur hard love and passion for her, They stolen ur heart piece from you. If it is a true story, Kris you are a awesome lover and passionate love hero. Love from India.

[Lauren Mokasdar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't the sort of book I usually read but I saw it in a charity shop and it is set in Pune, a city I have visited. I really enjoyed it, it was interesting/strange to read this sort of story from a male perspective. The ending confused me and I would have loved an epilogue.

[Nicole Garnet · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be short and sweet , this book was definitely not my cup of tea. The beginning was interesting but mid way I lost all interest. I completed it because I started it not because I enjoyed it

[Sushama Nair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent read for every open-minded reader. Every emotion is nicely projected by the author which directly touches the reader’s heart... Must read..

[Youhan Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an entertaining read. Don't expect too much for it though

[Kulvinder Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read…. This man is the master of metaphors…. Very gripping reading….somewhere you may feel it a bit lengthy but still wanting to read through….thats the beauty of this book….