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By God: The Making of a Messiah
About the Book
Ghublistan. An island resplendent with the divine herb. A country rich in bat Guano. A society where people are content, happy to serve their Prophet.
But the country is experiencing a surge in emigration, and the Prophet is getting restless.
In an attempt to find out why, Alkanza, the Prophet, commands the Custodian of the Divine Gardens to temporarily leave this utopian society and get him some answers. Commanded by the ruler, His Excellence Tomikanza embarks upon on a riveting, perilous journey with his not-so-faithful barber, Neepane, in an endeavour to understand this strange beast called democracy in, first, that is the world's largest republic, second, that is a unique mix of God's rule and self-governance, and third, that is touted to be the modern world's oldest democracy.
Through the journey of two Ghublistanis as they meet inept policemen, blundering spies, and sleazy politicians, By God, The Making of a Messiah gives a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the religion-political system, subtly but powerfully unmasking its inherent vices, shortcomings, duplicity, and hypocrisy.
About the Author
Shashi Warrier lives in Mangalore with his writer-painter wife Prita and their dogs and cat. He likes beaches, yoga, motorcycling, and books. He is learning to cook and has lately developed an interest in gardening. He is perpetually bemused by many of the things the government does, like putting up a garbage separation plant not fifty meters from one of the most beautiful beaches in his district. This bemusement is the foundation of his satirical works.
Ghublistan. An island resplendent with the divine herb. A country rich in bat Guano. A society where people are content, happy to serve their Prophet.
But the country is experiencing a surge in emigration, and the Prophet is getting restless.
In an attempt to find out why, Alkanza, the Prophet, commands the Custodian of the Divine Gardens to temporarily leave this utopian society and get him some answers. Commanded by the ruler, His Excellence Tomikanza embarks upon on a riveting, perilous journey with his not-so-faithful barber, Neepane, in an endeavour to understand this strange beast called democracy in, first, that is the world's largest republic, second, that is a unique mix of God's rule and self-governance, and third, that is touted to be the modern world's oldest democracy.
Through the journey of two Ghublistanis as they meet inept policemen, blundering spies, and sleazy politicians, By God, The Making of a Messiah gives a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the religion-political system, subtly but powerfully unmasking its inherent vices, shortcomings, duplicity, and hypocrisy.
About the Author
Shashi Warrier lives in Mangalore with his writer-painter wife Prita and their dogs and cat. He likes beaches, yoga, motorcycling, and books. He is learning to cook and has lately developed an interest in gardening. He is perpetually bemused by many of the things the government does, like putting up a garbage separation plant not fifty meters from one of the most beautiful beaches in his district. This bemusement is the foundation of his satirical works.
248 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2019
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 29, 2019
Ghublistan is a country which is blessed by divine herb, the land is fertile, and the people are happy and content. However, many people are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, which makes the prophet uneasy. On the command of Prophet, Alkanza, his excellency Tomikanza and his barber, Neepane set out on a journey where he can know more about democracy and people’s faith.
The first place they choose is the world’s largest democracy, India and they go to Mumbai.
However, after getting into a problem, thanks to the special lemonade made by his barber he hastily leaves Mumbai. In Mumbai, He tries to learn about Yoga, Hindu mythology and governance. For this, he meets several people like a mythology expert, a local politician, and a policeman, however, each meeting was amusing in its way.
The next stop of His Excellency is Pakistan, a country that is governed by God’s rule and military. Unlike India, Pakistan welcomes him extravagantly, provides top-notch facilities. Here he meets one ISI officer, who is a devout Muslim and his way of thinking. However, Due to some circumstances, he accepts, Tomikanza as his Guru and he becomes his disciple.
After this, the trio goes to the ultimate stop, i.e. America, a modern world. What happens next, is something amusing to read.
Writing style:
This book is written with utmost ease, the writing is lucid. Each character has been remarkably described by the author. The story has been told by various POV and the author has amazingly managed to keep the balance in the story. Every type of reader can enjoy this book.
My perception:
This book is a mirror to the condition of today’s political system, which is highly influenced by religion. This is a well-written satire of recent times. The story has multiple themes and has been narrated by different POV, however, the author’s writing skill tightly knits them. Tomikanza’s character is simply amusing, whereas his barber’s character is conniving yet satisfactory. The whole book is a set of the stage where with each page the author has opened the dark curtain which has been laid on our eyes in the form of good governance and great religion.
If you are looking for some good contemporary satire, then you shouldn’t miss this book.
The first place they choose is the world’s largest democracy, India and they go to Mumbai.
However, after getting into a problem, thanks to the special lemonade made by his barber he hastily leaves Mumbai. In Mumbai, He tries to learn about Yoga, Hindu mythology and governance. For this, he meets several people like a mythology expert, a local politician, and a policeman, however, each meeting was amusing in its way.
The next stop of His Excellency is Pakistan, a country that is governed by God’s rule and military. Unlike India, Pakistan welcomes him extravagantly, provides top-notch facilities. Here he meets one ISI officer, who is a devout Muslim and his way of thinking. However, Due to some circumstances, he accepts, Tomikanza as his Guru and he becomes his disciple.
After this, the trio goes to the ultimate stop, i.e. America, a modern world. What happens next, is something amusing to read.
Writing style:
This book is written with utmost ease, the writing is lucid. Each character has been remarkably described by the author. The story has been told by various POV and the author has amazingly managed to keep the balance in the story. Every type of reader can enjoy this book.
My perception:
This book is a mirror to the condition of today’s political system, which is highly influenced by religion. This is a well-written satire of recent times. The story has multiple themes and has been narrated by different POV, however, the author’s writing skill tightly knits them. Tomikanza’s character is simply amusing, whereas his barber’s character is conniving yet satisfactory. The whole book is a set of the stage where with each page the author has opened the dark curtain which has been laid on our eyes in the form of good governance and great religion.
If you are looking for some good contemporary satire, then you shouldn’t miss this book.
September 23, 2019
A real classic. The book would make you realize the shortcomings in the present world by taking you through a journey of an Utopian society which was dreamed by Alkanza, The Protagonist H.E. Tomikanza embarks on a journey. He is assisted by a not so faithful barber Neepane, who keeps clearing his doubts as he was not exposed to the outside world.
The story line is subtle. The sequence of events flows fluidly. I loved the artistic way of representing the characters and the situations surrounding them by the author. I found it unique as this gave me an impression of going through a Hollywood film, in writing.
When you get to witness a sudden surge in the emigration, how would you react?
Does this not sound similar since,we, as a country has been witnessing it for a decade or so?
Was Tomikanza able to find answers to his questions related to Democracy?
What was unique about this mix of God's rule and self-governance?
The two Ghublistanis who embark on the journey of their life time happen to come across varied characters which includes but not limited to policemen, spies, politicians etc and how they tackle them an their blunders is certainly a point to ponder.
While we see how religion plays a vital role in the politics - both in National and International level, it is the same which has been described in this story which also revolves around the shortcomings of the system coupled with duplicity and hypocrisy which is pretty much exists in abundance in the present day politics.
Would we through the characters be able to find answers and connect it with the present day events? It is for you, the readers to find out.
P.S. I liked the way, the book ended. Read it. You will not disagree to agree with me.
The story line is subtle. The sequence of events flows fluidly. I loved the artistic way of representing the characters and the situations surrounding them by the author. I found it unique as this gave me an impression of going through a Hollywood film, in writing.
When you get to witness a sudden surge in the emigration, how would you react?
Does this not sound similar since,we, as a country has been witnessing it for a decade or so?
Was Tomikanza able to find answers to his questions related to Democracy?
What was unique about this mix of God's rule and self-governance?
The two Ghublistanis who embark on the journey of their life time happen to come across varied characters which includes but not limited to policemen, spies, politicians etc and how they tackle them an their blunders is certainly a point to ponder.
While we see how religion plays a vital role in the politics - both in National and International level, it is the same which has been described in this story which also revolves around the shortcomings of the system coupled with duplicity and hypocrisy which is pretty much exists in abundance in the present day politics.
Would we through the characters be able to find answers and connect it with the present day events? It is for you, the readers to find out.
P.S. I liked the way, the book ended. Read it. You will not disagree to agree with me.
October 23, 2019
Shashi Warrier's book By God: The Making of a Messiah is a satirical tale of the socio-cultural scenario of many of the nations in today's world.
The plot is set in a utopian world, called Ghublistan, which is an island resplendent with the Divine herb. And this country is experiencing a surge in emigration. Two of Ghublistan's people, Tomikanza and a barber, Neepane set out in an endeavour to understand what 'democracy' is.
As I was reading the novel, I felt how relevant it is in today's world. It made me think. The author, in this book, highlights various social issues which are extremely relevant. The brilliant use of satire is a speciality of this book.
The plot is very well-knit and is subtle with layers of themes embedded in it. It is intriguing and has the capability to keep the readers hooked to the book until the very end. The story progresses at a perfect pace. The style of writing is beautiful and the use of lucid language has made the book a very easy read. It is one such story which stays with you forever. The characters have been presented and described really well.
By God: The Making of a Messiah paints a tongue-in-cheek picture of the religion, political, and social systems of the present times, subtly yet powerfully unmasking its vices, shortcomings and hypocrisy.
I absolutely loved reading this book! Recommending it to all the bibliophiles. I hope you'll like reading this book.
My Rating: 4.5/5
The plot is set in a utopian world, called Ghublistan, which is an island resplendent with the Divine herb. And this country is experiencing a surge in emigration. Two of Ghublistan's people, Tomikanza and a barber, Neepane set out in an endeavour to understand what 'democracy' is.
As I was reading the novel, I felt how relevant it is in today's world. It made me think. The author, in this book, highlights various social issues which are extremely relevant. The brilliant use of satire is a speciality of this book.
The plot is very well-knit and is subtle with layers of themes embedded in it. It is intriguing and has the capability to keep the readers hooked to the book until the very end. The story progresses at a perfect pace. The style of writing is beautiful and the use of lucid language has made the book a very easy read. It is one such story which stays with you forever. The characters have been presented and described really well.
By God: The Making of a Messiah paints a tongue-in-cheek picture of the religion, political, and social systems of the present times, subtly yet powerfully unmasking its vices, shortcomings and hypocrisy.
I absolutely loved reading this book! Recommending it to all the bibliophiles. I hope you'll like reading this book.
My Rating: 4.5/5
November 17, 2019
Book Title: By God - The making of a messiah
Author: Shashi Warrier
Format: Paperback
Book Title:
The title of the book ' By God ' is unique and thought-provoking.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a close-up image of praying hands with a super layered image of monks.
Plot:
The story is about a utopian world, called Ghublistan. In the story, the country experiences flow in the evacuation of people. Two of Ghublistan's people, Tomikanza and a barber, Neepane set out in an endeavor to understand what 'democracy' is. The two try to understand the present system on which the world runs and seek for a change.
The author tried to reflect through his words the changes he is expecting. The satirical and witty book is a definitely recommended book.
What I like:
1. The plot of the book
2. The intention and the intensity that the author showed and exhibited is appreciated
3. The subtle criticism against the present system is very well articulated
4. The politics, the mind games, and spine chilling things are explained nicely.
What I didn't like:
The book is flawless and hence nothing to dislike
Characters:
The characters in the story reflect perfectly every one of humankind who is in the verge of always thinking for a change in the present system of life. The two main characters in the story are very relatable and interesting with an ample amount of strength and honesty.
Narration:
The author has aced in this section. Very interesting and engrossing narration is found in the story. With good drama, the author has explained the current scenario o the world in a fascinating manner.
Language & Grammar:
Easy and simple language is used in the book.
My Final Verdict:
Modern-day seeker's questionnaire!
Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5
Author: Shashi Warrier
Format: Paperback
Book Title:
The title of the book ' By God ' is unique and thought-provoking.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a close-up image of praying hands with a super layered image of monks.
Plot:
The story is about a utopian world, called Ghublistan. In the story, the country experiences flow in the evacuation of people. Two of Ghublistan's people, Tomikanza and a barber, Neepane set out in an endeavor to understand what 'democracy' is. The two try to understand the present system on which the world runs and seek for a change.
The author tried to reflect through his words the changes he is expecting. The satirical and witty book is a definitely recommended book.
What I like:
1. The plot of the book
2. The intention and the intensity that the author showed and exhibited is appreciated
3. The subtle criticism against the present system is very well articulated
4. The politics, the mind games, and spine chilling things are explained nicely.
What I didn't like:
The book is flawless and hence nothing to dislike
Characters:
The characters in the story reflect perfectly every one of humankind who is in the verge of always thinking for a change in the present system of life. The two main characters in the story are very relatable and interesting with an ample amount of strength and honesty.
Narration:
The author has aced in this section. Very interesting and engrossing narration is found in the story. With good drama, the author has explained the current scenario o the world in a fascinating manner.
Language & Grammar:
Easy and simple language is used in the book.
My Final Verdict:
Modern-day seeker's questionnaire!
Book Title: 4/5
Book Cover: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Final Rating: 4/5
October 23, 2019
'By God: The Making of a Messiah' by Shashi Warrier is a light-hearted mystical adventure story about two Ghublistani, Tomikanza and his barber Neepane, bonds who meet various people during their journey.
I believe this book moved me a little. Not only because the writing was so great but also the thoughts contained in it were so close to what I was feeling. I still believe the ideas contained here are timeless and profound.
By God: The Making Of Messiah is a brilliant (and oddly prescient) satire. With the book, author Shashi Warrier offers a skewering criticism of democracy, the politics behind it, and its far-reaching ramifications in a manner that is at once humorous, intelligent, and bone-chillingly accurate. A bleak and ominous tone dominates the novel, befitting its narrative. By God: The Making of Messiah is a fantastically engaging and smart novel, and had me contemplating its characters and story long after I closed its covers.
Shashi Warrier examines how society and human nature combine to debase and ultimately subvert political inspiration. Bold stuff for the period. Stylistically, aside from a short, pompous section at the beginning that will hurt your head, the body of the book is appealing. The story is inventive and solidly constructed, modern and humanist.
I believe this book moved me a little. Not only because the writing was so great but also the thoughts contained in it were so close to what I was feeling. I still believe the ideas contained here are timeless and profound.
By God: The Making Of Messiah is a brilliant (and oddly prescient) satire. With the book, author Shashi Warrier offers a skewering criticism of democracy, the politics behind it, and its far-reaching ramifications in a manner that is at once humorous, intelligent, and bone-chillingly accurate. A bleak and ominous tone dominates the novel, befitting its narrative. By God: The Making of Messiah is a fantastically engaging and smart novel, and had me contemplating its characters and story long after I closed its covers.
Shashi Warrier examines how society and human nature combine to debase and ultimately subvert political inspiration. Bold stuff for the period. Stylistically, aside from a short, pompous section at the beginning that will hurt your head, the body of the book is appealing. The story is inventive and solidly constructed, modern and humanist.
November 18, 2019
I will give it around 7.5 stars out of 10, the stars above are rounded off.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews