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The Sea Elephants
For fans of Shuggie Bain and A Burning, a queer coming-of-age novel set in 1990s India, about a young man who joins a traveling theater troupe
Shagun knows he will never be the kind of son his father demands. After the sudden deaths of his beloved twin sisters, Shagun flees his own guilt, his mother’s grief, and his father’s violent disapproval by enrolling at an all-boys boarding school. But he doesn’t find true belonging until he encounters a traveling theater troupe performing the Hindu myths of his childhood.
Welcomed by the other storytellers, Shagun thrives, easily embodying mortals and gods, men and women, and living on the road, where his father can’t catch him. When Shagun meets Marc, a charming photographer, he seems to have found the love he always longed for, too. But not even Marc can save him from his lingering shame, nor his father’s ever-present threat to send him to a conversion center. As Shagun’s past begins to engulf him once again, he must decide if he is strong enough to face what he fears most, and to boldly claim his own happiness.
Utterly immersive and spellbinding, The Sea Elephants is both dark and beautiful, harrowing and triumphant. An ode to the redemptive joys of art, Shastri Akella’s debut novel is a celebration of hard-won love—of others and for ourselves.
Shagun knows he will never be the kind of son his father demands. After the sudden deaths of his beloved twin sisters, Shagun flees his own guilt, his mother’s grief, and his father’s violent disapproval by enrolling at an all-boys boarding school. But he doesn’t find true belonging until he encounters a traveling theater troupe performing the Hindu myths of his childhood.
Welcomed by the other storytellers, Shagun thrives, easily embodying mortals and gods, men and women, and living on the road, where his father can’t catch him. When Shagun meets Marc, a charming photographer, he seems to have found the love he always longed for, too. But not even Marc can save him from his lingering shame, nor his father’s ever-present threat to send him to a conversion center. As Shagun’s past begins to engulf him once again, he must decide if he is strong enough to face what he fears most, and to boldly claim his own happiness.
Utterly immersive and spellbinding, The Sea Elephants is both dark and beautiful, harrowing and triumphant. An ode to the redemptive joys of art, Shastri Akella’s debut novel is a celebration of hard-won love—of others and for ourselves.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2023
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19374 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
June 22, 2023
It's hard to find the correct words to describe this book. When I think about my experience reading it I get a surge of vivid emotions ranging from sorrow to jubilation. The pain of not fully understanding or wanting to accept who you are. Knowing your family doesn't accept you, or even want you. The hope you can find in found family and self-discovery. The colors of whirling fabric, the smells of smoke and sea water, the feel of dirt on your bare feet. This book offers so much and truly takes you on a journey with the main character. It expanded my empathy, grew my understanding, and gripped me til the last page.
November 9, 2023
A very intense but rewarding read.
July 29, 2023
You can start a family who will always show you love❤️🩹
August 10, 2023
historical fiction is normally not my jam, and this was no exception.
parts of this book reminded me of the movie kantara, especially the street theater parts, and the acceptance at the end.
shagun's relationships throughout the book are complicated as one's are, which i liked, especially his relationship with saaya,
and his mother:
“Can you ever love all of me?” I asked.
“If miracles happen in this world,” she said."
however there was a lot of everytime things were going well there was something traumatizing happening to him.
i loved the found family aspect and the talk of gender & sexual identity, and the incorporation of hindu mythology and the queerness in it
- pretty good, but not really for me
parts of this book reminded me of the movie kantara, especially the street theater parts, and the acceptance at the end.
shagun's relationships throughout the book are complicated as one's are, which i liked, especially his relationship with saaya,
and his mother:
“Can you ever love all of me?” I asked.
“If miracles happen in this world,” she said."
however there was a lot of everytime things were going well there was something traumatizing happening to him.
i loved the found family aspect and the talk of gender & sexual identity, and the incorporation of hindu mythology and the queerness in it
- pretty good, but not really for me
July 11, 2023
Thank you to Macmillan for the audio ARC!
I'm conflicted about how to rate this... so I'm going with a 3. This isn't bad - it just didn't work for me, and the MULTIPLE graphic sexual assault scenes were difficult to handle. I found them to be incredibly jarring. I really think this book could have used a content warning because I was wildly unprepared. I almost dnf'd for this reason. If I had known going in this wouldn't have been as much of an issue because I could have prepared myself properly. This probably would have been a 4 star for me without the repetitive graphic SA scenes.
The narrator had a good tone and pace and I felt his voice really fit the story. I enjoyed the cultural aspects of this book. I did genuinely feel for Shagun at multiple points, so I was somewhat invested.
This is a coming-of-age story set in the past centered around a queer man who is struggling to find his place in the world. There is a lot of sexual assault and trauma here... which may be realistic (I wouldn't know), but I was really thrown every time it happened.
This is a valuable story, but it won't be for everyone. This book covers a lot of nuanced topics such as finding your identity, feeling like an outcast amongst your peers, and dealing with abuse and homophobia. There are very complicated relationships in this novel - in particular, the relationship between Shagun and his parents is very complex and interesting.
I don't love how everything was handled, but I do think it was somewhat realistic. The conflicting emotions were done well. I just personally don't like this idea that people who harm you should be forgiven, even at great personal cost. I would literally never forgive someone for SA'ing me. I would never think of them fondly again.
The end of this novel was somewhat satisfying, at least compared to the rest of the book. It wasn't as depressing as the rest.
There are people that will enjoy and find value in this book, but I wouldn't recommend this to everyone. I haven't read "A Little Life" but based on what I know about it, it's somewhat similar to this book. This is not a happy, lighthearted novel. This is about trauma and making a place in the world.
I'm conflicted about how to rate this... so I'm going with a 3. This isn't bad - it just didn't work for me, and the MULTIPLE graphic sexual assault scenes were difficult to handle. I found them to be incredibly jarring. I really think this book could have used a content warning because I was wildly unprepared. I almost dnf'd for this reason. If I had known going in this wouldn't have been as much of an issue because I could have prepared myself properly. This probably would have been a 4 star for me without the repetitive graphic SA scenes.
The narrator had a good tone and pace and I felt his voice really fit the story. I enjoyed the cultural aspects of this book. I did genuinely feel for Shagun at multiple points, so I was somewhat invested.
This is a coming-of-age story set in the past centered around a queer man who is struggling to find his place in the world. There is a lot of sexual assault and trauma here... which may be realistic (I wouldn't know), but I was really thrown every time it happened.
This is a valuable story, but it won't be for everyone. This book covers a lot of nuanced topics such as finding your identity, feeling like an outcast amongst your peers, and dealing with abuse and homophobia. There are very complicated relationships in this novel - in particular, the relationship between Shagun and his parents is very complex and interesting.
I don't love how everything was handled, but I do think it was somewhat realistic. The conflicting emotions were done well. I just personally don't like this idea that people who harm you should be forgiven, even at great personal cost. I would literally never forgive someone for SA'ing me. I would never think of them fondly again.
The end of this novel was somewhat satisfying, at least compared to the rest of the book. It wasn't as depressing as the rest.
There are people that will enjoy and find value in this book, but I wouldn't recommend this to everyone. I haven't read "A Little Life" but based on what I know about it, it's somewhat similar to this book. This is not a happy, lighthearted novel. This is about trauma and making a place in the world.
March 22, 2023
Anyone who has talked books with me in the past few years knows the true love and reverence I have for Daniel Nayeri's Everything (Sad) is Untrue. The Sea Elephants is the closest reading experience I have had since reading that.
There are some fundamental differences - Everything Sad is classified as a Middle Grade book (though I would argue an excellent read at any age), while The Sea Elephants deals with more adult themes and issues; Everything Sad deals with assimilation and otherness in the contexts of immigration and cultural dissonance, while The Sea Elephants deals with assimilation and otherness in the contexts of family, community, and cultural intolerance; Everything Sad doesn't deal with gender and sexual identity, The Sea Elephants very much does.
These differences aside, there was something very similar about the experience of reading these books.
The Sea Elephants uses an ancient text as a guiding framework, pulling elements of the original myth and story into our characters lives in a way that seems effortless, but with such depth and complexity that it was clearly done with great care and deliberation. It asks questions without demanding that we answer them, but rather take the time to consider how what happens to be occurring on the page might align or defy our own perceptions of issues like colonialism, gender identity, the value of friendship, duty to (and love of) family, legal morality, guilt and grief. There is so much happening in this story - more than I know to synthesize, and really why both trying? Reading the book will be the best way to see how all of these elements are masterfully present without being overbearing on the reader.
I highly recommend reading this. Shagun is not always the most sympathetic character, but his complexity and contradictions are what makes him such a joy and frustration to follow.
I am still processing the questions this raised for me. When you read this, let's talk about it.
There are some fundamental differences - Everything Sad is classified as a Middle Grade book (though I would argue an excellent read at any age), while The Sea Elephants deals with more adult themes and issues; Everything Sad deals with assimilation and otherness in the contexts of immigration and cultural dissonance, while The Sea Elephants deals with assimilation and otherness in the contexts of family, community, and cultural intolerance; Everything Sad doesn't deal with gender and sexual identity, The Sea Elephants very much does.
These differences aside, there was something very similar about the experience of reading these books.
The Sea Elephants uses an ancient text as a guiding framework, pulling elements of the original myth and story into our characters lives in a way that seems effortless, but with such depth and complexity that it was clearly done with great care and deliberation. It asks questions without demanding that we answer them, but rather take the time to consider how what happens to be occurring on the page might align or defy our own perceptions of issues like colonialism, gender identity, the value of friendship, duty to (and love of) family, legal morality, guilt and grief. There is so much happening in this story - more than I know to synthesize, and really why both trying? Reading the book will be the best way to see how all of these elements are masterfully present without being overbearing on the reader.
I highly recommend reading this. Shagun is not always the most sympathetic character, but his complexity and contradictions are what makes him such a joy and frustration to follow.
I am still processing the questions this raised for me. When you read this, let's talk about it.
August 19, 2023
The Sea Elephants is the kind of book that’ll nestle into your heart and stay there for years to come. The story opens with two deaths, providing a brief glimpse of the seriousness of the novel. Set in an unnamed coastal city (which I later confirmed with the author that it was indeed Visakhapatnam), our protagonist describes the loss of his sisters; Mud and Milk, identical twins who were nothing like each other. This narrator, all of sixteen years of age carries an anger that radiates off of him like the sun emits heat. He’s angry to have watched his sisters die helplessly but he’s even more enraged that his father has come home six months after their deaths.
The Sea Elephants is a brilliant book that focuses on Shagun, a coming-of-age queer boy, struggling to find a family and space that accepts him for who he is. Shastri Akella creates a wonderful bunch of characters who fulfill the roles of excellent supporting characters to the protagonist. This book is more than just a fictional tale as it draws themes from mythology and stories to build the foundation of the story. Set in the early 90s, Akella describes the tough lives led by the queer community. The fact that nothing much has changed decades later really saddens me. Shagun is the perfect hero to lead the story. He has many facets to him and Akella peels them off like layers of an onion. He has a hard past, one that’s filled with guilt and abuse and as he navigates through life as a travelling theatre artist, this shadow follows him wherever he goes.
But what’s best is to see Shagun find love. Amidst all the chaos and violence, love blooms like a rare flower and I enjoyed watching it happen as a reader. This beautiful book brims with emotions, right from anger to disgust to affection, it has it all. I had immense fun in reading chapters that involved stories about Shagun’s mother and sisters, each of them taking little pieces of my heart. Shagun himself was far from perfect and I think this is why it’s impossible not to like him. His choices and actions come from a place that holds the most vulnerable aspects of his past which is why I wanted to hold him in an embrace many a time.
This book truly has a lot to offer and in no way did it feel like the work of a debut author. Concepts like unconditional love, friendships in which nothing is ever demanded, families that one gets to choose and the act of forgiveness; all of which were wonderfully executed in the story. I hope this book receives all the love that it deserves and I can’t wait to read more by Shastri Akella.
The Sea Elephants is a brilliant book that focuses on Shagun, a coming-of-age queer boy, struggling to find a family and space that accepts him for who he is. Shastri Akella creates a wonderful bunch of characters who fulfill the roles of excellent supporting characters to the protagonist. This book is more than just a fictional tale as it draws themes from mythology and stories to build the foundation of the story. Set in the early 90s, Akella describes the tough lives led by the queer community. The fact that nothing much has changed decades later really saddens me. Shagun is the perfect hero to lead the story. He has many facets to him and Akella peels them off like layers of an onion. He has a hard past, one that’s filled with guilt and abuse and as he navigates through life as a travelling theatre artist, this shadow follows him wherever he goes.
But what’s best is to see Shagun find love. Amidst all the chaos and violence, love blooms like a rare flower and I enjoyed watching it happen as a reader. This beautiful book brims with emotions, right from anger to disgust to affection, it has it all. I had immense fun in reading chapters that involved stories about Shagun’s mother and sisters, each of them taking little pieces of my heart. Shagun himself was far from perfect and I think this is why it’s impossible not to like him. His choices and actions come from a place that holds the most vulnerable aspects of his past which is why I wanted to hold him in an embrace many a time.
This book truly has a lot to offer and in no way did it feel like the work of a debut author. Concepts like unconditional love, friendships in which nothing is ever demanded, families that one gets to choose and the act of forgiveness; all of which were wonderfully executed in the story. I hope this book receives all the love that it deserves and I can’t wait to read more by Shastri Akella.
July 2, 2023
Let me preface this review with a note to my fellow Desi/South Asian people - Do NOT read this book; this book is written with white people in mind and is not for us.
This book is billed as a coming of age story for Shagun who is able to explore his queerness in a safe environment in an acting troupe. That is what the book is billed at and it is a total lie. This book is written a torture porn in the same vein as 12 Years a Slave.
Shagun is raped, tortured, hunted, beaten throughout the entirety of the book. His violent father forces him to flee to a boarding school after Shagun is involved in the drownings of his two sisters. Literally the first day of school, Shagun is raped and beaten, which will continue for the rest of the time at that school. He will run away from the school when his father hires the owner of a conversion therapy camp to kidnap Shagun. When he does briefly join the theater troupe, he meets Marc, a white Jewish man seems kind at first, but then also turns out to be angry and violent when the sexual aspects of their relationship don't live up to his expectations. Then they get hunted down by the conversion therapy men and he is again tortured and imprisoned until the penultimate chapter.
On top of all of this trauma happening to Shagun, he is written to be pining for the acceptance and love of those hurting him the most, from his awful father, to his first rapist, to Marc, to even one of his guards at the conversion therapy camp.
There is no joy, there is no coming of age, there is no point at which Shagun is actually given the opportunity to have a flourishing of life. Even the middle section when Shagun is teaching a theater class, when he leans too much into his queerness, the safety of the troupe is stripped from him when the troupe leader kicks him out.
Coming from a Desi perspective, it is clear this was not written for us. It was written with a White gaze in mind, from the ridiculous flowery language of the smells and taste of India to the white savior, to the torture porn and all Indian people being showing in such an evil light. This is NOT an #OurVoices book because those are supposed to create not with an observer's gaze, but with the cultural nuance from being an active member of that culture, and this doesn't fit that because while the author, Shastri Akella, may be from the culture, this book was written from an outsider's gaze.
This book is billed as a coming of age story for Shagun who is able to explore his queerness in a safe environment in an acting troupe. That is what the book is billed at and it is a total lie. This book is written a torture porn in the same vein as 12 Years a Slave.
Shagun is raped, tortured, hunted, beaten throughout the entirety of the book. His violent father forces him to flee to a boarding school after Shagun is involved in the drownings of his two sisters. Literally the first day of school, Shagun is raped and beaten, which will continue for the rest of the time at that school. He will run away from the school when his father hires the owner of a conversion therapy camp to kidnap Shagun. When he does briefly join the theater troupe, he meets Marc, a white Jewish man seems kind at first, but then also turns out to be angry and violent when the sexual aspects of their relationship don't live up to his expectations. Then they get hunted down by the conversion therapy men and he is again tortured and imprisoned until the penultimate chapter.
On top of all of this trauma happening to Shagun, he is written to be pining for the acceptance and love of those hurting him the most, from his awful father, to his first rapist, to Marc, to even one of his guards at the conversion therapy camp.
There is no joy, there is no coming of age, there is no point at which Shagun is actually given the opportunity to have a flourishing of life. Even the middle section when Shagun is teaching a theater class, when he leans too much into his queerness, the safety of the troupe is stripped from him when the troupe leader kicks him out.
Coming from a Desi perspective, it is clear this was not written for us. It was written with a White gaze in mind, from the ridiculous flowery language of the smells and taste of India to the white savior, to the torture porn and all Indian people being showing in such an evil light. This is NOT an #OurVoices book because those are supposed to create not with an observer's gaze, but with the cultural nuance from being an active member of that culture, and this doesn't fit that because while the author, Shastri Akella, may be from the culture, this book was written from an outsider's gaze.
April 24, 2023
This book is intense and compelling with so much at stake for this young man. Shagun's character grew on me as the book progressed. I love the traveling troupe he joined and the family he found along the way. During the darkest parts of this book, I could not put it down until I knew Shagun was safe.
July 11, 2023
The blurb for this book references Shuggie Bain and it is 100% correct :) Raw, emotional, and eye-opening, It’s not a book you can fly through, because you simply want to soak in everything this has to offer. Honestly one of the best debuts I have ever read!
Shagun is an MC that leaves you no choice but to fully invest in him and his story! He said ALL EYES ON ME! His development is astounding, considering what he goes through throughout this book. Even so much as a non-consensual, life-altering surgery. Yet somehow, he finds his niche and his people. He’s a brilliant human who decides to follow his dreams instead of the expectations placed upon him. So he finds a traveling street performing group and begins living bu his own rules. And then Marc comes around and EEEEEK! Our little nugget has found yet another home :) In the people he surrounds himself with. Which, by the way, are a host of PHENOMENAL SCs! Shagun is an absolute champion, and I implore you to hear out his story :)
Throughout the book, gender roles are constantly questioned and masculinity continues to be defined and then redefined. I find books like this full of importance! For those who feel they are stuck in one lane with no other options or who are told their decisions or actions don’t fit the gender they were given when born, but also simply to show those who are naive to the plights of these individuals, who aren’t experiencing these tribulations. Now, there are definitely some heavy topics in this so definitely refer to TWs before reading but it’s a rawness worth experiencing. I truly question your humanity if you aren’t moved at points throughout this book are feel those heartstrings being tugged at ;)
I find it so fun when authors bring EVERYTHING full-circle, and Shastri did this with even the smallest SCs. There were NO plot-holes or stones left unturned. NO CRUMBS! Even Shagun’s first kinda schoolboy crush makes a reappearance. A huge sort of side-plot (that’s also part of the main plot) that went silent in the middle of the book comes back SWANGIN in the end! Different circles begin to merge. This book is a full picture. Spanning many years. Which makes reading this even more rewarding! The grin I had at the end of this book?! Call me Joker hennyyyyyy because we were GRIN. NING!
Shagun is an MC that leaves you no choice but to fully invest in him and his story! He said ALL EYES ON ME! His development is astounding, considering what he goes through throughout this book. Even so much as a non-consensual, life-altering surgery. Yet somehow, he finds his niche and his people. He’s a brilliant human who decides to follow his dreams instead of the expectations placed upon him. So he finds a traveling street performing group and begins living bu his own rules. And then Marc comes around and EEEEEK! Our little nugget has found yet another home :) In the people he surrounds himself with. Which, by the way, are a host of PHENOMENAL SCs! Shagun is an absolute champion, and I implore you to hear out his story :)
Throughout the book, gender roles are constantly questioned and masculinity continues to be defined and then redefined. I find books like this full of importance! For those who feel they are stuck in one lane with no other options or who are told their decisions or actions don’t fit the gender they were given when born, but also simply to show those who are naive to the plights of these individuals, who aren’t experiencing these tribulations. Now, there are definitely some heavy topics in this so definitely refer to TWs before reading but it’s a rawness worth experiencing. I truly question your humanity if you aren’t moved at points throughout this book are feel those heartstrings being tugged at ;)
I find it so fun when authors bring EVERYTHING full-circle, and Shastri did this with even the smallest SCs. There were NO plot-holes or stones left unturned. NO CRUMBS! Even Shagun’s first kinda schoolboy crush makes a reappearance. A huge sort of side-plot (that’s also part of the main plot) that went silent in the middle of the book comes back SWANGIN in the end! Different circles begin to merge. This book is a full picture. Spanning many years. Which makes reading this even more rewarding! The grin I had at the end of this book?! Call me Joker hennyyyyyy because we were GRIN. NING!
July 21, 2023
"The Sea Elephants" by Shastri Akella is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that follows the life of Shagun, a young man growing up in India during the 90s, who struggles with his sexuality in a society where same-sex attraction is illegal. The author's dedication to the story is evident, as it took eight long years to complete, and during this time, Akella had his own personal awakening, coming out as gay.
The narrative follows Shagun's journey from his early years into his 30s, and the challenges he faces due to his sexual orientation. Akella portrays Shagun's experiences with determination, bravery, and a strong ethical nature, making him a compelling protagonist.
As a fellow queer reader, I found "The Sea Elephants" to be a poignant and touching read. However, I must acknowledge that some parts of the book were triggering, which affected my overall enjoyment. Despite this, the triggering elements were essential to the story, and I recognize that others might not have the same reaction.
The plot is brilliantly constructed and without any noticeable plot holes. It engages readers throughout, keeping them emotionally invested in Shagun's journey. The characters are well-developed, each provoking a distinct reaction from the reader. Shagun and Mark, in particular, are written with such depth that their love and struggles are palpable.
One of the novel's strongest aspects is how thought-provoking it is. The story goes beyond the reading sessions, prompting readers to contemplate the experiences of queer individuals in the 90s, especially in a cultural context outside of the United States.
The narration by Vikas Adam is commendable, effectively portraying the linguistic differences between Shagun and Mark, giving the impression of multiple narrators.
The world-building in "The Sea Elephants" is exceptional, immersing readers in the story's setting and atmosphere. Akella's writing is poignant, allowing readers to grow up alongside Shagun and understand the complexities of his life.
The ending of the book is satisfying, tying up the narrative threads in a way that leaves readers content.
Overall, "The Sea Elephants" is a remarkable novel that deserves high praise for its compelling plot, well-crafted characters, thought-provoking themes, immersive world-building, and skillful writing. Though some aspects may be triggering for certain readers, the emotional impact of the story is undeniably powerful. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeply moving and enlightening reading experience.
March 8, 2024
High hopes for this one, and I feel so mixed about its rating. So I'm going middle of the park. The narrator was probably just that, sometimes felt a little monotonous, but dealt with the plot very well.
The plot itself is graphic, and made very uncomfortable listening. But I still found it worth a shot.
The plot itself is graphic, and made very uncomfortable listening. But I still found it worth a shot.
July 3, 2023
The Sea Elephants by Shatri Akella follows a young Indian man named Shagun growing up gay in India during the 90s. Akella weaves prominent Hindu myths into the text in a seamless way.
The story itself tackles some heavy topics. Shagun is exploring his sexuality in a country that punishes and commits violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. He is also coming to terms with the tragic deaths of his sisters and learning to cope with the "othering" of his self by his family and close friends. I was worried at some point that the book was just going to be depressing throughout and was pleasantly surprised by the relationships Shagun built and nurtured. He joins a traveling theater troupe, finds platonic and romantic love, and learns to love his body and self.
Shagun is a bit of an unlikeable character. He is flawed and it's his flaws that make him such a vibrant and relatable character.
I will note the story has a few dry spells. It is a story that suits readers who take their time. Imo it's worth pushing through the slower parts.
Audiobook Notes: The audiobook is narrated by Vikas Adam. He does a great job embodying the different characters in the book and adding emotion behind the words. I listened to the book at 1.25x speed.
Content Warnings: Homophobia, Conversion Therapy, Bullying, Sexual Assault, Body Shaming, Sexual Violence
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio ARC of The Sea Elephants.
July 13, 2023
I was so lucky and honored to get an arc of this book in a giveaway. I was intrigued but apprehensive as this book is outside of my usual genres, but I ended up really liking this book and getting really attached to the main character. It is a beautifully written story in flowery language that sucks you in. The Sea Elephants is a captivating story about self-discovery, coming of age, and the power of found family. This book also beautifully celebrates the multicultural heritage of India. The Sea Elephants also offers an insight into the LGBTQIA+ community in India in the 1990s in a digestible way.
July 11, 2023
The Sea Elephants is an achingly alive, haunting novel written in redolent prose. Shastri Akella’s novel is an important addition to the rich but underrepresented tradition of queer literature from India. This book will begin new conversations about love, romance, trauma and desire and leave readers wanting for more.
(I blurbed this book, so I am just posting my comment here)
(I blurbed this book, so I am just posting my comment here)
July 29, 2023
Intimacy, rawness, complex relationships, trauma and hope wrapped up in skilled and evocative prose. This book feels sourced from a place of deep knowing.
August 4, 2025
Today I finished reading "The Sea Elephants," a book that caught my attention in our local library with its captivating cover. I read the premise and as someone who had never read a book about homosexuality before, I was curious to dive into this story.
The narrative drew me in, and I found myself feeling deeply empathetic towards the character Shagun. The author's portrayal of Shagun's journey was both deeply- touching and thought-provoking.
While some parts of the book were challenging to read, I appreciated the author's willingness to tackle difficult experiences. The writing was engaging, and I found myself invested in the story.
Ultimately, I was grateful for the book's uplifting ending, which felt like a triumphant moment after navigating the complexities of the narrative. PHEW. The sense of hope was a welcome conclusion to Shagun's story.
Overall, "The Sea Elephants" was a compelling read that I connected to at an emotional level.
The narrative drew me in, and I found myself feeling deeply empathetic towards the character Shagun. The author's portrayal of Shagun's journey was both deeply- touching and thought-provoking.
While some parts of the book were challenging to read, I appreciated the author's willingness to tackle difficult experiences. The writing was engaging, and I found myself invested in the story.
Ultimately, I was grateful for the book's uplifting ending, which felt like a triumphant moment after navigating the complexities of the narrative. PHEW. The sense of hope was a welcome conclusion to Shagun's story.
Overall, "The Sea Elephants" was a compelling read that I connected to at an emotional level.
October 23, 2024
Being a gay that had his formative years in the 90's, same as the MC, this book maybe hit home more than I expected or wanted. Although I grew up in the American South, it was not illegal for me to be gay or display affection for another man in public. I may get beaten, called names, or killed...but I was not going to jail.
I, too, had an estranged father. After his death I was going through his belongings, I began to learn the man that I had not really known for 40 years. He did love me in his own speacial way. It just wasn't a way I would ever know during his lifetime or been made privy to me while I could have asked him so many question.
Quite honestly I didn't even really know what this book was about when I picked it up and purchased it. But I am most certainly glad I did.
I, too, had an estranged father. After his death I was going through his belongings, I began to learn the man that I had not really known for 40 years. He did love me in his own speacial way. It just wasn't a way I would ever know during his lifetime or been made privy to me while I could have asked him so many question.
Quite honestly I didn't even really know what this book was about when I picked it up and purchased it. But I am most certainly glad I did.
September 20, 2023
This is the story of Shagun. Shagun is a queer man trying to navigate life in 1900s India.
It starts with the death of his twin sisters, Mud and Milk; deaths which he thought were his fault. The image of their panic-stricken faces as their little dinghy is swept in the current makes a permanent impression in his mind. His father comes home six months later. Shagun hates him from the very start. He knows he will never be the man his father wants him to be.
So he flees: first to a boarding school, then to a street theatre group. The Sea Elephant myths come to life. An actor dies, a character is born.
He meets Marc and secretly nurtures the dream of a future with him. He temporarily forgets the deeper pain he is running away from. But happiness eludes him. How can he bask in physical love, he asks himself, when he couldn't save his sisters?
He keeps clippings of the Hanuman Male Fixing Centre in his cupboard, to remember what he is running away from. I read somewhere that if you take away the nostalgia, the 90s were a terrible time, especially if you were queer. The author doesn't shy away from graphic descriptions of brutality, homophobia and abuse. It makes you uncomfortable, but it doesn't make it untrue.
It also showed how commonplace abuse is, and how easily people hush it up. Often it's someone you know. But hush, you must not let anyone know what happened. You mustn't let anyone know you are suffering. And how do you carry that suffering with you every day, when the burden keeps getting heavier?
You must open your heart to the people you love, and you must be brave. Only then do you truly become Shagun, the harbinger of peace and happiness.
It starts with the death of his twin sisters, Mud and Milk; deaths which he thought were his fault. The image of their panic-stricken faces as their little dinghy is swept in the current makes a permanent impression in his mind. His father comes home six months later. Shagun hates him from the very start. He knows he will never be the man his father wants him to be.
So he flees: first to a boarding school, then to a street theatre group. The Sea Elephant myths come to life. An actor dies, a character is born.
He meets Marc and secretly nurtures the dream of a future with him. He temporarily forgets the deeper pain he is running away from. But happiness eludes him. How can he bask in physical love, he asks himself, when he couldn't save his sisters?
He keeps clippings of the Hanuman Male Fixing Centre in his cupboard, to remember what he is running away from. I read somewhere that if you take away the nostalgia, the 90s were a terrible time, especially if you were queer. The author doesn't shy away from graphic descriptions of brutality, homophobia and abuse. It makes you uncomfortable, but it doesn't make it untrue.
It also showed how commonplace abuse is, and how easily people hush it up. Often it's someone you know. But hush, you must not let anyone know what happened. You mustn't let anyone know you are suffering. And how do you carry that suffering with you every day, when the burden keeps getting heavier?
You must open your heart to the people you love, and you must be brave. Only then do you truly become Shagun, the harbinger of peace and happiness.
May 9, 2024
I would have DNF this book on the fourth page if it wasnt for the fact it was a book club book.
Pros:
-Vivid Scene Descriptions
-The theater troupe was interesting-ish
Cons:
-There is a very cis/heteronormative view of queer relationship
-Trauma stories are just dealt with with graphic detail and little to no awareness, care, or complexity
-MC's queer journey are only defined with sexual trauma
-The main romantic storyline is so very toxic
-There are a lot of opportunities for the author to devel into a complex trauma narrative and the effect on relationships and family but instead all those points are missed
-There was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing in regards to emotions
-The ending was far too wrapped up and clean
I could go on. I dread read this book. Not for me.
Pros:
-Vivid Scene Descriptions
-The theater troupe was interesting-ish
Cons:
-There is a very cis/heteronormative view of queer relationship
-Trauma stories are just dealt with with graphic detail and little to no awareness, care, or complexity
-MC's queer journey are only defined with sexual trauma
-The main romantic storyline is so very toxic
-There are a lot of opportunities for the author to devel into a complex trauma narrative and the effect on relationships and family but instead all those points are missed
-There was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing in regards to emotions
-The ending was far too wrapped up and clean
I could go on. I dread read this book. Not for me.
October 25, 2023
"The Sea Elephants" is a captivating literary fiction novel set in 1990s India. Shastri Akella weaves a compelling narrative around Shagun, a young man struggling with his family's expectations and personal guilt. The story explores themes of self-discovery, love, and cultural identity as Shagun embarks on a journey of escape and redemption. His encounters with a traveling theater troupe and a charming photographer, Marc, add depth to the tale. The novel beautifully balances darkness and beauty, making it an immersive and triumphant ode to the power of storytelling and the pursuit of love and happiness. Akella's debut is a soulful celebration of the human spirit.
May 28, 2023
This book was a sweepstakes win and i am very glad i won. At first this book was a little hard to get into, but then all of a sudden it was very relatable. The part I am still dealing with is my goodbye to my father. I don't know if he accepted me for who I am and I held a grudge for this. I am alive I should forgive
July 24, 2023
Audible read, good narration. Excellent book! This is coming of age story set in 1990s India. Shagun, the main character, is my age…the differences between his life in India and ours in the USA are profound. So sad that the LGBTQ community was (and I assume still is) so persecuted in India. Really heartbreaking. The conversion center…so disturbing! I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
“Once upon a time, the gods took away the first ancestor of the sea elephants, coveting him for his exceptional beauty— tusks blue, body ivory.
The trauma of that original separation haunts every sea elephant thereafter and even when they sing, their songs contain five notes or fewer, the full octave missing from their music.”
Warning: graphic sex scenes, abuse, rape. The easily offended and homophones/transphobes won’t like this one…although they (homo/transphobes) are the ones who should be reading this book. It might open their eyes/mind and help them empathize with the LGBTQ community.
“Once upon a time, the gods took away the first ancestor of the sea elephants, coveting him for his exceptional beauty— tusks blue, body ivory.
The trauma of that original separation haunts every sea elephant thereafter and even when they sing, their songs contain five notes or fewer, the full octave missing from their music.”
Warning: graphic sex scenes, abuse, rape. The easily offended and homophones/transphobes won’t like this one…although they (homo/transphobes) are the ones who should be reading this book. It might open their eyes/mind and help them empathize with the LGBTQ community.
May 17, 2024
3.5⭐️: this book was sad, dark and emotional. it ends with a happy-ish ending, but man, is it a looooong road to get there. this wasn’t a book i enjoyed, but it was a compelling story and i learned a lot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 18, 2023Check the content warnings on this book there are quite a few.
Shagun leaves his family to go to an all-boy boarding school and later a theater troupe in the hopes of escaping his crushing family expectations and his own guilt.
In general this book told a good story. Even though the complex topics were handled with mixed success, the ending gave the readers a reward for sticking with it.
It is a very heavy story that can be graphic at times.
Listened to the audiobook version - the tone and pacing were just right for this book.
ARC provided by NetGalley
Shagun leaves his family to go to an all-boy boarding school and later a theater troupe in the hopes of escaping his crushing family expectations and his own guilt.
In general this book told a good story. Even though the complex topics were handled with mixed success, the ending gave the readers a reward for sticking with it.
It is a very heavy story that can be graphic at times.
Listened to the audiobook version - the tone and pacing were just right for this book.
ARC provided by NetGalley
October 3, 2023
Wow, what a book. So poetic and heartbreaking and just really resounding…he fought for his love and won. Also I think this author is Telugu which is just so exciting
September 25, 2023
I enjoyed that book more than I thought I would have at the beginning. This is a book I saw a physical copy of at the library and judged by its cover: it looked cool + had an Indian author. Pretty cool and unique choice and one I wouldn’t hear about in my reading circles. I still stand by the fact that it might be a little difficult to get in to the flow of this book if you have to keep looking up Hindu/Indian cultural references, but since I did not have to (95% of the time) I felt I could understand the plot points better. Very layered.
February 11, 2024
This book was quite the ride. Admittedly, I’m not fond of coming-to-age stories and the beginning of the book as well as most of its parts weren’t too exciting, and to be honest, I found them corny.
I enjoyed learning about the rich Indian culture and the Hindu religion. I felt the book didn’t need to be as long as it was.
I wanted better for Shagun, for his self-image and self-esteem to be much better than it was. I wanted Ma to relieve him of the guilt that wasn’t his to carry in the first place. What happened to his sisters was an accident and he did everything in his power to save them. The part where he mentions to his mother that she’d have preferred that it was him who died instead and her silence confirmed it, wheww my heart was broken at that.
Pita-jee had good intentions but this rarely reflected in his actions, especially towards Shagun. However, you can’t really blame him. He was awful to people because people were awful to him, I don’t think he had the capabilities to end this vicious cycle.
Initially, I enjoyed Shagun’s relationship with Marc, especially how Marc made an effort to love Milk and Mud. As well as creating a safe space for Shagun’s grief. Things went downhill for me with the cheating and the assault incident. I felt like Shagun accepted what happened with Marc & Saaya because he had such low self-esteem and felt like that’s what he deserved. Don’t get me started on the night of the assault, after that those two should have broken up and called it a day.
I enjoyed Mud and Milk being part of Shagun’s life, especially after he performed. Our loved ones who have passed on, are still with us albeit in different form. Those parts substantiated that for me.
I wonder if so many of the decisions Shagun took would have been different if he believed he was deserving of good.
The last couple of chapters felt rushed and choppy. The ending was very cheesy but it really made me emotional and I shed a few tears.
A well-written and somewhat complex book. Akella does a good job of highlighting the plight of queer lives and how much courage it takes to exist in a world that’s designed to loathe your being.
“Is there a world out there where being who we are won’t make our lives difficult?" "Maybe. Or maybe you’ll help change the world we’ve inherited so we leave it a better place for ourselves and those who come after.”
I enjoyed learning about the rich Indian culture and the Hindu religion. I felt the book didn’t need to be as long as it was.
I wanted better for Shagun, for his self-image and self-esteem to be much better than it was. I wanted Ma to relieve him of the guilt that wasn’t his to carry in the first place. What happened to his sisters was an accident and he did everything in his power to save them. The part where he mentions to his mother that she’d have preferred that it was him who died instead and her silence confirmed it, wheww my heart was broken at that.
Pita-jee had good intentions but this rarely reflected in his actions, especially towards Shagun. However, you can’t really blame him. He was awful to people because people were awful to him, I don’t think he had the capabilities to end this vicious cycle.
Initially, I enjoyed Shagun’s relationship with Marc, especially how Marc made an effort to love Milk and Mud. As well as creating a safe space for Shagun’s grief. Things went downhill for me with the cheating and the assault incident. I felt like Shagun accepted what happened with Marc & Saaya because he had such low self-esteem and felt like that’s what he deserved. Don’t get me started on the night of the assault, after that those two should have broken up and called it a day.
I enjoyed Mud and Milk being part of Shagun’s life, especially after he performed. Our loved ones who have passed on, are still with us albeit in different form. Those parts substantiated that for me.
I wonder if so many of the decisions Shagun took would have been different if he believed he was deserving of good.
The last couple of chapters felt rushed and choppy. The ending was very cheesy but it really made me emotional and I shed a few tears.
A well-written and somewhat complex book. Akella does a good job of highlighting the plight of queer lives and how much courage it takes to exist in a world that’s designed to loathe your being.
“Is there a world out there where being who we are won’t make our lives difficult?" "Maybe. Or maybe you’ll help change the world we’ve inherited so we leave it a better place for ourselves and those who come after.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
Probably my favourite book of 2023 so far. This book broke my heart, trampled over all the pieces, and put it back together. I saw parts of myself in Shagun and shared in his joys and pains throughout this book. I can’t say enough to praise the writing and the story.
July 17, 2023
3.5 stars.
This ended up being such a unique reading experience and I'm really glad I picked it up. I don't think I've ever read a story from a queer Indian perspective and it was both fascinating and incredibly sad. There was so much trauma and assault that it made it very difficult to carry on at times. The main character, Shagun, reminded me of a slightly less tragic version of Jude from A Little Life. No spoilers, but I also felt very conflicted with the idea of forgiving a loved one who has assaulted you.
I split my reading between a physical copy and the audiobook. The audiobook narrator, Vikas Adam, did a fantastic job and really helped immerse me in the story! He was a great actor and very skilled at the various accents he employed throughout the novel.
Thank you to Netgalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy!
This ended up being such a unique reading experience and I'm really glad I picked it up. I don't think I've ever read a story from a queer Indian perspective and it was both fascinating and incredibly sad. There was so much trauma and assault that it made it very difficult to carry on at times. The main character, Shagun, reminded me of a slightly less tragic version of Jude from A Little Life. No spoilers, but I also felt very conflicted with the idea of forgiving a loved one who has assaulted you.
I split my reading between a physical copy and the audiobook. The audiobook narrator, Vikas Adam, did a fantastic job and really helped immerse me in the story! He was a great actor and very skilled at the various accents he employed throughout the novel.
Thank you to Netgalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy!
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