The Man Who Lost India by Meghna Pant is a dystopian war novel dissecting motivations of men and nations
Meghna Pant’s new book, The Man Who Lost India is set in the near future, in 2032, showcasing a time when India and China are at war and India is annexed nearly completely by China. A small place remains uncaptured, saved by a divine miracle and Lalbag is like a Gallic village, holding out against the conquerors, completely surrounded, yet standing.
Seth, the richest man in Lalbag has an idyllic life with his family when China attacks India. As life changes for them all, he tries to save his family and secure a safer future for his beloved daughter by marrying her into an influential family. Ida, whose name is reminiscent of India, navigates love, betrayal and divine awakening, leading the climax scene at Mount Akaho, the abode of Shiva, the town’s protector.
The Man Who Lost India is a war novel, painting a fearful world of China’s dominion and atrocities, a cultural amalgamation that seeks to stamp out diversity and focuses on obedience and adherence to new rules. It is also a novel of delicate beauty, of men, their dreams, their fears and hopes.
The relationships of the protagonists and their names point to the cultural ethos of India. Desh and Videsh, their sons Ram and Seth, one a trusted and loyal servant, the other master, and reassured and even demanding loyalty. Ida, the rich heiress, in love with Manu, the domestic servant, also personify class differences and privilege. Money is important, as is political influence and every India’s fascination with religion and unswerving faith shows in the central motifs. Urmila, the one who possesses mystical powers, Kulhari, the shady middleman, Harsh, ruthless, born into money and influence, mirror the social realities of our times.
The Man Who Lost India is a powerful novel, putting family and love centerstage in a war-torn nation.
Read what our reviewers say about the book.
