| “... one of the most interesting and well-written
books I’ve read in sometime. – Sort of like The DaVinci Code and just
as disturbing. A ‘must read’ for anyone...”
— Kaye Trout, KAYE TROUT'S BOOK REVIEWS
About the Book
Charvaka, sweet talker, ladies’ man, godless libertine, was the
First Atheist. Many have been disgusted at the mention of his name
because he liked to eat, drink, and fornicate. He was also known for
questioning the authority of the Brahmin priests. Little is known of
him and mystery shrouds his existence. No writings of his exist.
Charvaka was The First Atheist – a man who preached the doctrine of
eat, drink, and be merry in response to suppression and controls
imposed by those in charge. He recognizes religion, but sees that it
is no more than an instrument in the hands of the powers that be,
used to forward their own agenda. The protagonist, Jan, discovers Charvaka and India through a chain of events set off by a love
affair with the sensual Parvati during his student days. When
Parvati is murdered in a religious rite honoring Shiva, Jan is
confronted with age-old tensions between human sexuality and
religion, skeptical thought, and a religious fervor that stops at
nothing. Jan’s experience offers a personal insight into life in
India. No references are given; it appears as if the tale is no more
than a great feat of his imagination. Fact or fiction? Story or
documentary? Truth has many faces, reality many layers. |
