| “... 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. |
