The book kept on beckoning me from bookstore shelves. It took me a while to fall for its charms.
The cover and the name seem to have a life of its own. The image of the monk traveler some how had the poignancy of thought captured. The title, even though misleading is a masterpiece of creativity, joining the austere to the frivolous, (if you can call a Ferrari Frivolous). Why did I say misleading, a minor point but, the Ferrari was sold on the way to becoming a monk. The cover design generates your curiosity and wants you to pick up the book from the shelves,
I just could not wait to reach home to open the book and dive into its depth and it (the book) to make good all promises given from the shelf.
The start was not too exciting and I hoped as the pages turned the book will keeps its promise. BUT unfortunate to say, the promise stayed a promise.
The book is a rehash of concepts of Indian philosophies and age-old wisdoms. It is what I could term as pop philosophy or instant two minutes book on life.
Clichés abound in the book, Small Indian Villages, cheerful Villagers, did he mention neat and tidy too. The ancient sages, combined with never growing old are reminiscent of Shangri-La in Lost Horizon. The sages Of Sivana is a caricature of what the typical westerner perceives Indian sages to be, mixed with the medieval image of a friar. Cloak, hood Honey suckle cottages. Flowerbeds, pink saris… the list goes on
Maybe I was expecting too much, from the name and the cover. In any case I am quite sure it is not for the Indian reader. By an Indian reader I mean a person not born India, but who understands India partly, if not fully.
My view is read it as a paperback or maybe you can wait for the film and watch it.