Bhattarai's novel represents the forward looking dimension of the Nepali people's aspirations through a technique of shadowy reference. As an academic with country origin and one who has kept up hope for the good future of the country like Sukarat of this novel injecting hope into the minds of students caught in the cleft-stick of the times, I feel a great empathy with the protagonist. And that shadow reference represents the fabulation process of the novel. Naipaul's A Bend in the River represents the major changes till the circle takes a turn which is subtle but it is there. But Govinda Raj Bhattarai's novel seeks to give ethical and progressive dimension to the mess. And we all do that.
Abhi Subedi
The Kathmandu Post
October 31,2007
