The Solitude of Emperors by David Davidar [Paperback]

The Solitude of Emperors follows Vijay, a young man feeling stifled in his small-town life, as he seeks to escape to the vibrant chaos of Bombay in the early 1990s. His opportunity arises when he writes an article on the rise of sectarian politics, leading to a job at a magazine called The Indian Secularist, founded by the insightful Rustom Sorabjee. As Vijay navigates the complexities of religion and politics in India, he becomes embroiled in violent riots that reflect the country’s growing fundamentalism. Seeking refuge in a tranquil tea town in the Nilgiri mountains, he meets Noah, a reclusive figure who challenges societal norms. However, as tensions rise over a local shrine embroiled in political conflict, Vijay's attempts to intervene lead to unforeseen consequences. The novel is a keen exploration of modern India, fundamentalist beliefs, and the courage to take a stand, featuring a cast of quirky characters that enrich the narrative. Written by bestselling author David Davidar, it was shortlisted for a regional Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.