Author: Amruta Krishnan Srinivasan | Genre: Animal Fiction | Pages: 91
Technology has made writing books and publishing them so much easier. It’s also incredible how latest books by new promising authors are much more accessible now. Remembering the times when an insatiable reader had to ask favors from street-side book stalls just so she wouldn’t have to wait years before she can get her hands on a new release. Sometimes, pay an incredible sum; almost a bribe, to be able to table a deal. But times have changed!
Recent times have seen the rising of many promising authors; especially child authors. One such author I had the privilege to meet was Amruta Srinivasan. Her latest launch ‘Dissidents of Perfection’ might not strike a chord at first, but once you sink your teeth into it, there’s no looking back. This book is fantasy, animal fiction, environmentalism blended into one and how!
In ‘Dissidents of Perfection’, author has showcased exceptional imaginative skills; not to forget her command over the language. In this debut book, readers are led to a fantasy world called Animal Realm, where magic and nature co-exist in harmony. Joey Fox and his friends reside in this sanctuary where animals coexist without the need to hunt for survival—a rare haven of peace and joy.
Joey Fox and others are content in their paradise, basking in the serenity their world provides. The story derails when an unexpected visitor Amber – a human, stumbles into the Animal Realm, throwing everything into chaos. The Bindarian Thistle, vital for the realm’s well-being, stops growing, posing a threat to everyone as it is fundamental to everyone’s survival. And everything thus, is about to change and not for good.
The Elders of the Animal Realm have been living in blissful ignorance regarding their citizen’s sentiments towards it. And Fiona Flamingo’s escape to earth proves it. Fiona breaks the rules of the Animal Realm by escaping back to Earth. Fiona’s escape triggered a chain of events in the Animal Realm, including the involuntary disappearance of Joey Fox.
As the realm struggles with the unexpected consequences, the book propels readers through a thrilling journey, filled with mystery and intrigue. Fiona’s character and her beliefs adds an extra layer of depth to the plot making the novella an immersive experience from start to end. Anber is quite a promising character too. Amidst the chaos, Amber acts as an intermediator between two worlds. She must team up with the realm’s animals and confront Fiona’s ideas about ‘perfection’ to restore harmony in their peaceful world.
Srinivasan’s storytelling, her imaginative skills, and analytical thinking are incredibly remarkable for someone her age. She weaves together animals, nature, seasons, humans, beautifully, to bring forth a story emphasizing on the significance of camraderie between the species of the world. It nudges the reader psychologically to understand and not unhinge the natural order of things that could lead to dire consequences.
The giveaway of this book is utterly relevant and crucial today when nature is at the receiving end of outcomes arising from human desires and deeds. It’s high time that necessary actions were taken and that’s something that the people of the world need to grasp within the blink of an eye.
In many ways, the book seems inspired from Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ again a very thought-provoking read. Actionable, introspective, and inspiring in nature, ‘Dissidents of Perfection’ is a must-read for all, for it could turn the reader into a new leaf and thus, save our precious world. Recommended to all ages.
P.S.: I received a review copy from the author, but the review remains unbiased.
Have you read ‘Dissidents of Perfection’? What did you think?
