Review of the Novel – Nude besides the lake

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A novel with Nainital as its backdrop – Nude besides the lake – was released earlier this year. This is what H.S. Gill a 1971 Mechanical Engineering graduate of IIT Delhi had to say about it in a recent communication to the author,

Ashok,

I have read your book from cover to cover, and some parts twice. The storyline flows well, it is pleasant to read, and I enjoyed the experience. I spent my childhood summers in Naini Tal or Simla, and have very fond memories of those times. Neel Tal, where the story takes place, took me back there and the descriptions were reminiscent of Naini Tal before it experienced its own version of urban sprawl.

The backdrop is wonderfully idyllic. All the characters are nice people, out to help each other, and the community as a whole. (The only exception is one Mr. Harbinder Gill, who abandoned his pregnant wife in India, emigrated to Canada and started a new family!) I don't want to reveal too many details lest they spoil the fun of others who have not yet read the book. Your depiction of nice people may be how you view the world - or how you would like it to be. If one comes across people who are not nice, the best option is to just not let them be a part of your life.

The story has a strong spiritual side, which, for reasons you well know, I could not relate to ------.

There are a couple of weird ties in the book, which I found mildly amusing. Queen Victoria brief appearance, and Pimp's fig leaf would fall in this category. Again, I will not go into any details. Also very apparent is the author's familiarity with engineering principles as he describes the various technical challenges faced by an expanding township. It was fun to see many of our friends' namesakes peppered throughout the book, which makes it a must-read for Mech 71-ers.

Final word - I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Its faith in the power of good citizenship is particularly uplifting. There is hope for humanity.

I eagerly await your next book.

H.S. Gill

The Novel - Nude besides the lake - is available at Amazon.com (link) and other leading online retailers

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