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  • The Conquest of Kailash

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Inderjeet Mani
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The Conquest of Kailash Paperback – May 29, 2024

by Inderjeet Mani (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars (7)
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From the award-winning author of Toxic Spirits comes a new and heartbreaking

novel about cruelty and marginalization, and the struggle to find meaning in a world

of mounting prejudice and false belief.

Gay but still closeted and missing his wife Helen - who has fled their home to

become a Buddhist nun - Ali Akbar returns in old age from California to India.

At the Deer Park where the Buddha gave his first sermon, he comes across a flyer

that promises to teach him how to find love again. After being assaulted outside the

park at a parade led by a religious fundamentalist, Ali attempts to make good on the

promise of the flyer, traveling from Benares up towards the icy heights of Mount

Kailash. Along the way, Ali is forced to come to terms with the relentless sexual

abuse he suffered in childhood in India, as well as his personal failures, including his

expulsion from Cambridge University, his failed career hopes, and most of all, his

relationships with Helen and their daughter Homa. Navigating between competing

fundamentalisms that mark a time of social collapse, Ali tries, in the time that he

has left, to seize that last chance to find love again -- even if it takes a very different

form from what he expected.

Steeped in the philosophies of classical Greece and India, and layered with colorful

travelogues in India, England, and the US, The Conquest of Kailash is written in Mani's

characteristically atmospheric and humane style that has attracted readers worldwide.


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Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    244 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Ukiyoto Publishing
  4. Publication date
    May 29, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.55 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    936269087X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-9362690876
Next slide of product details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ukiyoto Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 29, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 936269087X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9362690876
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.55 x 9 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #8,650,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars (7)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Inderjeet Mani

Inderjeet Mani

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Dr. Inderjeet Mani (X/Twitter: @InderjeetMani) is a former US professor and scientist. He has published two novels, nearly fifty shorter literary pieces, six other books, and a hundred-odd scientific papers. His thriller Toxic Spirits (now in its second edition) is based on his experiences volunteering with hill-tribes in Thailand's Golden Triangle. His new novel The Conquest of Kailash is a story about cruelty and marginalization, and the struggle to find meaning in a world of mounting prejudice and false belief. Born in India and educated across four continents, he also studied creative writing at Penn (with Carlos Fuentes), at Bread Loaf (with Patricia Hampl), and at Harvard (with Paul Harding). His writing has been featured on LitHub and has been one of Story South’s Million Writers Award Notable Stories, and has won the Reader’s Choice Award, Glimmer Train Short Fiction Award, The Common Room Story of the Month award, and he has also been a Finalist for the Pan Literary Award and for the Katherine Anne Porter Prize.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
7 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mary Rathgeb
    5.0 out of 5 stars You don't want to miss this book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am a fan of Mr. Mani’s fiction, so I was excited to see that another one of his books has just been published.

    The Conquest of Kailash is a story about a gay man’s struggles throughout his life, in India, England and the U.S. Ali Akbar goes back to India in his old age to try to reconnect with his wife, Helen, who has become a Buddhist nun. Once there, he tries to find love one last time.

    This is a sad story but written with such compassion that it’s hard to put down once you start. I strongly recommend it.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Maureen E. O'Brien
    4.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary tale
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The fascinating account of an extraordinary life was unputdownable.

    Ali's journey is courageous, intriguing and ultimately heart wrenching.

    We are constantly held in anticipation as his journey beautifully and tragically unfolds.

    I have read Inderjeet Mani's books before and highly recommend this one.

    A man's quest for inner meaning is one which resonates with all of us. A must read!
    '
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Vidhya thakkar
    5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece
    Reviewed in India on July 22, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Heartbreaking and mesmerizing, deep, rich and vibrant, that's how I would define this book. A book with layers of emotions and with each layer we witness Ali’s journey of finding Love. ‘The Conquest of Kailash’ by Dr Inderjeet Mani is the Journey of Ali Akbar, A Gay who is married to Helen and has a daughter Homa lives in California and Travels to India in his old age. As he comes back to India, he experiences a different journey altogether. A journey of living and coming to terms with his failures.

    Here we see Ali’s journey his struggles to be accepted, the abuse he suffered, his expulsion from Cambridge University, his failed career, and his quest to find true love. Inderjeet weaves an amazing journey with the vibrant backdrop of Greece and India. With an intriguing storyline and a fascinating book, Ali’s struggles will give you goosebumps. With a crisp, descriptive narrative and engrossing writing style, The way Inderneet describes the emotional ride, especially his relationship with Helen and Homa is outstanding.

    It is a bit slow-paced and a heavy read with too many events happening, each of them knitting the story of finding our true love. The characters are strong and well-developed by the author, each of them making the story more intense and beautiful. I adored Ali’s character but one more character that stayed with me is Helen’s character. Her strong, determined personality has my heart. Loved the way Inderjeet portrayed the relationships. The family bond, the bond between father and daughter, their letter exchange, everything will make you emotional.

    The climax of the story is exciting and unexpected. The way the path Ali takes and the way it takes him to is mind-blowing. Full of drama and unexpected twists, the climax is brilliantly crafted. It’s a deep, beautiful and emotional read that addresses important issues. Inderjeet has truly weaved a masterpiece. A book one must read.
    Customer image
    Vidhya thakkar
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A masterpiece

    Reviewed in India on July 22, 2024
    Heartbreaking and mesmerizing, deep, rich and vibrant, that's how I would define this book. A book with layers of emotions and with each layer we witness Ali’s journey of finding Love. ‘The Conquest of Kailash’ by Dr Inderjeet Mani is the Journey of Ali Akbar, A Gay who is married to Helen and has a daughter Homa lives in California and Travels to India in his old age. As he comes back to India, he experiences a different journey altogether. A journey of living and coming to terms with his failures.

    Here we see Ali’s journey his struggles to be accepted, the abuse he suffered, his expulsion from Cambridge University, his failed career, and his quest to find true love. Inderjeet weaves an amazing journey with the vibrant backdrop of Greece and India. With an intriguing storyline and a fascinating book, Ali’s struggles will give you goosebumps. With a crisp, descriptive narrative and engrossing writing style, The way Inderneet describes the emotional ride, especially his relationship with Helen and Homa is outstanding.

    It is a bit slow-paced and a heavy read with too many events happening, each of them knitting the story of finding our true love. The characters are strong and well-developed by the author, each of them making the story more intense and beautiful. I adored Ali’s character but one more character that stayed with me is Helen’s character. Her strong, determined personality has my heart. Loved the way Inderjeet portrayed the relationships. The family bond, the bond between father and daughter, their letter exchange, everything will make you emotional.

    The climax of the story is exciting and unexpected. The way the path Ali takes and the way it takes him to is mind-blowing. Full of drama and unexpected twists, the climax is brilliantly crafted. It’s a deep, beautiful and emotional read that addresses important issues. Inderjeet has truly weaved a masterpiece. A book one must read.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Report
  • Bookarlo
    4.0 out of 5 stars A bittersweet tale about acceptance and giving yourself a second chance at finding happiness
    Reviewed in India on July 22, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I read this book over the last couple of days and I just needed a moment to collect my thoughts on this. This was such a bittersweet book but it was oh so good!

    The Conquest of Kailash was my first book from this author and I absolutely loved the writing. It reads almost like a literary fiction, is poetic, and extremely atmospheric. It's a very emotionally raw and honest tale of Ali Akbar who is challenged with social marginalization, cruelty and people's prejudices towards him.

    As he trudges across the distance between Benares and Mount Kailash in a final attempt towards love and happiness, this quest proves to be a metamorphic journey. The author has narrated Ali conflicting thoughts with such raw honesty that it made my heart ache.

    The Conquest of Kailash was truly a poignant book to read.
    Customer image
    Bookarlo
    4.0 out of 5 stars
    A bittersweet tale about acceptance and giving yourself a second chance at finding happiness

    Reviewed in India on July 22, 2024
    I read this book over the last couple of days and I just needed a moment to collect my thoughts on this. This was such a bittersweet book but it was oh so good!

    The Conquest of Kailash was my first book from this author and I absolutely loved the writing. It reads almost like a literary fiction, is poetic, and extremely atmospheric. It's a very emotionally raw and honest tale of Ali Akbar who is challenged with social marginalization, cruelty and people's prejudices towards him.

    As he trudges across the distance between Benares and Mount Kailash in a final attempt towards love and happiness, this quest proves to be a metamorphic journey. The author has narrated Ali conflicting thoughts with such raw honesty that it made my heart ache.

    The Conquest of Kailash was truly a poignant book to read.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Report
  • Khyati Gautam
    5.0 out of 5 stars An intense yet profound read
    Reviewed in India on August 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    “The Conquest of Kailash” by Inderjeet Mani is a profound exploration of identity, trauma, and redemption. It weaves themes of sexuality, cultural heritage, personal failure, and the quest for meaning against a backdrop of historical and philosophical contexts.

    The story follows Ali Akbar’s journey as he seeks to find love. It chronicles Ali’s complex life: a gay man married to Helen, with whom he has a daughter named Homa, living in California. In his old age, Ali returns to India, embarking on a profoundly different journey—one of acceptance and coming to terms with his failures.

    Ali’s story is marked by struggles for acceptance, the trauma of past abuse, expulsion from Cambridge University, a faltered career, and an enduring quest for true love. Mani skillfully weaves Ali’s vibrant journey against the colourful backdrops of Greece and India. The intriguing storyline and fascinating narrative bring Ali’s struggles to life, delivering goosebumps to the reader.

    Mani vividly portrays Ali’s emotional journey with a crisp, descriptive narrative and engrossing writing style. I liked how the narrative beautifully intertwines Ali’s journey with broader themes of societal collapse and religious fundamentalism, creating a rich tapestry of philosophical inquiry and human frailty.

    The climax of the story took me by surprise! The path Ali takes and its ultimate destination is mind-blowing, filled with drama and surprising twists. This brilliantly crafted climax enhances the book’s depth and beauty. While the sequence of events could sometimes feel heavy, the character development and the buildup of the plot keep one hooked!

    Mani has truly crafted an engaging piece of literature, making it a must-read for those seeking a profound and emotional literary experience.
    Report
  • Kevin Mallik
    5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece...
    Reviewed in India on September 4, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The Conquest of Kailash is quite a captivating story of Ali Akbar from Benares. Right since the beginning of the novel Ali is confused about ideologies, dogmatism, and beliefs that one should adopt to live in this world. The author exhibits his prowess of narrative and knowledge of cultures laced with historical ideologies seeded in Greece, Wild Western culture, Indian subcontinent…and a few more.
    As you read the intriguing story of Ali, you will be confounded by his calling. Ali was naïve, with a malleable heart. However, soon under the influence of Hans, he was exploited sexually, thus turns closeted gay for lifetime. Hans’ recommendation of eromenos…the philosophy of lover, teacher, and mentor (all in one) attracted him. Hans and Ali develop intimacy.
    Much part of the storyline chugs ahead with Ali cogitating about his past life’s mistakes and gay relationship with Hans. The influence of Hans not only haunted him all his life but he also got into moral dilemma of dogmatism. May be due to that he remained like a settled homeless! Away from his family, and parents…he struggled to confess before his daughter Homa.
    Mani balances the pace of the story and nibs of subplots by shuttling sweeps and back stories with an exquisite élan. A close look into Ali’s life highlights the void created by accepting false beliefs and philosophies. Emotional turmoil is persistent in the story.
    His passion to find his wife Helen…the urge to win back love was something extra about him. A man travels extensively either only to find his true calling or love…and the lanky Ali Akbar did both. The plotline of the story traverses across various continents and countries, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural values and shocks.
    The author exhibits intensely good plot control weaving back and forth between each of the subplots. Overall it’s a magnificent story-telling roping history, travelogue, fiction, literature, and philosophy in one.
    Report
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