A work of literary writing becomes interesting and attractive when its appeal and reader base increases two-folds. This characteristic feature is not found in every second literary work; rather, only a few pieces are able to expand their readership in the manner in which “H” by Ashwini U Nambiar does. Many readers may know the author for her children’s books, and she may popular among children. But “The Viceroy Villa” Published by Evincepub Publishing, one of top book publishers in India, takes a leap and ventures to appeal into the world of grown-ups while keeping up with the children’s audience at the same time.
The cover of “The Viceroy Villa” gives multiple vibes in one glance. For once, it appears to have a gothic setting in some place in Europe. It also gives the feeling of the medieval era of kings and queens when Villa culture was more prevalent than the contemporary flat system. Alongside, some readers may also reminisce Oscar Wilde’s “The Canterville Ghost” for its unusual setting. Summing up, it all appears to be an exciting and thrilling experience in terms of reading, and the readers feel interested instantly. In the brief introduction that the author gives to the book, the readers are introduced to the plot although, the details are not leaked out anywhere.
Nambiar in “The Viceroy Villa” builds on a plot that is more or less linear, but as it develops, it unveils interesting twists which are not expected by the readers. It unfolds through the eyes of a third person, and sometimes it shifts to the first-person when the characters take the centre stage. At the same time, the readers also see the lively and loving atmosphere of a family that the author creates. While once the readers see the girls in their encounters at school, at the same time, the narrative develops in a parallel world where there is an embedded narrative. This excites the readers, and they also worry for the fate of the characters of Nambiar’s book in the context of the characters of Avantika’s (their mother) book. While this is unravelled, the narrative takes a twist in the latter section just when the readers think they had it all sorted. The book thus becomes unpredictable too which is again, another attractive element for a children’s book or even for a book meant for grown-ups.
Being a children’s author, she majorly focuses on and explores the lives of the children in her book. They are young and teenagers who have their problems and see the world through their unique perspectives. Hence, the book becomes a significant work from the viewpoint of the psychological study of children’s minds. Sneha and Shruti are built well in accordance with their age group and seem realistic when they present their views and perceptions. Their lives at school find a considerable space in the text which is where the book would be relatable for the teenagers and younger readers who read it. Simultaneously, the characters of their parents also give valuable lessons in terms of parenting and how children should be brought up.
In the midst of this, the author introduces all elements which appear supernatural, mysterious, and thrilling simultaneously. Alongside, she also helps the reader in developing a scientific temperament by making them inquisitive and questioning things the way they are or the way they have been presumed to be. While introducing such elements, Nambiar also develops significant themes which do not escape the eyes of the readers. The major theme that dominates “The Viceroy Villa” is showing the world of children and showing the world through the eyes of children, alongside, the other themes include parenting, belief, friendship, the modern age society and its effects on children, the tech-savvy virtual world and its impact in the lives of people, children being vulnerable to drugs, and many more thoughts that embody the book.
The pace of the book is well driven. In the book of less than 200 pages, the author manages to create a world that has the touch of the present and the past where myths and folklore also find an equal mention. In her story spread in 35 chapters, she gives no time to the readers to lose interest or even leave the book for once. While, for once, the book may appear to be a document of history when it talks about the viceroys and the British era, it also matches the genre of fantasy writing simultaneously on the mention of hidden places in dungeons, the myths associated with it, and how a modern-day person goes on to explore them. Hence, the reader base is expanded, and it reaches out to more readers. In light of this, recommending “The Viceroy Villa” by Ashwini U Nambiar to young and grown-up readers and even mature readers would not be wrong.
