A Modern Take on Classical Indian Story Telling: Novel Weaves a Mythological Tale

Follow the Cowherd Boy

When one thinks of literature, many great authors come to mind: Steinbeck, Dostoevsky, Rand, Proust, Hemingway, and so on. All of these authors have one thing in common, the ability to weave an engrossing, detailed, and rich story. Beyond these “modern masters” certain countries over time have also been known for their great literature and mythological sagas. Perhaps the best known country for having both of these is India, with its historically ancient mythological sagas – the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata – as well as its own classic authors – such as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee or Rabindranath Tagore. Well, for contemporary readers one of the biggest struggles has remained in finding authors who reflect the best of both of these legacies, but with contemporary style. I’m happy to say that one emerging author who seems to combine not only the story telling ability of the Indian cannon, but also the intricacies and character development of the countries masters is J.A. Joshi. In her most recent novel, Follow the Cowherd Boy,the reader discovers a modern tale that is set in the heart and spirit of classical 16th century India.

Follow the Cowherd Boyis the story about Mira, a young princess in the Rajput Kingdom of Merta. True to the authors Indian heritage, the story is much more then just another tale about a princess falling in love. Rather, Follow the Cowherd Boyis a modern take on the troubles an Indian woman faced when she was true to her beliefs, yet forced to follow ancient social norms.

In the story, Mira is a deeply spiritual person who is in love with only one person – Lord Krishna. However, because she is the daughter of king Ratan, she must marry the prince Bhoj against her will in order to unite the land. Bhoj, who has respect for Mira and her devout spirituality, attempts to cultivate a relationship with his arranged wife in order to bring the land together for the greater benefit of the people. Unbeknownst to both Mira and Bhoj, Vikram the manipulative and jealous brother of Bhoj, has his own plans. He wants to disrupt the marriage and take both Mira and the throne for himself. Thrown into this engrossing tale of power, deceit, and love is the spiritual ascetic Ravi. Wandering through India one day Ravi hears the beautiful voice of Mira. Mira, whose love for Lord Krishna is constant, becomes the student of Ravi in hopes of continuing her spiritual path.

As with other great Indian authors, J.A. Joshi brings to the modern-day a story that weaves together mythology and spirituality, along with contemporary issues of women rights and modern society. If you are on the lookout for a novel that will give you the depth and introspective nature of India’s classical mythology, then Follow the Cowherd Boywill not let you down. I was surprised and enjoyed the intricacies Joshi developed between the characters and her ability to bring an ancient tradition to life in a modern sense. Although the book is set in the distant past, the story itself could be taking place in contemporary India – or any other country for that matter.

If you are looking for a read that will give you not only many days and nights of pleasure, but also a glimpse into another time and place in history, then Follow the Cowherd Boyfits the bill. And just like in any other great saga, this one has a few twists along the way that will keep you reading.

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