‘Adrsta’, the Unseen, the economist has flown the coop on the eve of being appointed Governor of the Central Bank, having pulled off the biggest heist in India’s economic history.
Praise for the book:
“…has too much economics and monetary policy in it” - an agent.
“I have learned a lot from it I didn’t know.” - A national business editor with impressive degrees in Economics.
”Liked it but didn’t love it” - a publisher.
‘…….” (silence) - several publishers.
“No notes, but look for a one-word title” - a publisher/editor (suggestion taken on board)
“burn the manuscript lest the powers that be come after you” - a friend.
“Make the first chapter shorter.” - an editor. [I considered this, but rejected as I like the build up of Japanese crime fiction like ‘Lady Joker’ and ‘Six Four’. If anything, I think this could have been much longer, at least 5x more... Maybe when they make the movie, I will rewrite it that way.]
“I recognise people in it!” - Some delusional well-wisher who was instantly divested of these projections.
“This story needs to be told.” - a senior investigative journalist.
“I will bail you out pro bono.” - a Supreme Court lawyer.
“It could do with a tighter edit, but apart from that, I will not be apologising for this book.” - Me.
Disclaimer: Lest you presume to recognise anyone in this novel, it’s fiction, entertainment, a point of view, and makes no claims to historical, political, economic, or social accuracy.
After a lifetime’s fidelity to statistics and data, Adrsta, the Unseen finds himself a failed academic—bitter, resentful, convinced he’s owed a recompense that never came. Hence, he feels justified in grasping for what he is owed. And he is not sorry. Think of him as an Antonio Salieri to the Mozarts of his age.
The narrative locates the economist at the cusp of capital, government, and media, each whirling in their own agenda. From that vantage point, even he sees that it’s the little people who get crushed under the wheels of this machinery.
Set against India’s 2016 demonetization gambit, Tender follows the economist with one eye on the money, his clueless lover in the media, and a government that is exploitative to a fault. It is set among a season of cryptocurrencies, a society divisive and volatile, the cash economies of Argentina, Sweden and China, a tanking Rupee, and unique characters like Becharbhai Bajaniya, the nomad, and Leela, the coder from Leh, caught in the crosscurrents, that make up the warp and weft of this epic saga.
Has Adrsta questioned the data-driven society insufficiently? Has she, the anomaly who breaks the mean, come too late? Has he already sold out? As he acts for himself now, will he throw love, loyalty, country and everything he has stood for on the line?
Tender is a tale of nation and notebandi. Of statistics, self-serving interests, and uncertain moral ground.
In a data-driven world, what is the true value of an individual?
If these stories speak to you, please follow, share, and grab a copy, read, review, and tell others about the stories that move you. Independent books rely on your support to survive. I appreciate any leaning in to spreading these tales around.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.