After completing the reading of ‘Adventure Within Own Mind’ by Aashirya Deshar, I would like to tell you that it was quite a mature piece, which incorporates various authentic folktales and beliefs of Nepal into an autobiographical narrative. What impressed me mostly about the book is the fact that the author not only tells some stories but uses such authentic places as Tika Bhairav in Lele in order to create her own world and it is evident that she has been brought up in such an environment.
This anthology has a great variety of moods. It starts from dark, mysterious legends and ends up with cute and clever fables. One of the most impressive stories for me was the one about Ranipokhari, especially the part when the queen heard cries of a ghost baby during the night.
The haunting quality of these tales is beautifully offset by the gentler nature of some other tales, such as the tale of the spiny babblers getting protection from the Bajra Barahi forest or the bird couple fooling the predator using a decoy nest. These softer tales bring out a completely different side to the writing style of the author which is smart yet endearing.
Moreover, I appreciated the fact that the book not only entertains but also educates the reader. The author gives informative details about the various cultural traditions of Newar people, including the meaning of words like ‘Falcha’ (traditional rest house) and ‘Samya Baji’ (ceremonial meal having 13-14 varieties of foods). This aspect makes the setting very rich in culture. Also, the moral values at the end of every story come naturally to the narrative. Quotes like “Mistakes can even be committed by the gods” and “Finding a secure haven where one is valued is a good survival tactic” really made an impression on me.
Since the author herself has drawn all the pages, it is safe to say that this is a completed and unique work of art, not just an assignment. The drawings, especially the Lakhe mask and ghost woman were highly detailed and expressive.
Although there were some moments where the pace seemed a little bit rushed at the end of some chapters and some sentences might be shortened, they do not seem to make much of a difference compared to how much soul and creativity are put into these nine chapters.
In all, ‘Adventure Within Own Mind’ is a reflective piece for me. This work promotes the importance of having your roots but staying open to all the wonders of your imagination. Since this book talks about the importance of intelligence, teamwork, and nature, this piece respects the past and looks forward to a better future.
