Delhi-based author Keshava Guha’s literary journey has taken an intriguing turn with his latest novel, The Tiger’s Share (Hachette India). A departure from his previous work, Accidental Magic (2019), which explored the world of Harry Potter fans from diverse backgrounds, Guha’s second novel delves into the intricate lives of two families in Delhi. The book touches on themes of inheritance disputes, the social divide, and the environmental degradation affecting the capital city.
In an exclusive interview, Guha, who was raised in Bengaluru and studied history and politics at Harvard, reflects on his motivations for writing the novel, the influences behind it, and his thoughts on fiction as a form of expression.
On the Inspiration Behind The Tiger’s Share
Guha explains that the novel’s genesis came from the concept of an individual taking drastic action in response to the environmental devastation caused by human activity. He says, “I just had this idea of an individual taking a drastic step because he was so appalled by what humans had done to the environment.” From there, the story developed organically, with Guha embracing a more instinctive, less structured approach to writing. “It is a bit of a mystery where ideas come from for fiction,” he admits.
The Victorian Influence: A Modern Retelling
A defining characteristic of The Tiger’s Share is its Victorian-inspired narrative structure. Guha acknowledges the influence of Victorian novels, particularly Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South (1855), which examines the impact of industrial pollution. “In Victorian England, the novel was at the heart of middle-class culture and played a key role in helping people understand social change,” says Guha. He draws parallels between the industrialization in Gaskell’s work and the contemporary issues facing Delhi, particularly environmental degradation and the social tensions surrounding inheritance.
Guha also highlights the Victorian novel’s capacity to accommodate heroines facing limited choices, a theme he incorporates into his own narrative. However, while drawing on this tradition, Guha’s novel is set in a modern context, offering a fresh take on an old literary form.
“Old-Fashioned but of Enduring Value”
In discussing the timeless nature of novels, Guha describes his work as “old-fashioned but of enduring value.” He contrasts the novel with other art forms, such as painting, music, and poetry, which he believes can quickly become outdated. “Victorian fiction, or writers like Flaubert or Tolstoy, have an enduring relevance because the novel form can absorb new material,” he argues. Guha suggests that the novel’s adaptability and relevance in contemporary times make it a lasting and valuable form of storytelling, even in the digital age when many feared ebooks might replace printed books.
Fiction as a Reflection of Reality
While the characters in The Tiger’s Share are fictional, Guha underscores how the novel reflects real-world issues. “The people in it, the families in it are entirely made up,” he says, “but I wanted to write about issues and problems and situations that exist.” Drawing from his own observations of Delhi’s materialistic culture and the patriarchal inheritance disputes he witnessed, Guha offers a nuanced critique of contemporary life in the capital. He notes, “Delhi is a city that is all about exclusion…It is explicitly reflected in the book.”
A Global Perspective in the Making
Looking ahead, Guha reveals that his next project will explore the phenomenon of the Indian diaspora, particularly the growing influence of a global Indian elite. “India has experienced a brain drain over the last decade, and now we have many Indians in positions of power around the world,” he shares. The book will take a more global perspective, exploring the nuances of this modern migration and its implications.
Influences and Literary Aspirations
When asked about literary influences, Guha cites the works of Victorian novelists, particularly George Eliot, as key sources of inspiration. Among contemporary writers, Australian author Shirley Hazzard and Booker Prize-winner Penelope Fitzgerald stand out for their elegant prose and daring subject matter. Guha’s admiration for these authors is evident in his own writing, where he combines a deep understanding of social issues with an enduring commitment to narrative form.
Keshava Guha’s The Tiger’s Share promises to be an evocative and thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, societal shifts, and the urgent need for environmental consciousness in modern India. The novel is now available from Hachette India.
