GRASSLANDS IS OUT NOW.
GRASSLANDS
by Shekhar Khatri
Reviewed by-
Literary Titan
Recipient of the
Literary Titan Gold Book Award
"Grasslands, by Shekhar Khatri, is a stunning odyssey that invites readers into a world filled with intrigue, suspense, and philosophical musings.
Khatri’s storytelling evokes the whimsical charm reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, albeit with a collegiate twist. Additionally, the spiritual undertones are reminiscent of Hermann Hesse’s masterpiece, Siddhartha, drawing parallels to quests for enlightenment and self-realization.
Grasslands challenges conventions, leading its readers on a labyrinthine expedition, often blurring the lines of reality. It is a book that stimulates introspection, compelling readers to seek answers and form interpretations. In its pages lies a tale that will undoubtedly fuel conversations and theories for years to come. An unequivocal must-read, this novel promises an unparalleled literary adventure. Highly recommended for those in search of groundbreaking narratives."
"Grasslands by Shekhar Khatri is a contemporary fiction that pushes the limits of genres."
"A drug-fueled exploration of the fuzzy edges of reality, time, identity, desire, and our constant, inherently human search for meaning."
"What starts with our main character forgetting an acquaintance’s birthday celebration turns into an adventure of nonsensical and epic proportions. Giants, reincarnation, and samurais intermingle with mundane and even primeval aspects of human nature in Grasslands by Shekhar Khatri. "
"...(it) all adds up to create a story that works as a reflecting surface. There will be as many Grasslands as it has readers."
- Fermolasua at The Chrysalis BREW Project
Reviews for GRASSLANDS
by Readers' Favorite
"Grasslands by Shekhar Khatri exists exuberantly beyond the reach of literary classification. It’s a novel like no other: with roots in magical realism, absurdist fantasy, mythology, the epic, and fairy tales, Khatri’s story defies categorization in stunning and often mind-expanding ways. Grasslands’ protagonist, whose name Khatri never reveals, is a curious, captivating, utterly stereotype-shattering cross-pollination of Siddhartha and Everyman who embarks on a
strange and mystical journey that begins at a friend’s birthday party and ends in the spiritual realm at the edge of eternity. Along the way, mythical and illusory characters enter the scene to play their parts, weaving a surreal tapestry spanning this world and the next (and several worlds in between). Grasslands is truly a splendid departure from the ordinary for those looking to expand their vision and who are willing to surrender themselves to a series of worlds where anything is possible, nothing is as expected, and virtually everything defies normalcy.
Grasslands is Shekhar Khatri’s debut novel, and the literary world would do well to pay attention. From all indications, the well of Khatri’s creativity is very, very deep, and readers hungry for innovation have much to look forward to in his future work. Those willing to cast aside any presupposed notions of how a narrative has traditionally been constructed and embrace the tesseract of Khatri’s groundbreaking multi-layered, interwoven alternate realities will no doubt be richly rewarded for having done so. Shekhar Khatri’s Grasslands is a rare glimpse of uncharted literary territory, ideal for those seeking a bit of literary magic and mysticism with a surreal twist."
5/5
- Rich Follett
"Soaked in magical realism and absurdism, Grasslands is a wild rollercoaster of a novel that won't let you take your eyes off the pages. Shekhar Khatri's fantastical tale plays out like a feverish dream that transports you into a world of magic, wonder, tragedy, and mystery. After finishing the book, you will find yourself contemplating the story repeatedly. The narrative is non-linear and feels like a portrait of abstract art with so many layers that it leaves much room for interpretation. There are multiple plot threads that come together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle toward the end for a soaring climax."
5/5
-Pikasho Deka
at Readers' Favorite
"There is a ton to unpack in Grasslands as Shekhar Khatri uses a massive cast of characters, each of which is fully developed and distinct, and point of view shifts that provide a full view of unfolding events. And the events that unfold are numerous. From a literary standpoint, the writing is intelligent, and its style is reminiscent of classic literary fiction. The prose is often flowery, and Khatri has a tendency toward intricate vocabulary, but both suit the labyrinthine subplots and anchor the overall narrative. The standout for me was the dialogue, which, in contrast to the narrative, is extremely relatable and among the most organic I've come across. The banter in particular can be hilarious and builds on the camaraderie of the group. Grasslands is the type of novel that keeps a reader thinking after the last page, and as far as metaphysical literary fiction goes, this is a comfortable bet."
5/5
-Asher Syed
at Readers' Favorite
