Author- Shivaji Das
Publisher- Konark Publishers
Genre- Travelogue
Format- Paperback
Year-2020
Length- 190 pages
Rating- 4.5/5 stars
The 'Other' Shangri-La is the fourth travel- memoir of the renowned author, photographer, traveller and columnist Shivaji Das where he has presented his journey through the Sino-Tibetan frontier in Sichaun region of China with his wife Yolanda Yu (fondly called Lobo). Author Das belongs to the group of those rare artists who believe in exploring the beauty, variety and reality of different cultures and its people and present this diversity to the readers through the magic of his writing in the most beautiful and compact way possible. Author Das is a master storyteller and he knows the art of holding the interest of his readers which is quite evident from the way he has structured the travelogue in a perfect order.
The factor which alienates the travelogues of Author Das from other writings on the similar genre is the way he incorporates 'apnapaan', a kind of bonding with the reader through the narrative. The places he and his wife Lobo visited, the problems they faced, the empathy he felt for the inhabitants together makes the reading a memorable one. Unlike other narratives which merely presents the raw facts and nothing else, travelogues of author Das have in them a humane touch which makes it alive and it feels like the reader is on a virtual journey with the author.
Another thing I loved the most is the author's attention to details. He has presented each and every aspects of the Han- Chinese and other tribes and their culture very minutely with his observation. It is often not an easy task to detach himself from the webs of politics and observe everything neutrally, but the author has succeeded in doing so. It was a wonderful experience going through the beautiful photographs and the local songs and poems of the Sichuan region. The writing style and narration is so picturesque that it enhances the reading experience to a far greater level. The language of the narration is simple and anyone with the basic knowledge of language can go through it and enjoy it. The travelogue also contains interesting historical facts which makes the work quite impressive. Moreover, I think every reader will find something to learn from this work. After going through this work I have understood the value of different cultures and why it is important to explore and understand the people of different race, culture and ethnicity to establish universal brotherhood and world peace.
The Cover design done by Misha Oberoi and the cover photograph and title by the author perfectly captures the theme of the work.
Overall, it was an amazing experience going through the travelogue. I give this work 4.5 stars and I highly recommend this work to all. Happy Reading.
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