An Other Tale of Two Cities - Overview

I just completed the first cut of my first 'Work of Fiction'

'An Other Tale of Two Cities'

This is a story of two talented Indian Teenagers, Kula and Jay, who set out on their journey from a small town near Chennai, India to win Gold at the 'Citadel for Table Tennis Champions'; the 'Games' at Shanghai, China; against the toughest competition one could imagine; analogous to 'Taming the Dragon in its Lair'. On their journey they discover true and eternal friendship with a Chinese girl, Li Ling, a member of the Chinese TT team, who joins their magical journey, punctuated by Triangular love, sacrifice, humor and enormous will to win. Li Ling in turn discovers a mother and a family to call her own in far away India, thanks to her friends. In their quest for stardom, the trio face off repeatedly against Deng, who has been variously described as vicious, vindictive and vengeful. When Jay, whose winning ways was interrupted by a scheming Deng and his coterie, she reacts at the podium by laying her Bronze medal as a wreathe at the feet of her nemesis, who had won against her, assisted only by brazenly biased umpiring. Little did she realize that her act of foolishness would lead to a diplomatic conflict between her country and an unapologetic 'China in denial'. The series of events eventually trigger a fratricidal and internecine war between the Chinese Government headed by the President and a faction of the ruling elite, running a parallel Government at the behest of the 'God Father' and his protege. Li Ling, braves incarceration as a traitor and possible death sentence to save Kula from the clutches of the all powerful gang, before she goes missing. Did Li Ling survive? Did any of them eventually conquer the Dragon? Who among them attained stardom and and at what cost? Who sacrificed self in the final gambit?  

The reader would experience;
  *  Strong Will to Win against huge constraints and endless conspiracies
  *  Exciting Bonds of Friendship with a Chinese Girl for the Indian heroes
  *  Story of Love, Friendship and Humor; beautifully told
  *  If there's love; Triangular love; then ultimate sacrifice can't be far behind
  *  Politics and Treachery; in China and in India
  *  Lives and Freedom at stake in an alien country
  *  International Intrigue and Diplomacy at its best
  *  Family life and Culture - The Pride of India
  *  Thrills and aplenty - A roller coaster ride to remember for life..
  *  The Two Cities of Chennai in India and Shanghai in China

This book is my first. Having taken a title 'An Other Tale of Two Cities', I feel I have taken up an onerous responsibility of having to do justice to the original 'A Tale of Two Cities' by the Legendary Charles Dickens. I believe I have done well. However, it is for my readers to approve.

There are several similarities between the the original 'Tale' and 'An Other Tale'. Of course the two 'Tales' are distinctly different. The times the stories have been set are different, the plots are different, the characters are different; the Characterization, their Experiences and the Classes they represent are different. The morals and integrity of the characters are different, while they reflect the times they live in. The story telling styles are different... to spot a few differences. 

I hope and believe that the characters and the story in 'An Other Tale of Two Cities' would endear the hearts of the readers as much as the original 'Tale' would. 

'An Other Tale of Two Cities' should be a tribute to the Legend and Master story teller of all times, Charles Dickens. I started writing this book coincidentally, in the year 2014 that corresponds with the 150th anniversary of the first publication of the period 'A Tale of Two Cities' in the year 1864. I hope and wish to publish my book through a good Publishing house by the end of 2015, while the anniversary celebrations are still on. If it would be made possible, it would be a fitting tribute to the Master. 

I would be discussing the book, 'An Other Tale of Two Cities', using excerpts and quotes from the book in the next weeks. I would be glad if all of you can take an active part in the discussions.

If someone would like to preview 'An Other Tale of Two Cities', I can share with them a soft copy of the book in it's current form. 'An Other Tale of Two Cities' is being continually enhanced, as it should be, before final publication.

I would be glad if some readers who previewed the book, commented on it with their own specific quotes from the book or chapters for the others to follow and benefit.

Wishing all a Happy Reading and Merry Interactions in the weeks ahead..

Ravi Krish