The Ascetic of Desire

Author: Sudhir KakarPublisher: Penguin/VikingYear: 1998Language: EnglishPages: 309ISBN/UPC (if available): 6708793636 DescriptionA fitting fictional counterpart to the Kama Sutra, the ancient sexual treatise, The Ascetic of Desire is a major literary event of the year. The novel claims to take off from where Vasayana left off in the 4th century AD. The author, a psychoanalyst by profession, in this superb novel brings to life the reign of Samundragupta with all its pomp and grandeur. The story revolves around the great sage Vatsayana who narrates his life story to an eager pupil bent upon penning his biography. Along with copious notes on Vatsayana's life, the subject jots down erotic slokas from Kama Sutra. Along the way, the pupil discovers that guru is incapable of sexual performance himself. Confused, flabbergasted, the disciple gives up writing the biography altogether. With characteristic insight of a psychoanalyst, the author plumbs the psychological depths of a plethora of