The hardest is consistency and easiest is an abstraction~ Vipin Behari Goyal -Author in the Spotlight

Vipin Behari Goyal -Author in the Spotlight

Posted by Nikita Johri at 7:42 PM

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Hey Friends,

Today I am so excited to have with me the very talented author of Tall Man Small Shadow, Vipin Behari Goyal.

Vipin Behari Goyal is a Financial Advisor in Government of Rajasthan by profession.  His love for books is unparalleled making him an avid reader as well as a prolific writer.

His debut English novel "Tall man small shadow" based on existentialism was published in July 2013. His prior writings include a travel handbook on “TirthRaj Pushkar” and a collection of Hindi poems titled “Tej Dhoop Ka Safar”. 

He has also dabbled in documentary film making and is the maker of award-winning short film “Mines are Mine”. 

Follow him on his blog : http://vipinbeharigoyal.blogspot.in/

Welcome to Njkinny's World of Books Vipin!

Lets get this interview started.

Q1. Tell us something about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Ajmer. I did my post graduation in Botany because of my interest in trees and plants.  In my debut novel “Tall man small shadow” I have described many of my favorite trees. After that I did graduation in Law and few diploma and certificate courses in business management, computers , time management and behavioral skills. Like a true Geminian, I have curiosity about a variety of interests.

I like to travel and read and write the books.

Q2. So, what have you written?

My three books have been published. "Tirthraj Pushkar"-a travelogue about Pushkar,"Tej Duph Ka Safar"-a Hindi poetry collection and an English fiction-"Tall man small shadow". My forthcoming novel is "Maya, In search of Tantric father".

I have authored more than a dozen pages on Wikipedia, my current blog "Author’s Diction" is about English Literature.

Q3. Where can we buy or see them?

They are available at various online shops like flipkart, amazon and pothi.com. If lucky you may get it in free giveaway  at Goodreads and free kindle download, from time to time.

Q4. Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The main character is Salil, who had a break up when he was a student in an Engineering college. How he copes up with his failure in love, is the highlight of the story.

Q5. What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am writing a fiction based on youth of rural India.

Q6. What’s it about?

It is about the social structure of villages and aspirations of youth.

Q7. What genre are your books?

Currently I am enjoying writing fiction, but I am mentally prepared for another genre also. I started with a travelogue.

Q8. What draws you to this genre?

Freedom. Fiction provides a lot of freedom of imagination and expression.

Q9. What inspired you to become a writer?

People around me and my father inspired me a lot to become a writer.

Q10. Had you not become a writer which career would you have chosen and why?

I am basically a public servant and I like this profession.

Q11. What are your ambitions for your writing career?

I want to write at least one book that could be a landmark in the history of fiction.

Q12. Which writers inspire you?

I am inspired by all good writers in East and West, and many regional language authors.

Q13. Why do you write?

To fill up my emptiness.

Q14. What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

Stream of consciousness compels me to write.

Q15. Do you write full-time or part-time?

I write after office hours and on weekends.

Q16. Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I prefer to write at night, being a public servant my day is almost structured.

Q17. Where do your ideas come from?

Social injustice shakes my mind and series of ideas  are generated.

Q18. Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just to see where an idea takes you?

Both, I like to make an outline, but allow my thoughts to go in all directions and take their own shape.

Q19. How do you think you've evolved, creatively?

Seamless evolution through formal and informal education.

Q20. What is the hardest thing about writing and what is the easiest thing about it?

The hardest is consistency and easiest is an abstraction.

Q21. Do you ever get writer’s Block?

Yes, I do.

Q22. Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

Something would happen to put you back on track.

Q23. How do you market your books and why did you choose this route?

I depend on my Publisher, which is the traditional way of marketing.

Q24. Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

They can use many modern techniques of the internet.

Q25. What do you do to get book reviews? Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?

I am not choosy about it. I need all types of reviews. It helps you to grow as an author.

Q26.What’s your views on social media for marketing? Which social network worked best for you and any tips on what to do and what not to do?

I do not have much experience to comment on it.

Q27. What are the four most important things that you take care of before writing a book?

Theme, style, climax and characterization.

Q28. What do you do when you are not writing?

I read.

Q29. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Read a lot, write a lot.

Q30. How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Just Google me.

Q31. What are your future plans?

Travelling, Reading and writing.

Q32. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Think about this:

“It is good to pray even if you do not believe in God.”

Wow..That sure is a statement to think about !!

Thanks Vipin for sparing time from your busy schedule and sharing your story with us...
All the best in your future endeavors.. :)

Buy Vipin's book "Tall Man Small Shadow" from :



Read my review of "Tall Man Small Shadow"
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2013/09/tall-man-small-shadow-by-vipin-behari.html

Brilliant writing~ TMSS

Jigar Doshi

Books.. Movies.. Life!

 

Tall Man Small Shadow : Novel Review

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Jigar Doshi

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Vipin Behari Goyal, the author of Tall Man Small Shadow, is a Financial Advisor in government of Rajasthan by profession. He has already published a travel book and a collection of Hindi poems and with TMSS he debuts into the fiction.
The blurb on the book cover says that the book is based on existentialism. To be frank, I was astounded by that sentence. I seriously had doubts whether I had heard that word ever before, let alone having read anything about existentialism. So, I was really curious and excited to read something based on it.
The story seems very simple on the outlook.
Salil is into software business and has entrepreneurial aspirations and has recently shifted into a new building.
Anupam and Sulekha are Aalya’s parents and happen to be impressed with their new neighbour Salil. Anupam is the over-thinker, philosophizer, and starts philosophizing even from simple or silly incidents that other humans tend to ignore. Sulekha is quick-thinker and a schemer of sorts.
Aalya is pursuing her doctorate under the guidance of Seema and her topic is uneven relationships. She is sweet, tender, caring, traditional yet modern, inhibited yet apprehensive and is an avid reader.
Seema’s marriage with her theatre artist husband Paul is on the rocks. Although they have an active sex life, they don’t have any children of their own and they don’t seem to be really happy with each other.
That is the reason, Seema uses Aalya and other girls like her to satisfy her sexual desires and urges.
As fate would have it, Salil and Aalya get attracted towards each other but aren’t verbal about it.
Soon, Aalya and her parents learn that Salil has had a tragic past where he tried to commit suicide just a year ago.
Why did he try to commit suicide? Is he depressed?
What happens to Aalya and Seema? And what happens to Aalya and Salil?
Are Anupam and Sulekha aware of Seema and Aalya’s activities?
To find the answers to these questions and some other, one will have to read the novel.
TMSS talks about the various issues in relationships in general. About marriages, break-ups, homosexual feelings, egos, emptiness in the marriages, domestic violence, being taken for granted, attitudes, about dominating and submissive partners, about balance in arranged marriages, about manipulating partners etc.
Vipin, through his character Anupam, also gives various advises on life issues, youth, society, relationships and how to deal with some problems in them, traditional and modern views etc.
TMSS is a simple novel, yet, at the same time, it deals with some serious issues and is thought-provoking in most cases.
Vipin has blended philosophy and romance so beautifully and delicately that you don’t feel excess of either and it doesn’t sound preachy or boring either.
Also, the language used is simple English where you don’t have to sit with a dictionary, as is the case with most of the other philosophical books.
The most amazing aspect of the novel is the strong characterization. Each and every character stands apart and you instantly connect with them and empathize, sympathize, think and feel for them.
Also, although it’s Anupam who is the narrator for most parts of the novel, each and every character does narrate/interact with the readers every now and then.
Another positive aspect of the novel is that we don’t feel like reading just another story. It seems that the characters are interacting with us, talking to us and guiding us to think about the same incident in a new vision and look at the same incident from a different perspective.
Anupam’s philosophies are wonderful. The way he looks at life, the way he puts forward his views, the way he talks, acts, thinks, reacts is amazing. You instantly take a liking towards him. The way he gets the inspiration/motivation from a tree, or a couple of birds is awe-inspiring.
But, the best part of the novel is the penultimate chapter where you are presented with the ultimate twist. Sulekha narrates this chapter and you are shocked, surprised, amazed, taken-aback at the revelation(s).
However, I personally feel that the author should have ended the novel with Sulekha’s narration and he shouldn’t have presented the last chapter with a view that was contrary to this chapter.
On the downside, there are a few grammatical and printing errors that proof-reading could have prevented.
Also, the narration often moves from third-person to first-person and that makes it a bit annoying and excessive use of pronouns makes it a bit confusing.
This isn’t one of those books where a reader finishes in one or two sittings. To truly enjoy, understand and cherish the book, one has to read a few chapters at a time, take a break, contemplate and think about the different philosophies offered and then come back to read the next few chapters.
Highly recommended for a highly intellectual reading experience.
Connect with the author here – Vipin Behari Goyal
http://jigar-doshi.com/2013/09/tall-man-small-shadow-novel-review/
 

Tall man small shadow~a “meaningful” writing~The Readers Cosmos

Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal

Title: Tall Man Small Shadow

Author: Vipin Behari Goyal

Publisher: Cyberwit.net 

Date:  2013

Price: Rs.240

The Review:

Since many days, Indian Film Industry experienced a typical juncture which eventually gave way to an evolution. From early 90s, along with the masala movies released a sort of movies which were then called “meaningful”. Later, as the craft got popular – they were tagged with an even more fascinating name “parallel movies”. Budgets were low. Subjects were contemporary and real. The main point of these movies was the smooth and excellent screenplays – those were very close to the heart. In the same way, in the masala-content dominated paperback industry – Vipin Behari Goyal’s Tall Man Small Shadow – is a parallel or a meaningful entry.

The book revolves around the lives of Salil, Aalya, Seema and their families. The story goes ahead with their lives. The protagonist Anupam coins philosophies for day to day prosaic events. The second protagonist his wife Sulekha believes coincidences happens with artful manipulations. The story flows and curves along with their lives.

Existentialism is a philosophy that proposes that “existence precedes essence” – individuality over perceived image. The author with many philosophical interpretations has established the basis through his characters or the knitting of the plot.

The book is not a mere travel read. It has many deep insights of life. The philosophical interpretations were never boring. It all relates to our life and thoughts. With a fine sweet pace and lucid language – the book is a pleasure to read.

The plot touched many aspects of a normal life with an uncanny reality. The feelings portrayed through the characters were awesome. The style of narration was mind-blowing. The author took several paths to explore an incident. And, a single point was explored by several characters with several viewpoints. In international realm – this style of story-telling is called Rashomon style after the movie of the same name made by the veteran director Akira Kurosawa. Though the style suits mainly for a mystery/thriller storytelling – it was adapted well here still the mystic nature remained with the plot. As the plot gained ground – the author took a procedural approach with a classic twist at the end.

Though the end-twist for this genre is unexpected – the establishment of the second protagonist’s belief got fragile and baseless in a couple of pages. Wasn’t the last page twist too meek and too unbaked to suit such a mature plot? – I wonder. The sudden ending was like a rash amputation.

But the book deserves a read. May be for the fine philosophies of life – may be for the sweet pace – may be for the deep insight to many prosaic stuffs of life – but surely for the author who attempts a “meaningful” writing.

Just as the “meaningful” movies win over the masala flicks and changed the movie market which became more acceptable to sensible movies – we hope the book makes a step towards this in its own way. and, hope for an steady evolution in course of time!

Overall 3.5 stars on 5.

This book is reviewed by Sankha Ghosh: 

Sankha Ghosh was never born in that 'City of Joy', never dreamt of being a banker, never watched a Godard, never loved Kafka, never fell for that Solitary Reaper, never danced on a friend’s wedding, never fought for human rights, never had a crush at college and never ever aspired to work on a novel! Never was he as simple as this! #He wishes 

I thank the author for a review copy.

http://thereaderscosmos.blogspot.in/2013/09/tall-man-small-shadow-by-vipin-behari.html

Grab A Copy Now!!! http://www.flipkart.com/tall-man-small-shadow/p/itmdmzrcyqvh6psz?q=Tall+Man+Small+Shadow&sid=search.flipkart.com&as=on&as-show=on&otracker=start&ref=18f609b4-4d8a-44d6-9c0c-22671c608c6e&as-pos=p_1&pid=9788182534124

well written with a strong characterisation ~Abhinanad

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow

When every debut novel in Indian industry has this word “love” somewhere in it, here is this book, with a very different title. The first thing which amused me is the title and makes every reader to have a look at the book. I was wondering what the story will be when the title said “Tall Man Small Shadow.” I then went on to read its blurb and it said

It is my debut English novel based on existentialism. Salil loves a shadow which transforms into many characters to reveal the secrets of life. Aalya, his neighbor, is doing research in English literature. Her guide Seema is a childless lesbian. Paul, husband of Seema, is a drama director. I am the protagonist, who coins philosophies for day to day events and my wife Sulekha is the second protagonist who makes coincidences happen with her artful manipulations. Read on to learn what happens when....

The word existentialism is something new to me. I have never heard about it before but through the cover page I could relate it is something dealing with the shadow. That made me curious to start with this book. The cover design is good and goes along with the title.

Coming to the review, the story starts with an old man (whose name is not revealed at the beginning) delivering a courier to his neighbour, Salil. Salil is working with a firm nearby and exhibits a strange behaviour to others. The old man lives with his wife Sulekha and only daughter Aalya opposite to Salil’s house. Aalya a beautiful and intelligent girl wants to excel in her studies and gets attracted by her neighbour Salil. The first meet of Aalya and Salil did not last even for two minutes. Then one day something wanted Salil to speak to her and they meet in a tea shop nearby. Salil notices that both of their shadows kiss each other when they are sitting separated in different benches and he likes her shadow. Aalya is curious to know why Salil behaves like this and hears about his past life. Even after hearing his breakup her love towards Salil did not decrease. Aalya in her post graduate studies wants to prepare a thesis and takes Seema as her guide. Seema is talented, childless and family friend of Aalya. Seema is married to Paul who is a drama director. When Aalya discuss about the thesis, Seema asks her to come over to her house for detailed discussion. In few days they turn to be lesbians and are happy with it. In mean time, Aalya falls for Salil and Salil gets close with Aalya’s family due to few incidents. When Paul is on a tour to Europe with a drama team, Seema finds herself being pregnant whose biological parents are Salil and Aalya. How did Seema carry twins of Salil and Aalya? What happened between Salil and Aalya? Did Seema and Aalya’s relationship continue after it? What is the role of Sulekha in this story?

To know more read the full story.

The author has kept the book more decent rather than explaining the sex sense elaborately and has kept everything precise. On the language front it is captivating and the choice of words shows the author’s brilliance. The book had few mistakes and it can be rectified by doing a little rework. The positive aspect of the story is its narration. It is narrated through different perspective and explains different dimensions of the same situation but the same turns to be the negative as sometime the reader is confused on who’s perspective he is reading from. The highlight of the story is when Sulekha takes her turn to narration and makes the reader clear that “nothing is coincidence”. She is the one who says her husband’s name as Anupam. Sulekha’s narration adds spice to the story and on the whole it is an intriguing read.

“Tall Man Small Showdow” is well written with a strong characterisation on different dimensioned peoples, explains about the existentialism equipped with many philosophies turns out to be a wonderful read.

I congratulate Mr. Vipin Behari Goyal for penning down such a good story and delivering about the existentialism. I would rate a flat 4/5 for this book and would recommend for all. 

You can buy the book from Flipkart and Amazon.

Happy Reading :-)

http://abhinandjaguva.blogspot.in/2013/09/book-review-tall-man-small-shadow.html

Nikita Reviews "Tall man small shadow"

Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal

Posted by Nikita Johri at 7:48 PM

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What is Existentialism? 
Why would anyone base his novel on it?
Whats so great about it that anyone would consider making it the core of their book? 

All these and more questions I faced when I took up Tall Man Small Shadow by Vipin Behari Goyal for reading.
Well first of all, I hadn't heard the term "existentialism" before I came across this book and that's one reason why the book appealed to me. The other being the cover where a tall man standing projects a small shadow of a woman. Pretty intriguing..huh..

Tall Man Small Shadow is Vipin Behari Goyal's debut English novel and it keeps the concept of existentialism at the core of the story. The book is primarily narrated by Anupam (his name is disclosed in the later part of the book.) who is happily married to Sulekha and has a daughter, Aalya. Salil is their new neighbor.

Anupam is getting old and he is worried for his daughter's future. He wants her to marry a good man and live happily but is also afraid of his own life after his daughter's marriage. He feels that Aalya is the one who fills the vacuum in his life. She cares for his ailing wife who is unable to do the simple daily chores like cooking, mending, shopping etc. and brings youthful exuberance in their otherwise dull lives. Aalya, who is completing her doctorate under her mentor Seema, is fascinated by Salil from the first instant and is not sure of her feelings for him. Meanwhile she gets into an affair with Seema, who is a lesbian and in a unsatisfying relationship with her husband ,Paul. Seema has had lesbian relations with numerous of her students but still feels a certain responsiblity towards Aalya and doesn't wish to force her into having an affair with her. Salil is fascinated by Aalya's shadow which according to him takes many forms during the course of the story. He had loved a girl in college, Nasrin and when she got married he couldn't bear it and got depressed eventually trying to commit suicide. Later in the novel, after his introduction and friendship with Aalya, he starts understanding that he loves Aalya and that she has taken the place that once Nasrin held in his heart.

But does Aalya also love him or is her fascination to him only skin deep?
If they both love each other then can Aalya commit herself to him and finish her affair with Seema?
Will Seema let go of Aalya so easily if she wishes to finish their affair?

The characterization is very strong and each character has multiple dimensions to their nature. Example, Seema at one point is shown as a reckless, vengeful person who is ready to ruin young, naive girls for their prospective future married lives by luring them into having lesbian relations with her. But at the other time is shown as a good and considerate person when she lets go of Aalya once she tells her about her feelings for Salil.

The story takes different paths with each character having his/her own story to tell and own philosophies to follow. There is the content and deeply philosophical, Anupam who tries to make sense of each occurrence in his life and how it affects the future scenarios. His primary function in the novel is to coin existentialist philosophies for the day-to-day events that take place in his life, which centers on his wife, Sulekha, and their only child, Aalya. Aalya, his daughter is intelligent and wants to excel in her studies but is also fascinated by her neighbor, Salil. Salil is a loner who doesn't want anyone to disturb him and has therefore foregone even a nameplate outside his house. He is obsessed with shadows which transform into many characters to reveal the secrets of life in the story  and is an avid reader with only books as favorable company. He is well read and has his own philosophy for life and the ever occurring circumstances. Sulekha, Anupam's wife is shown as an ailing and sensitive woman who is very punctual about her routine such as her time of tea etc. but otherwise acting as just a witness to daily events with almost no participation. This however, proves a camouflage and she is shown in her true avatar as a strong and intelligent woman and a good planner and manipulator who knows how to achieve what she desires without being too evident about it, in the later part of the book. It is she who bridges the gap between what is socially unacceptable to what is acceptable to ensure her daughter’s happiness. Seema, Aalya's mentor and teacher in college, also has a strong presence in the story as a discontent, unsatisfied wife who is neglected by her husband, Paul and therefore seeks contentment and satisfaction in her work as well as her students.

Although seeming like a simple love story, this book is unlike any other book that I have ever read. Its thought provoking and the narrator deals philosophically with various topics like relations, marriage, life, youth,society, suicide, depression, husband-wife relations etc. leaving the reader deeply affected and forced to question his inbred conceptions to everything he knows about these topics and more. 

Tall Man Small Shadow is no leisure read but a very serious book with some well researched points made to liberate the reader and open his mind to controversial scenarios and explanations to life and human behavior. The author has experimented by taking a risk in writing such an unconventional book which deals with controversial topics also and has succeeded in making the reader wait and take notice!

The idea of giving each and every character a voice at some or the other point in the story is refreshingly new and effective though at some places the sudden change in the voice confuses the reader and one has to stop and re read that part to make sense. This could have been taken care of with some more time at editing.
I also felt that the part where Salil engages in a one-night-stand with Nasrin after her marriage just because she requests him for a son was unnecessary and also made me wonder about the point that the author wanted to make by sketching such a scene. 
Why was Nasrin so sure that having physical relations with Salil would surely grant her a son and not a daughter? 
And how was she so sure that having physical relations only once was enough to impregnate her? Also there was no explanation why she didn't go to her husband with her demand. Was he in some way compromised? 

I seriously felt that the story could have done perfectly without it. There was absolutely no reason to include it. Also some grammatical errors present in the book could have been rectified with more editing.

There are ample twists in the story which surprise and keep the reader hooked. I was specially astounded by the ending which was pretty unexpected and will be welcomed by all readers wholeheartedly. A book for the mature and open minded, it is a complex book with multiple layers to it and which are beautifully revealed as the reader progresses with the story. I don't have enough words to explain all that is going on in my mind after reading this book but know this, it is a book that teaches as well as makes us dwell on all our beliefs and morals. 

I give it a 4 out of 5 and a strong recommendation to read and dwell on it.

I was given a free copy by the author, Vipin Behari Goyal and I am very thankful to him for introducing me to this thought provoking book. The review is my personal and honest opinion and in no way influenced.

About The Author:

Vipin Behari Goyal is a Financial Advisor in Government of Rajasthan by profession. His love for books is unparalleled making him an avid reader as well as a prolific writer.
His debut English novel Tall Man Small Shadow based on existentialism was published in July 2013. His prior writings include a travel handbook on “TirthRaj Pushkar” and a collection of Hindi poems titled “Tej Dhoop Ka Safar”. 
He has also dabbled in documentary film making and is the maker of award-winning short film “Mines are Mine”. 
Forthcoming Novels “Maya In Search of Tantric father” and "The old man and the nymph" 
Contact at: viping19@gmail.com

http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2013/09/tall-man-small-shadow-by-vipin-behari.html#more

 

 

Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow: A Game of Coincidences-Jaideep

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Book Review: Tall Man Small Shadow: A Game of Coincidences

Tall Man Small Shadow written by Vipin Behari Goyal is a debut novel from the writer but not his first published work. Prior to this he has two good books to his credit. He has written a useful travel handbook on "TirthRaj Pushkar" which is about a holy place in Ajmer district in Rajasthan, India. After that Vipin wrote a poetry book in Hindi Tej Dhoop Ka Safar. And now his third work is a love story woven in a very different style in fiction genre. Vipin has also an award winning short film Mines are Mine to his credits.

The cover of Tall Man Small Shadow is quite neat and matches well with the theme of story. A tall male straight standing shadow in black with a small shadow of a female standing with a style. Best part of this  book is multi-narrative style. Each character narrates his/ her own experience as the story goes along. The main characters of this story are Aalya and Salil who are young living in neighborhood. Aalya is the only daughter of Anupam and Sulekha. Aalya is doing her research under her guide Seema. Salil lives alone in the same vicinity where Aalya lives with her parents. Characterization is quite strongly done by Vipin.

Salil in his college days fell in love with Nasrin who was the most beautiful girl in the college. Salil is quite serious, introvert and studious kind of guy. This love, being inter caste is not well taken by Nasrin's parents and she is forced to marry with her cousin by her parents. This gives a jolt of his life to Salil who goes into deep depression and tries to attempt suicide by taking overdose of sleeping pills. But he survives due to timely medical attention. Though he could not comes back to normal even after his survival, but his life goes on as he joins a job after that.

Aalya's mother Sulekha is quite active on social networks and uses internet to connect to people of her choice to drive the story of Tall Man Small Shadow. Sulekha's husband Anupam is having a good hold in society, bearing a good amount of influence of top brass of the city. Seema's husband Paul is a well known figure in the world of Arts being a Drama writer and director. Paul and Seema, though are married for long, are childless and have some differences between them, and appear a good couple to external world around them. Aalya gets attracted to Salil and they get married with the blessings of both their parent's consent and blessings.

The story has a number of twists that keep interest alive throughout. Eventually story has two strong factors that keep it alive right since beginning till end. First is the narrative style of writing by Vipin where each character has his own chance to narrate story in its own voice. Second is the number of twists woven in the story that keeps it alive and interesting throughout.

Regarding 'characterization' of the characters of this story, there was no need to show some characters, and that too the main ones, as shabby by highlighting their dark side. 'Character' of a character of a story or a novel  totally depends on the writer of that story as he is the sole creator of them. In my opinion there was no need to show Seema and Aalya as lesbians and even at some moment of time in the story, Aalya's mother, Sulekha, vetting for it. The story would have gone well in the same manner, even without this part. At some moment of time reader might get hurt by the 'looseness' of Salil (when he has sex with Nasreen after she getting married to someone else), Aalya falling pray to Seema's pull due to being lesbian, Seema herself being so successful in her carrier and being lesbian etc.

Overall Tall Man Small Shadow is an interesting read. The last twist in the story is a Pandora box for the readers of this book.  

 

http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspot.in/2013/09/book-review-tall-man-small-shadow.html

 

Princess Reshma's Review Rocks

Tall Man Small Shadow
by Vipin Behari Goyal (Goodreads Author)

Princess Reshma's review

Sep 14, 13

4 of 5 stars

Read in September, 2013

To begin with, I need to confess that I cannot read a book without thinking that I am actually witnessing the events and that the characters are real. Of course, with some books it is impossible to get that feeling. I wouldn't bother to rate such books anyway. With good books it is always like that and in the process it is quite natural to fall in love with one of the characters. Though Salil is supposed to be the hero (tall, handsome and all), it was Anupam I fell for. He's wise and innocent at the same time. Of course, the love blooming between Aalya and Salil, Salil's past and the final irony of "planned coincidences" are all intriguing enough. But, it is Anupam's musings which make the book one of its kind. Not every author has the ability to blend philosophy and romance so perfectly, and that too without using the kind of language that would compel the reader to keep a dictionary and a thesaurus at hand. It's the kind of book that can entertain me during a long journey and at the same time the kind that can be used as a primary text for research. Existentialism is not so depressing after all.

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/716337762
 

Author Interview: Vipin Behari Goyal: God Is Art, Beauty And Nature

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Author Interview: Vipin Behari Goyal: God Is Art, Beauty And Nature

A very warm welcome to Vipin Behari Goyal who is a versatile writer having 3 well written books to his credit. The first book he wrote was about a holy destination in Rajasthan TirthRaj Pushkar, second one was his compilation of Hindi poetry Tej Duph Ka Safar and the third one is recently published and well acclaimed fiction love story Tall Man Small Shadow. He also has been an avid reader besides being an award winner for short film Mines are Mine. Professionally, Vipin is a Financial Advisor with Government of Rajasthan.

Please share some of the best memories of your childhood

Childhood was spent in a huge Railway Bungalow in the loving care of parents. Lot of friends assembled in the evening to play, so it was all play and no work, except little home work given by school teachers.

About your education

M.Sc. (Botany) for love of nature, followed by degree in law and few other degrees and diplomas.

What career did you plan during your education days

Civil Servant

What is your biggest source of inspiration in life

My father

What hurts you most in this world

Cheating

What is the biggest challenge you have faced? Were you able to overcome it? How?

 I am still waiting for a challenge. 

If you had to live a day of your life as one of the living or dead

personality, who would it be and why?

I like my own life. I would love to be Indra for a day, so that I can write a authentic book about him.

What is your favorite genre and why?

Magical Surrealism, it being a combination of reality and fantasy.

What is the purpose of your writing?

To change the way people think.

Which of your work published so far?

Tall man small shadow

What are your forthcoming writings?

“Maya in search of Tantric father” will be published in two months time, “The old man and the nymph” and “Apsara” are also in pipeline.

What are your future plans?

Write as many books as possible.

What four top most things you take care of while writing a book?

Reality, Imagination, Objective, Emotion

Your dream destination on Earth?

Himalaya

Your origin of birth and other countries you have visited/ stayed.

What best things you liked in these countries around the globe?

So far I have visited only Nepal to see Himalaya from other side and pay homage to Pashupatinath.

What is your zodiac?

Gemini

What is the one thing in your life you wish had not happened?

Nothing

What is your definition of fear and how to overcome it?

I have NO fear in my life.

How would you define God in your words?

Art, Beauty and Nature

What are your further/ future plans?

Travelling, Reading and writing.


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