The Ascetic of Desire: A Novel of the Kama Sutra

"Ascetic of Desire" is quite an interesting novel. I've always been intrigued by "The Kama Sutra" but never really gave much thought to its' actual creator. This book tells the story of Vatsyayana, his writings, and how his childhood affected his adult life. Throughout the novel, Vatsyayana is discussing his literary work along with some interesting details of his life with his student. We also meet Vatsyayana's wife Malavika, who sheds even more light on her husband's intimate life which I found quite surprising. I must say my favorite parts in this book were the ones that beautifully described the rituals of courtesans of the time, in particular Vatsyayana's aunt Chandrika. I enjoyed this book because it is erotic and sensual yet educational from beginning to end.

Kakar takes the reader deep into sexual ideas and lore, in the classical Indian way, that will certainly enlighten and even titillate some readers. His imaginative depiction of who the author of the Kama Sutra might have been is also worth the price of admission. His prose - this is his first novel, I think - often falls short of page-turning, but I happily stayed with it to the end nevertheless, and so will you if you're interested in a lively and stimulating depiction of the geography of desire.

What I liked the most about this book is that it works at several levels. At one level it is an absorbing story of a man who compiled all that was known about sex. At another level it is a psychological thriller-study and at yet another level it is a commentary on the sexuality and culture. I usually read thrillers/bestsellers or Dick Francis interspersed with Anita Booker and Margaret Atwood etc and this book was paced bang in the middle. Not too fast, not too slow. I enjoyed it enough to put Kakar on my list of regularly read authors.