Drawn from real news stories and the author's own experiences in Nepal, this multi-threaded narrative provides a unique window into the nation's escalating sociopolitical turmoil. Through the interwoven lives of six diverse characters, the growing tensions and upheaval rumbling beneath the surface are revealed in an intimate, deeply personal way.
As their individual storylines gradually converge against the backdrop of escalating civil unrest, a rich tapestry takes shape - one that poignantly captures the hopes, struggles and harsh realities facing everyday Nepalis from all strata of society. They are not merely collateral damage, but living, breathing human beings with dreams that refuse to be trampled underfoot.
Descended from the storied Ottawa Valley Pritchards, Andrew James Pritchard has embraced a life of adventure and exploration. Born in Ottawa in 1968, his journey has taken him to diverse corners of the world, each place leaving an indelible mark on his creative spirit.
From the bustling cities of Toronto and Kingston, Ontario, to the rolling hills of Sligo, Ireland, and the breathtaking vistas of Pokhara, Nepal, Pritchard has immersed himself in the rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes. His travels have extended to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Australia, each destination offering a unique perspective and inspiration.
Pritchard's fictional novels and short stories are a testament to his insatiable wanderlust, weaving together the threads of his travel experiences into captivating narratives. His writing invites readers to embark on their literary adventures, exploring the depths of human emotion and the complexities of our world.
Currently residing in Toronto with his wife, Liou, Pritchard continues to draw inspiration from the diverse tapestry of his life's journey. His titles are available in eBook form at Kobobooks.com, and he is also listed under Cheeky Bugger Publications, offering readers a gateway to his imaginative and thought-provoking works.
Through his writing, Pritchard invites us to embrace the spirit of exploration, to seek out the untold stories that lie beyond the horizon, and to celebrate the rich diversity of our world.
This is a work of fiction yet with biographic aspects. The author, writing in the third person, deeply and vividly explains why a western young man decides to visit Neplal again and makes his mind to settle down there. He is not only fascinated by the natural beauty of Nepal, but also the unsophisticated , rustic charm of the people. They encourage him to to keep on seeking after his happniess in Nepal, thus pursuing a better life.
The author is adept at psychological description, which can resonate with the readers. People will feel as if it is their own stories. He speaks out for the common people's dreams of changing the environment and to go out and have a new life. The six characters' stories are different from each other but they mingle together skillfully.
In a word, it is a rare and very worthwhile book to read about Nepal, and the reason why a westerner gives up his comfortalbe life and decides to settle down there.
If you like to travel in your mind or for real. This is a book that gives us a vivid view of Nepal. What I found most original about the narrative was the mutt. It is a character in and of itself, a very human one at that. Through this mutt you really get to wander the streets of Nepal.
However, Not Collateral Damage is about the human condition. It encourages to meditate on the state of the world - the Third World, Nepal and most specifically its inhabitants. Thus, it is a very humane, very beautiful book that touches upon politics, culture, values, solidarity and purpose. I especially liked the author's political reflections on capitalism, communism, democracy and monarchy. This is all done within a well narrated story.
I am still wondering about Kishwor, Larry and Sanja....