Book Review - Sensual Attractions by A.J. Karan

Book Review - Sensual Attractions by A.J. Karan

Author’s Perspective on Sensual Attractions by A.J. Karan

Why did you select this topic for your book? This is a question I have been asked on innumerable occasions.

While contemplating the genre of the book I wanted to write, I was convinced about one aspect. It should be different, unique, distinctive and rare from the regular ones.

After a long and protracted thought process, my attention was drawn to a facet of our lives which we tend to protect, shield, guard and feel uneasy to discuss, though it is an integral part of our lives.

We have advanced in so many fields, but somehow are extremely orthodox when it comes to our sex lives. Some of us even consider it a taboo to talk about it. So I decided to venture into a topic which I had never written before, exploring unknown territory is never an easy task, but I was intent on doing so, and went full-steam ahead.

It was time to emerge from the shadows of obscurity, and though I am not in favour of excessive permissiveness, neither do I wish us to fear and exist under the diktats of an intolerant society.

Coming back to the book, there are ten stories in all and each has a twist. A few have a cryptic ending, as sequels have been planned for them. Trust me, almost all the episodes and incidents in the stories actually happen in our society. Some of you may disagree, but the fact of the matter is that every occurrence expressed in the various stories are not unnatural or bizarre by any standards.

There is a very thin line separating an erotic novel from porn. Now again some of you may dispute that, and even state as to what is the difference. Well in my opinion, there is a distinct one. An erotic novel will have a story-line and is interspersed with sex, whereas in porn it’s completely opposite, as the story factor plays a secondary role.

To provide clarity in which category the book falls, I have ensured that due attention was given to language and the style of expressing love-making scenes. Strictly no expletives was my strategy, which translated into my style of writing. I also ensured that every story had a logical plot and not just sex with a weak story-line.

Sensuality is part of our lives and it's time for us to be expressive in that regard. Please read the book with an open mind and let the sensuality within you flow.

It’s available on Amazon as well as many bookstores all over the country. For your convenience please find a link below.

Sensual Attractions

This book contains short stories covering a broad spectrum examining relationships, corporate politics, family feuds, carnal desires and betrayals. The focus is completely on ‘Indian Sensuality’ interwoven within plots which could be shocking to certain readers. Though the fact of the matter is that all this actually happens in India, albeit behind closed doors and away from prying eyes.

Even though many of us see or hear about such incidents, we tend to clam up and rarely express ourselves aloud. Our society is an extremely ‘closed door’ type and even though everything takes place, we never discuss all this, though deep down we do enjoy sex and indulge in it to our hearts content.

As the author of this book I have tried to break the shackles and be expressive to the extent that love scenes are explicitly described. Even though detailed descriptions are given, I have refrained from using expletives which for a certain segment of readers can be stimulating but for others can be repulsive. So I have tried to strike a balance and though I cannot claim that subtlety has been portrayed perfectly, nevertheless certain considerations have been implemented.

There are diverse characters created from different walks of life, genders, status and age. Plots and situations are natural, not bordering on the bizarre or unnatural in any way. In simpler terms, it all actually happens in a vast society like ours. Let me do a brief analysis of each story.

There is the unorthodox pact of Sonali & Tara, rather mischievous in a way. It could shock a few but in the end the camaraderie shared by them will bring a smile to your lips.

But in the next story Malathi a shrewd and ruthless wife of a rather laid-back millionaire will send a shiver down your spine. A ridiculous clause in the inheritance would ensure she lost a sizeable chunk. This was unacceptable to Malathi and her devious and seductive skills were put to use to devise a plot.

Moving over from a family drama, the corporate set-up is exposed and backdoor politics surfaces to reveal greedy and power hungry corporates ever so willing to stab backs to achieve personal goals.

A story revolving around the employees of a hotel can be startling for an outsider, but trust me almost all the incidents described in the story happen and is not fantasizing on my part. Affairs amongst staff is a very common phenomenon and on occasions can lead to complications.

The relationship between a teacher and student is always sacred, but here we are witnessing two grown adults who make a choice. One wants to experiment and the other is vulnerable as he is lonely and still physically capable of feelings. Does it lead to appeasement or a compromise? I leave it to the reader to make an assessment.

On numerous occasions we have read about women even though educated, being suppressed and subjugated to a life of eternal obedience. In this story Tanisha, struggles firstly with a dispassionate husband followed by a domineering mother-in-law. She boldly takes them on and is flattened when a terrible family secret forces her to compromise her principles.

We now move down south, where a young man strives to be a good son. His father gives him the perfect gift and a disbelieving Lakshman gleefully accepts the schooling extended to a privileged few.

Finally we end with another family drama which exposes chinks in the armour of two proud ladies, both related but share a strained relationship. Does a family tragedy draw them together or create a bigger divide?

Sensual Attractions is based on Indian Sensuality in a modern era and care has been taken to ensure that no particular community is targeted. Passion and sensuality are two words which sum up the essence of the book.