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SONG OF THE ANKLE RINGS

A Novel

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ERIC ALAGAN

ISBN: 978-981-14-0626-3

Song of the Ankle Rings, based on Silapathikaram, an Indian classic set in Tamilakam—present day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Telangana, and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh—at about 3rd century B.C.E. to the 4th century C.E. traces the destinies of Kannagi (a chaste woman), her husband Kovalan (a merchant prince), and his mistress Madhavi (a courtesan) who lived during the reign of the Cheran, Cholan and Pandyan kingdoms.

This work of fiction is an adaptation of the original story. Song of the Ankle Rings introduces new characters and subplots to dramatise the story and render it more acceptable to modern readers.

TESTIMONIALS

Your use of the language borders on the poetic. I loved reading it as it has all the visual attributes to transport one into the scene as a silent and invisible watcher... You know how to give us the full treatment, drama, philosophy and a hint of the Kama Sutra along with very careful research – Ian Grice (Brisbane Australia)

You have very beautifully brought out the communication gap between Kannagi and Kovalan after marriage... and her trying to fit into a "chaste wife" mould are wonderful as well as the depiction of Kovalan's character. The explanation of the ankle rings and the mystery behind them is beautifully explained – Sasi Kandasamy (Sri Lanka-Singapore)

I’m enthralled at the amount of thought you are putting into this narrative. The characters come forth as real people – Jane Stansfeld (Texas, USA)

Amazing, how the author took a simple storyline and made it gripping. Love the dialogue. Authentic. Written in the first person but the characters had distinct voices – Jasey Chua (Singapore)

You have done something important and worthy of praise... you will be remembered for this work – Rasu Ramachandran (former Director, Singapore Book Council)

You are such a superb story teller – Onyango Makagutu (Nairobi, Kenya)

Source: Written Words Never Die