The Hindi translation of Ruskin Bond’s novella The Sensualist, by Pragati Saxena, this remains one of the author’s most controversial works. The tale of a man driven by desire, it unearths the struggle within the protagonist’s inner world. A poignant unraveling of the murky depths of self-destruction, the story takes us through the pleasure and pain of living on the edge. The anonymous narrator invites the listener to follow him on his travels as he comes across a mysterious cave. He encounters a mystic saint who has given up worldly pleasures and his inheritance to follow the path of spirituality and truth. Inspired to look inward and reflect with honesty, the protagonist discovers unpleasant and haunting truths about his past and present. Layered with flashbacks and fantasies, the novella dives daringly into our deepest desires and fears as the protagonist struggles with his curiosity, idealism and consuming passion. The plot unfolds through the journeys of other characters. Mulia, the widow, is in love with a younger person; Samyuka is haunted by an incestuous relationship; Roop struggles with poverty; while Shankini comes to terms with being a sex worker. Will the protagonist cave in to his baser desires or hold on to his moral values? Will he submerge himself in guilt or carry on the pursuit of pleasures? Will it lead to revolting disillusionment or ecstatic self-revelation? This riveting tale juxtaposes the vagaries of youth with the wisdom of self-awareness. Arresting, erotic, soul-stirring and thrilling, the audiobook tempts the listeners to reflect on their own relationship with sensuality, suffering and spiritual awakening.

Please note: This audiobook is in Hindi.