cover image TARA'S SECRET

TARA'S SECRET

William Garlington, . . White Cloud, $13.95 (144pp) ISBN 978-1-883991-50-0

This historical novel set in India in the mid–19th century paints a vivid picture of Hindu customs and practices, but fails as compelling fiction. The people of the small village of Ishakpur argue over an unusual young man named Gopala. Was Gopala divinely conceived? Or are the possibilities darker and more insidious? When the gifted Gopala leaves the village, he undergoes initiation into the Ma Tara priesthood, then becomes a tirthankara ("one who has crossed over") and takes the name Jayananda. Soon, he is a leader in a network of teachers and acharyas who others hope will lead the nation to Hindu unity and demonstrate the inferiority of Christianity. In the crowd at one of Jayananda's monthly audiences is the handsome Govinda Narayan, for whom he feels a deep desire. "Oh Ma.... Why do I long for him so?" laments Jayananda. Jayananda discovers that Govinda is actually an incarnation of a venerable agnivesha, a descendent of the god Agni, and he is to teach Govinda the mystical truths that the world has caused him to forget. Govinda becomes Jayananda's successor, Swami Satyananda, but he chooses his own path. The story suffers from the author's tendency to narrate, rather than allow events to unfold naturally. Overdescription, undeveloped scenes, stilted dialogue and the confusion of too many characters also mar the book. Those interested in Hindu culture and religion will find some valuable historical insights, but as a novel the book lacks cohesion. (Nov.)