CG Salamander and Sheena Deviah’s collaborative project, From Makaras to Manticores: Around India in 100 Mythical Creatures (Hachette India), is the perfect example of a book you would want to preserve in your library and show off about possessing, even years after you’ve finished reading it. It contains stories about mythical creatures that are treasured in little corners of the country. It has been written in the form of journal entries of the fictional character, Thomas Iravathur, as he travels from Kurinji Hills in Tamil Nadu to Mizoram. The choice of the journal format is an inspired one. Salamander injects new life into something that has always been so close to the heart of an Indian reader, through the curious eyes of a traveller. But you’ve missed half the magic of experiencing the book, if you have not read the writer’s introductory note. It sets the tone for the rest of the book as he plays with ideas of belief and disbelief.

Kara lizard