It is difficult to discuss and fictionalise the different aspects of adolescence and growing up- and to point out the reality with an unbiased perspective. Eminent author Manoj Jain has launched his new book Dystopia which effectively captures the struggles that the young generation faces on many fronts. Five people with five different journeys arrive at their own stories where happiness and hope are constantly desired concepts. Yet, they all reach a reality where an unresolved mystery raises questions which each person will have to look deep within their own lives to answer.
The event was different from the usual book launches as here the characters came to life by the skit which was performed by a group of actors. It involved all the main characters which resulted a better understanding of the storyline and the most important thing is, the enactment gave a face and image to every character which is very creative. Upon being asked what made him write this book Dystopia, The author, Manoj Jain said that there are different stages a person faces in one’s life and one is affected by Childhood episodes and their choices in adolescence. Manoj shared that he himself has been through this stage and this is what made him write this book.
Among other needs, lies the desire to be loved, accepted and to be content with who you are and what you have. The transition from childhood into adulthood is filled with trials and tribulations. There are days of sheer joy and those of seemingly unending despair, all in the name of this quest we call life. And what is life? What is identity? Most importantly - what is my identity? Who am I?
It is these thought-provoking questions that plague one during adolescence that eminent author Manoj Jain attempts to answer through his latest book Dystopia. The book follows 5 individuals who are compelled to face the ghosts of their past, present and future over a dinner party. Unspoken desires and yearnings are finally voiced as each of these five characters turn to introspection and finally identify who they are, and wherein this rat race called life do they stand.
Though each person’s journey has been uniquely narrated, Manoj Jain has hit the nail right on the head by bringing forward an issues that rarely do people speak of, “Most of the emotional and psychological problems faced by adults are the result of unresolved issues of childhood. The way a person will turn out in adulthood is heavily influenced by their experiences in their childhood. Parenting styles are important as it determines a lot of the emotional well being of the child during his mature years. The book takes the reader through the difficult days of adolescence, stages of development, choices, commitments and sexuality
He further added, “Dystopia reflects the ugly truths of life which are hidden by deeply enforced silences. At its heart, this book is about the quest to uncover these truths for a self-reflection that is not unlike enlightenment. And it all circles around the mysterious death of a teenage girl who decided to face death than to face life.”
About Manoj Jain
This is not the first time that celebrated author Manoj Jain has touched a chord with his readers with his honest outlook towards life. His previous books such as Ramona and Balraj, too, highlighted social problems which needed to be documented for self-analysis as an individual as well as part of the overall social ecosystem.
The 50-year-old author, businessman and teacher, is born and bred Mumbaikar, who is also an alumnus of the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad. With forays into entrepreneurship and then divulgement in business, his journey of self-discovery never slowed down but rather became enriched with his corporate experiences.
A keen learner, his quest for knowledge never dwindled after officially finishing his studies. He takes distance education courses to study various subjects like psychology, languages and anthropology to enrich his knowledge.