When Places Come Alive is a collection of stories about destinations across the globe. Written by me, this book is bound to transport you to various travel destinations through these stories. Thrilling and intriguing, these tales stem from various legends, the culture and its people, the natural landscapes and heritage art forms that are practiced till date.
Echoes from the Last Village
“Drift with the winds to the place, where Midas turns everything to Gold” – the clue that set off Amy on a journey through Gold Coast. “…. Death is but a new beginning. And you will see it for yourself. My end will bring a new life to not just me but these departed souls.” True to his promise, the old monk continues to return to the enigmatic valley of Bhutan. “Hidden within it is the secret of our lost clan, who they say still resides in the last village.” – reveals a Greek man to his teenage granddaughter who promises to find them.
Book Chapters
Not a travel guide, nor travel memoirs. Just intriguing stories that make “Places come alive”.
Tales that arose from the questions that these places put forward. Some of them came through the legends while others are how I imagined them to be. With characters and dialogues, these chapters will bring each destination to life!
An accidental glimpse of a beauty that forces the villagers to disappear overnight – transforming a hustling-bustling town to an empty shell. A place in Rajasthan that throws more questions than gives answers.
2. Return of the souls
Every year, the black necked cranes descend to this place but only after they have encircled the monastery thrice. And when, they return, they encircle it again and fly away. What might be the story of this Bhutanese valley!
3. The midnight masquerade
None had ever escaped the grim prison but he dared and even, lived to tell the tale. A handsome hunk and a player. This is why Casanova became famous – not just in Italy but the world over.
4. The eternal circle of life
Trapped for a sin, cursed to live the circle of life and finally released – at the very place where souls even today, find their salvation. A story that comes from 800 BC and lives on till date in Varanasi, India
5. Conquering emotions
An impatient and lazy man taught lessons for life that not just transformed his world but that of an entire village. The craft he learnt and passed on lives on in this Thai village, located in Chiang Mai.
6. Sparkling secrets
A thrilling treasure hunt that leads a young lady from the depth of an ocean through the hinterland and into the woods of Gold Coast, Australia.
7. The homecoming
Set along the backwaters of Kerala, this is a heartwarming tale of a man who defied odds to live his dreams. It brings forth the unique culture of this tranquil landscape.
8. I am omnipresent
She cursed and then she promised. She leaves and yet she lives. Based on the Living Goddess of Nepal – the Kumari.
9. The last village
A book urged Sandra to find her ancestors – left behind by the army of Alexander the Great. She travels miles to finally find them in this last village of India.
10. One for all
She was coveted by many and blood shed over her. Finally the choice was hers – one that still causes an annual phenomenon in Lombok, Indonesia.
This is not a travelogue or a collection of fictional short stories. It is a book that is true to its title and makes places across the world come alive. With her vivid narration and evocative imagery, the author takes you on a journey to places as diverse as Varanasi, Thailand, Kerala, Italy, and others. She reconstructs the legends behind these places into beautifully written short stories that bring the ambiance and atmosphere of the place alive. Stuck indoors at a time of the year, which is usually marked for travel, it was a lovely read. The book also has nuggets of information and QR codes and links for more information, so that you can plan a getaway as soon as possible
Good Reads
Somya John
“A collection of 10 beautiful shorts stories based on legends from different parts of the world that the writer has visited. Each story is narrated uniquely and transports you to that place and helps you understand the legend. This is a perfect book for a weekend, and I highly recommend it if you are a travel enthusiast. I can’t wait to visit these places now…”
On Amazon
Lata Subramanian
A place comes alive to a traveler when it’s geography, living species and monuments speak of it’s history. I remember seeing little ones run to the purported school building in Angkor Wat in my mind’s eye. I also recall imagining artisans from 12th century India working on the friezes depicting the Mahabharata in the main complex. It’s that experience of bring transported back in time to make a connection with people from a distant time and place that makes traveling so meaningful and enjoyable. Ami Bhat makes such an experience possible for armchair travelers with every story in her charmingly penned When Places Come Alive. She takes her readers and their imaginations on a journey traversing the Indian states of Kerala, Ladakh and Rajasthan to Venice in Italy and crisscrossing to Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Amar
I like to visit places with a history, and when i did, i would always wonder how it was in different periods in history. Sometimes, this desire would be satiated if there was movie or a documentary about the place. In general, reading about the place did not really take me back in time. However, reading ” When Places come Alive”, i have to say the Author managed to take me back in time. I am not sure, if it was the simple narrative or the characterisation, but stories in the book made a profound impact. I sincerely wish she writes more of this and brings to life all the places she has visited. A true treat to read and experience, especially in paperback!!!
Good Reads
Nirav Vora
I have always looked forward to visiting places which have some history or legend associated with it. The Mystique increases the desire always. And though I haven’t yet found the chance to do this, this book goes a long long way to accomplishing this for me. A beautiful collection of short stories to capture the mind & imagination is what this book is all about. The style of writing coupled with the narration and the way the scenes, myths and stories are brought forward definitely makes this a page turner. Now I am even more set on visiting some of these places. A highly recommended read especially if you love travelling and knowing about various legends and places. Looking forward to the next volume.
Amazon
Samarth
What an interesting way to talk about these hidden gems! In a story format so that it becomes very very relatable! It’s like you are in the story.. I understood the title right after the first page of the first chapter on kuldhara. I absolutely loved it! I intend to see all the places now will relate to it much better! Two thumbs up!
Amazon
Jermina Menon
Her first book, When Places Come Alive, is a unique travel book. The book shares stories behind places, their myths & legends. A very interesting take on my why you should travel there (when you can do so again). 10stories that take you from #kerala to #ladakh & #indonesia to #rajasthan via #bhutan . Oh and while we are it, a weekend dash to #venice isn’t a bad idea. Well crafted, absorbing to read, Ami adds a touch of perfection with detailed footnotes. Each chapter ends with links to her blog Thrilling Travel where you can get more detailed information on the place. My fav one was the opening story of Kuldhara in Rajasthan & the Alice in Wonderland-esque discovery of The Gold Coast of Australia.
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Jagadish
I picked up the book not knowing what to expect. Boy !! did it take me by surprise… It’s written in way that draws you into the very heart of the legendary tales, be it a thousand years ago. Sitting in the comfort of your drawing room, with this book, you get to take a time capsule through a dozen places meandering across Asia. Many of these chronicles are guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps. Grab a copy, find a comfortable space, coz you are not dropping the book till you finish it !!
