Zapp: the squirrel who wanted to fly by Rachit Kinger
Wisdom Tree. Pages: 115. Price: $ 7.95
It is a rare experience to come across an Indian writer living in India who gives us a top class parable that can be turned into a comic book and even a cartoon flick. Zapp, the baby squirrel, ventures out into the big bad jungle to live life on his own terms – much against the elder squirrels’ remonstrations. During his adventures he befriends Saap the snake and Baaz the eagle – otherwise its specie’s natural enemies. His encounters with the two are thrilling enough. However, he also makes friends with a rabbit and a snail. From each of his friends Zapp learns something new and useful. If the snail dwells upon high ambition’s futility then the rabbit declares, “Life is not something you have to endure”; in fact “it is basically one’s perception’s affair”. Zapp has developed a burning desire for flying and visiting distant lands by following the sun’s path. Some discourage him while others make fun of him, but Baaz inspires him to develop his own wings – which he eventually does and how!!
This is an inspirational book with doses of philosophic gravitas at one level; and on another level – thanks to its child-friendly language – it is a sheer entertainer. Kinger’s novella is destined to be a best seller.
The Tribune
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