Last night, I got to meet my favourite story teller at a book reading in Bangalore. I have always believed that Jeffrey Archer is a better story teller than a writer. Yesterday proved it.
With his subtle digs at Indian films, the state of Indian road transport, and the political scenario, Archer proved a consummate story teller.
This was particularly evident when he spoke about the first time he wrote a book that got rejected by 14 publishers. When the 15th time proved to be lucky, he was invited to be on national television.
However, it was for a 7-minute programme where he would be sharing the dias with two other dignitaries, including the son of a prime minister. With the little time left, his publisher had asked him to say ‘Kane & Able’ as many times possible for increased sales.
Ofcourse, only 3000 copies of the book were in circulation, but it later on went on to be on the Bestsellers list. Last October, that very book was revisited by Archer after 30 years and realised there are 7,500 words the book could do without. Today, the edited version of the book is available in Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
This is truly the coming of age of India. Authors, filmmakers, musicians and country heads who scarcely considered an India hop, are now making a beeline to our shores to showcase their might. Why? Because they have realised the profits that accrue from it.
And Archer is the latest to join the list. However, I must add that this might not be the ONLY reason why people like Archer are here. It could well be that it’s hip to be in India because it’s on the global map for many reasons.
So hail India. And read more of Archer. Take his latest book: Paths of Glory. I picked it up, if only to get Archer to autograph it (yes, though I am a senior journalist who looks down upon taking autographs from celebrities, this was one rare opportunity for me to take it from a writer I admire).
However, I want to add that Archer has invested a lot more into his writing in this book. After reading his latest book, I realised that he has penned short chapters and each one is like a short story. Profile one portion of the character’s journey in such a captivating fashion, that you will be forced to turn over the page and on to the next chapter. And before you know it, the book will be over. Happy reading!
