Cough Syrup Surrealism By: Tharun James Jimani

Immerse Yourself in "Cough Syrup Surrealism"

"Charlie's not a depressive. He's certainly not suicidal..." So begins the unconventional journey into the mind of Charlie, the protagonist of Tharun James Jimani's debut novel, Cough Syrup Surrealism. This isn't your typical coming-of-age story; it's an immersive dive into the surreal world of a young man grappling with his identity amidst the fading echoes of the Nineties music era.

About the Book

"An unwitting Charlie... is hurled into a brave new world..."

The novel, set against the backdrop of 2006 Mumbai, follows Charlie as he navigates through addiction, rock music, and debauchery. His life is a whirlwind of contradictions - he's in love with Paloma but hates himself, living out Nineties music video fantasies while yearning to be someone else. As the world around him evolves, Charlie must confront his own caricature and ultimately decide which life he truly wants.

At its heart, "Cough Syrup Surrealism" is a tale of growing up and going down..."

Spanning just 276 pages in its PAPERBACK format (ISBN-13: 9788172344528), this novel packs a punch with its vivid imagery, raw emotion, and sharp wit. Published by Fingerprint Publishing on 01 June. 2013, it's a time capsule of sorts, capturing the essence of an era when MTV was no longer Music Television, and mixtapes were becoming passé.

About the Author

Tharun James Jimani, a blogger and writer based in Bombay, brings his unique perspective to life through Charlie's character. His short story 'An Absurd Romance' was previously published in Scholastic's anthology, Music of the Stars and Other Love Stories. With Cough Syrup Surrealism, Jimani makes his mark as a fresh voice in Indian literature.

Key Features

• Relatable yet Unique Protagonist: Charlie isn't your typical hero. He's flawed, vulnerable, and navigating through life with humor and heartache.
• Vibrant Setting: The novel breathes life into its Mumbai setting, capturing the city's essence in the mid-2000s.
• Engaging Narrative Structure: Jimani weaves a tale that oscillates between humor and pathos, keeping readers engaged until the very end.

In conclusion, "Cough Syrup Surrealism" is more than just a novel; it's an experience. It's for those who grew up with MTV, lived through the Nineties music era, and are now looking back with nostalgia and introspection. So, dive in, and ask yourself: can you really take the Nineties out of Charlie?