I Dream of Sita

My novel about the Ramayana is about to come out soon in India. In January 2019, to be precise.

It’s written in Sita’s voice.

I’ve been planning this book for about ten years, ever since my novel on the Mahabharat, The Palace of Illusions, was published. It’s the longest I’ve ever spent obsessing over a book.

I was very excited when I finally figured out the title, The Forest of Enchantments. A title is so importance. It creates a tone. A mood. A pattern of light and sound.

I’m excited, but I’m also nervous. You never know how people will respond to something you hold so close to your heart.

The Indian Express asked me, Why Sita?

Here’s part of my answer: “Sita has haunted me ever since I was a girl and first heard the fascinating, multifaceted story of the Ramayana from my grandfather.

As a young woman, I wasn’t particularly fond of Sita. Perhaps, this was because I was instructed so often by my elders to be like her. I was told she was devoted and long-suffering, that she put up with all the troubles heaped upon her by life. She didn’t rebel, didn’t fight back. She got along, meekly, with everyone around her, and willingly sacrificed her happiness for their sake.

But in spite of my teenage dismissal of her, I couldn’t forget Sita. There was something mysterious and slippery about her which I couldn’t quite grasp but which fascinated me. What was it exactly?”

To read the rest of the article, go to https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/from-darkness-into-light-5431633/

Let me know what you think.

PS. I’ll be touring India in Jan 2019. City details are on this website, under Upcoming Events. I’d love to see you at an event. Really. I’m nervous when I travel and it’s helpful to have friendly, positive people at the readings. If you attend, be sure to come up and say hello.

Healthy Eating: Indian Style Omelette, a Comfort Dish from My Childhood

A new book publication is always a hectic affair, and since the birth of Before We Visit the Goddess, things have been exciting but crazy. I’ve been rushing around on book tour, eating whatever I can grab on the run. So now that I am home for a few days, I thought I would make something healthy for myself and Murthy for our lunch.

I decided on an Indian style omelette, because it is tasty, easy to make, quick, healthy and low-carb. It's also a comfort-food out of my childhood. My mother used to make omelettes spiced with onions and chilies to be served with khichuri, a rice-and-lentil dish, on rainy days. We were not rich; she probably chose to make this meal because it was an easy and inexpensive way for her to get her family some protein. Still, I have many happy memories associated with omelettes.

I started by chopping up one red onion and a jalapeno pepper, because I like my omelette spicy. I chopped up an inch of ginger, one green bell pepper, and one red bell pepper. You can add garlic, also – I just wasn’t in the mood for any. I sautéed all this in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick pan. I chopped some cilantro leaves and kept them aside. I used 1/4 cup, but you can adjust for taste. I added a little salt into the vegetables.

I beat up four large eggs, adding 1 tablespoon of water because I don’t like my egg mixture too thick. (I only use cage free eggs nowadays because I feel it’s more humane. I use eggs from pasture roaming hens when I can find them.) I added salt and pepper to taste.

I sprayed a non-stick skillet with olive oil spray, added the egg mixture, lowered the temperature to 3, and allowed the eggs to solidify without browning at the bottom. Once they were semisolid I lowered the temperature further (I don’t like crisped omelette!), added the sautéed veggies onto one half and sprinkled the whole thing with shredded cheese – shredded sharp cheddar works really well for me, but mozzarella is good, too. I topped the cheese with chopped cilantro and folded the omelette in half. I cut it into two pieces-- and lunch was ready!

I feel an omelette is a full meal in itself, so that was a good lunch for me. Murthy ate his with brown bread, and that, too, is a good way to eat omelettes!

 What is a favorite comfort dish for you out of your childhood? I'd love to know.