Chennai: A book by advocate and author Vadhan, ‘Fear of God’, is a ‘literary crime thriller’ that weaves law, corruption, vigilantism and courtroom drama. In an e-mail interview with ‘News Today’, Vadhan discusses his latest book.
Q) Could you tell us your journey of becoming an author?
A) Writing was something I always loved. I was enamored by stories, both listening and narrating. I started with poetry. Went into writing short stories until when I was 12, I attempted a book. One day, I picked up a Robert Ludlum (The Matarese Circle). He inspired me not only to read more but also to try my hand at writing. There has been no looking back.
I am blessed with vivid imagination. Mythological stories from my grandparents only fueled the fire. The book I attempted at 12 was completed 25 odd years later and was published as ‘Agniputr’ by one of the top publishers in the world, Bloomsbury, in 2016. It went on to attract rave reviews.
Q) From the author’s perspective, could you tell us about the book’s title, ‘Fear of God’?
A) India is a God fearing country. We invoke God for every little thing. The protagonist of the book wants obedience to the law and takes to extreme forms of enforcing it by calling such enforcement, Fear of God.
Q) When the lockdown started, many artistes and authors began putting up messages asking people to pursue their passion. How were the past few months been for you on the creative side?
A) Well, from the word get-go, the organisation in which I work has managed to keep me on my toes. In fact, with Work From Home, the hours only got longer. However, from the beginning, I always write at night or early mornings. So, my routine did not change much. Since, I have been pursuing my passion for several years now, the lockdown did provide a good respite. I did manage to complete my next book, so that’s the upside, I suppose.
Q) What can a reader expect from ‘Fear of God’?
A) It is a thriller and entertainer. That is the soul of the book. It is meant only to give the reader an edge-of-the-seat thrill ride. There is a lot of truth in the book. It is for my readers to either take it or leave it. I am not here to gauge morality. If there is a lesson in the book, it is to obey the law. I think us as Indians love growth. Two things contribute to growth, harmony and peace. Both of these can be a result of obedience to the law. Some feel that they are more privileged than the ordinary Indian. They are the ones who break the law. The story of Fear of God deals with them.
You can reach him at [email protected].