Nepal, May 2 -- Whenever we come across dramatic and consequential historical events, we always wonder: what must those epoch-making characters have thought, felt and said in the moment? Keshav Dahal's new novel 'Itha' takes us to those moments. It brings to life many historical and imaginative figures, making their experiences and expressions not just accessible but also relatable.

'Itha' may be remembered as his magnum opus, adding to the acclaim he has already earned through his earlier works: 'Mokshabhumi' and 'Madhavi O Madhavi'.

The book's very title is a clever and meaningful construction. The author fuses the "I" of Itihas (history) with the "tha" of Katha (story), and boldly presents the story as a bit of both. Dahal seamlessly...