Kochery C Shibu was born in Kochi, Kangarapady and he now lives in Bangalore with his wife and daughter. He holds a postgraduate degree in Defence Studies from Chennai University, and he has done MA in English Literature from Pune University. He has served in the Indian Navy and commanded two warships. Post his retirement, he has executed hydroelectric projects in the Cauvery River basin in Karnataka, Beas River basin in Himachal Pradesh and Teesta River basin in Sikkim. Faith and the Beloved is his second book, and many of the characters in the novel are inspired from those whom he has encountered during his extensive travel.

I chat with the author about his book Faith and the Beloved, how the book came to be, book recommendations, and much more.

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself!

I have graduated from the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, in 1981. I am a navy veteran. Post retirement, I have executed hydroelectric projects, and have also been associated with the setting up of a shipping company in India. I am the bestselling author of the book Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar. Faith and the Beloved is my second book.

If you could only describe your book Faith and the Beloved in one sentence, what would it be?

The book’s story is an exploration of the value system of individuals.

Now tell us a little more about the book! What can readers expect?

It is a crime thriller set in the back drop of historical events which have taken place in the recent past. The novel would be a good fit for the discerning readers, as it covers a vast spectrum in terms of geography, timelines, people and events. The novel is about value system of individuals and how far they are willing to go to protect their loved ones.

How did the idea of writing this novel come about?

The idea had been churning in my mind for many years. It was a conscious decision to write a crime thriller. My first book Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar was written in the Booker prize books kind of writing style. That was a combination of classical writing, technical fiction and thriller, with all these elements woven together in a riveting narrative. Faith and the Beloved is also a thriller with a fair share of classical writing.

What are the different themes that you have explored in this novel?

The concept or the blue print of the book is in the first chapter, which is almost like the modern day concept of an escape room. There is the theme of women taking life in their stride and taking a rapist to task, than wallowing in sorrow. There is the story of a boy who has lost his parents to mob violence and how he dedicates his whole life to live for the cause of revenge. The book is in many ways a reflection of what people think and do when they have to cross the line and commit a crime.

Is there a scene or character you really enjoyed creating and writing?

There are many characters and scenes that I enjoyed writing in this book. I would say I enjoyed writing the whole book.

How have you been coping with the current pandemic and what will be the new normal for you post it?

The pandemic has been a time of reflection and realisation as to how fragile our life is. Equally it has also been an opportunity for me to utilize time for writing and research. The pandemic has also brought in the concept of living today to fight another day. One hopes to go back to normal life post pandemic, but we must always be thankful to the Lord for the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and the food that we eat.

Lastly, are you currently reading anything and do you have any fictional book recommendations for our readers?

I have stopped reading fiction since 2009 when I started writing my first novel Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar. This was a conscious decision to avoid my writing from being influenced even inadvertently by something that I was reading. This has continued and will be so till I complete my third novel. For the present, I would recommend the readers to check out my first book Men and Dreams in the Dhauladhar.

The book ‘Faith and the Beloved’ is available online and at your nearest bookstore.