The Sahyadri Adventure : Anirudh’s Dream has the same ingredients which make other books by Deepak Dalal so refreshingly different – adventure, mystery, research and a riveting plot.
 
The book is set in the Bombay of the 18th century and the descriptions gives us an exact idea about that era. It starts innocently with sailing and trekking but as the book progresses the excitement increases. Anirudh, friends with Vikram and Aditya, the protagonists, dreams about a boy named Irfan who once lived in a fort in the Sahyadri hills. The narrative shifts to the here and now and picks up pace when Aditya’s friend Chitra joins Anirudh and Vikram as they set out on their strangest adventure yet. The quartet’s quest is to unravel the mystery of the Sahyadri mountains.

Interlaced with vivid action and chase sequences, the story proceeds. The plot is peppered with historical facts and stories subtly woven around them. The best thing about the book is that it is set in India with Indian characters, which makes us easily relate to them. And to add to that it also addresses Indian concerns. The tale shifts in time and space and gives the reader a glimpse into the glorious collage that makes India with people belonging to various communities moving in and out, adding difference and diversity. It makes great reading, and once you start, it is very difficult to put the book down. I think it would make a terrific film for children and give Harry Potter series a run for its money. The icing on the cake is that the delectable story continues in a sequel – “Koleshwar’s Secret.”

The internal illustrations by 14 year old Anusha Menon are a visual delight. The cover page illustration, design and production values are excellent.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy and slip into Deepak Dalal’s wonderful world of imagination, creativity, thrills and chills!

Fact file :
Name of the book - Sahyadri Adventure : Anirudh’s Dream
Author – Deepak Dalal
Publisher – Tarini Publishing, Pune
Year of Publication : 2010
Price : Rs. 195/-