The Adventures of Appa

The Adventures of Appa

Ganesh Murthy (Appa), the protagonist of this book, was born exactly one month after India gained independence from British rule. As the second of five siblings and the eldest son, he spent his early childhood in the serene landscapes of Kerala with his doting grandparents. His youth was marked by travels across the country, including extended stays in Mumbai and Kolkata, where his family eventually settled. A shy and sensitive child, Appa was a keen observer of human nature, able to discern the quirks of those around him quickly. His vivid imagination transformed these observations into amusing tales he would then narrate with great flair.

Appa has always been a captivating storyteller. As children, we, his two daughters (authors), our cousins, friends, and even neighbours, would gather around him during evening power cuts in Calcutta of the eighties, eagerly listening to him recounting his childhood experiences. Laughter filled the dark room, and his stories often prompted requests for encores. Over the years, our friends from school, college, and work would visit our home with a single-point agenda: to hear Appa recount his adventures.

This book is a collection of some of the tales we grew up hearing. We have endeavoured to remain as true to the original narratives as possible, preserving their essence and humour. Yet, beneath the humour lies the poignant story of a child who faced fear and trauma, a child who had to mature far too quickly, and whose dreams were dashed before they could fully form.