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Down and Rising
The debut novel from award-winning filmmaker Rohith S. Katbamna, tells the powerful story of a brave few who venture for truth in the aftermath of a global uprising.
In the year 2027, society has fallen. Mass revolts and warring nations have claimed countless lives and destroyed vast lands. Forced into a dark slumber, the world now draws fewer breaths and hosts infinite graveyards.
In England, ten survivors who have journeyed many miles are on a path ready to converge. With histories soaked in the blood of betrayal, lies and deceit, one common thread binds them. The human instinct to seek a greater truth.
Over six days, these ten souls will come to find that the ruined world around them is reawakening. As a presence emerges, bringing with it a merciless intention to eliminate any and all beating bodies, this company of strangers will confront a series of hardships in a tale of underdogs, oppressors and the human condition.
Down and Rising is an immersive reading experience. An imaginative multi-story arc intricately woven together by striking imagery, reference materials and finely crafted characters.
In the year 2027, society has fallen. Mass revolts and warring nations have claimed countless lives and destroyed vast lands. Forced into a dark slumber, the world now draws fewer breaths and hosts infinite graveyards.
In England, ten survivors who have journeyed many miles are on a path ready to converge. With histories soaked in the blood of betrayal, lies and deceit, one common thread binds them. The human instinct to seek a greater truth.
Over six days, these ten souls will come to find that the ruined world around them is reawakening. As a presence emerges, bringing with it a merciless intention to eliminate any and all beating bodies, this company of strangers will confront a series of hardships in a tale of underdogs, oppressors and the human condition.
Down and Rising is an immersive reading experience. An imaginative multi-story arc intricately woven together by striking imagery, reference materials and finely crafted characters.
675 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2023
7 people are currently reading
2932 people want to read
About the author
Rohith S. Katbamna
2 books529 followersBorn in Hammersmith, England, Rohith S. Katbamna began his writing career in the film and television industry.
Following on from his work with the BBC, Channel 4 and IFC, including his acclaimed documentary, Hooking in JoBurg, Rohith’s feature debut came at the age of 28 when he wrote, produced, shot and directed the British television miniseries, PREMature. A culmination of a decade of work on the professional circuit, of which he was nominated for a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.
With the success of the series, he dedicated the next three years towards honing his writing craft through his debut hybrid novel, Down and Rising. An idea originally conceived in response to social and political tensions with an emphasis on humanistic themes and psychological drama.
After developing an international readership, he commenced work on his follow-up novel, Gulab (more information here). A meditative urban noir set against the backdrop of the farmers’ plight in India and the fall-out of Britain’s economic crisis.
On Gulab: "It's an unflinching story of regret, perseverance and absolution. A fierce study in human morality that spotlights the corruption of media and government, and its lasting impact on the working class.” - Rohith S. Katbamna
Following on from his work with the BBC, Channel 4 and IFC, including his acclaimed documentary, Hooking in JoBurg, Rohith’s feature debut came at the age of 28 when he wrote, produced, shot and directed the British television miniseries, PREMature. A culmination of a decade of work on the professional circuit, of which he was nominated for a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit.
With the success of the series, he dedicated the next three years towards honing his writing craft through his debut hybrid novel, Down and Rising. An idea originally conceived in response to social and political tensions with an emphasis on humanistic themes and psychological drama.
After developing an international readership, he commenced work on his follow-up novel, Gulab (more information here). A meditative urban noir set against the backdrop of the farmers’ plight in India and the fall-out of Britain’s economic crisis.
On Gulab: "It's an unflinching story of regret, perseverance and absolution. A fierce study in human morality that spotlights the corruption of media and government, and its lasting impact on the working class.” - Rohith S. Katbamna
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 6, 2019
*I was fortunate to read an advanced copy as part of an impartial reader's circle before buying a copy upon release.
Cover Art: A canvas style painting with the duplicate image of a girl’s face. In addition, 10 flowers that if left to my interpretation, represent the 10 main characters. What makes this cover that much more important, is how it has been woven into the fabric of the story. You learn from the beginning that everything in this book has a reason for its place.
Characters: I was apprehensive about seeing an ensemble collection of characters because I mainly found my most enjoyable reading experiences to be those that focused on 2 or 3 key people. However, in ‘Down and Rising’, the author managed to pull off what I feel is rare these days. Rounded out characters, whom I cared for, warts and all.
Story: I came in expecting zombies, nuclear mutations and all of the other tropes we have grown accustomed to with post-apocalyptic tales. This shelves all those in favour of the human story. A unique focus on social and political culture that funnily enough mirrors in many ways today’s situation. I found myself smiling at points because where we are now doesn’t seem too far off (in some ways) from where 2027 is in ‘Down and Rising’.
The story was told in a very cinematic sense. Heavy on the psychological drama and suspense and just as much on the violence and action - all the while with a grounded control of realism.
The reveals, the twists, the turns - are sewn beautifully throughout for a page-turning experience.
Structure: This is perhaps one of the easiest parts to highlight. Not only are we greeted with flashback storytelling through a main liner arc, but we are offered reading materials between chapters. Each offering supplemental and interesting knowledge while continuing to world-build. We see background information on certain characters and storylines and clues and nuggets to events that are to come later in the story.
Conclusion: Patience. This book is about patience. Taking the time to understand each other. Our world isn't moving fast. Our perception is. A very enlightening read.
Cover Art: A canvas style painting with the duplicate image of a girl’s face. In addition, 10 flowers that if left to my interpretation, represent the 10 main characters. What makes this cover that much more important, is how it has been woven into the fabric of the story. You learn from the beginning that everything in this book has a reason for its place.
Characters: I was apprehensive about seeing an ensemble collection of characters because I mainly found my most enjoyable reading experiences to be those that focused on 2 or 3 key people. However, in ‘Down and Rising’, the author managed to pull off what I feel is rare these days. Rounded out characters, whom I cared for, warts and all.
Story: I came in expecting zombies, nuclear mutations and all of the other tropes we have grown accustomed to with post-apocalyptic tales. This shelves all those in favour of the human story. A unique focus on social and political culture that funnily enough mirrors in many ways today’s situation. I found myself smiling at points because where we are now doesn’t seem too far off (in some ways) from where 2027 is in ‘Down and Rising’.
The story was told in a very cinematic sense. Heavy on the psychological drama and suspense and just as much on the violence and action - all the while with a grounded control of realism.
The reveals, the twists, the turns - are sewn beautifully throughout for a page-turning experience.
Structure: This is perhaps one of the easiest parts to highlight. Not only are we greeted with flashback storytelling through a main liner arc, but we are offered reading materials between chapters. Each offering supplemental and interesting knowledge while continuing to world-build. We see background information on certain characters and storylines and clues and nuggets to events that are to come later in the story.
Conclusion: Patience. This book is about patience. Taking the time to understand each other. Our world isn't moving fast. Our perception is. A very enlightening read.
January 15, 2019
WARNING: This book is suitable for mature readers.
There is violence, strong language, disturbing events.
REVIEW: Down and Rising made me feel optimistic in a strange way. Considering how depressing the situation of the 'end of the world' appeared in this story, the hopeful glimmers and strong messaging on never giving up no matter what, shone through.
There is so much to take from this story and I can't really compile them into a single review. But I will say this. I feel informed and alert to things in my life that I wasn't necessarily aware of before. Whether it's information consumption or human decency, these things were strongly represented in Down and Rising.
As for why one should read this book, or who should read this book... I'd say anyone who wants to be challenged or is open to being challenged on their views and judgements. It's a book on the human condition and in some ways, the psychological make-up of society.
A final note - creative approach to presenting literary fiction through artistic images. Wonderful work by Filmon Belay.
There is violence, strong language, disturbing events.
REVIEW: Down and Rising made me feel optimistic in a strange way. Considering how depressing the situation of the 'end of the world' appeared in this story, the hopeful glimmers and strong messaging on never giving up no matter what, shone through.
There is so much to take from this story and I can't really compile them into a single review. But I will say this. I feel informed and alert to things in my life that I wasn't necessarily aware of before. Whether it's information consumption or human decency, these things were strongly represented in Down and Rising.
As for why one should read this book, or who should read this book... I'd say anyone who wants to be challenged or is open to being challenged on their views and judgements. It's a book on the human condition and in some ways, the psychological make-up of society.
A final note - creative approach to presenting literary fiction through artistic images. Wonderful work by Filmon Belay.
January 15, 2019
Fine storytelling with an atmosphere that exudes from the pages. A different kind of post-apocalyptic tale. One so timely, yet timeless.
Some very upsetting scenes which are balanced with delicate moments of human exchange. A fusion of grief and hope.
Different in the way it has been written. Artwork compliments some frighteningly realistic historical documents.
Highly recommend this.
Some very upsetting scenes which are balanced with delicate moments of human exchange. A fusion of grief and hope.
Different in the way it has been written. Artwork compliments some frighteningly realistic historical documents.
Highly recommend this.
March 21, 2023
Eclectic in its writing, story and presentation.
Down and Rising challenged my views on life and how I look at certain taboo subjects. Even as far as to go, incest. It may sound shocking without any context but once you read this book and meet Henry + Hattie - it will all be abundantly clear.
This read provided new dialogues and discourses on issues so urgent in our world. There was certainly a motivating factor to complete the book in order to see how the story unfolds and where these detailed characters end up. But also to assess general society. Where we are now and where we might be going.
Down and Rising challenged my views on life and how I look at certain taboo subjects. Even as far as to go, incest. It may sound shocking without any context but once you read this book and meet Henry + Hattie - it will all be abundantly clear.
This read provided new dialogues and discourses on issues so urgent in our world. There was certainly a motivating factor to complete the book in order to see how the story unfolds and where these detailed characters end up. But also to assess general society. Where we are now and where we might be going.
January 16, 2019
Had the chance to read this back in November as part of a reader's circle.
For a debut book, it certainly didn't read like one from a first-time novelist.
Down and Rising has been written with punch and confidence. A relevant tale set in the near future but in many ways is unfolding before our very eyes.
Considering the story is set over 6 days, it feels like an epic novel. We dive into character's lives in both the past and the present and are gifted with rich 'historical materials' to feed the reader experience.
There is a nice touch with blank pages between chapters titled 'Readers Notes'. I found this to be an additional effort on immersing me even more into the story. It also helped me to reflect on what I had just read, especially after coming back to pick up where I'd left off.
A wonderful read and easily one of the most striking pieces of literature I have read.
For a debut book, it certainly didn't read like one from a first-time novelist.
Down and Rising has been written with punch and confidence. A relevant tale set in the near future but in many ways is unfolding before our very eyes.
Considering the story is set over 6 days, it feels like an epic novel. We dive into character's lives in both the past and the present and are gifted with rich 'historical materials' to feed the reader experience.
There is a nice touch with blank pages between chapters titled 'Readers Notes'. I found this to be an additional effort on immersing me even more into the story. It also helped me to reflect on what I had just read, especially after coming back to pick up where I'd left off.
A wonderful read and easily one of the most striking pieces of literature I have read.
January 16, 2019
Went in cold. Came out burning.
The 'Salvage Entries' segment is an excellent addition to the end of a 6 day odyssey of blood, sweat and tears.
For someone who finds themselves distancing from the media and barrage of bias news etc. Down and Rising is a truly sobering read. It doesn't side completely with one or the other when it comes to politics. It takes a common sense and logical approach insisting on being fundamentally sound. Using simple approaches for complex situations.
We get too tied up in trying to be 'smart' that we get blinded by the solution that's in front of our face.
Powerful and brutal. Will be re-reading because there was so much in this and I have a feeling the experience will alter each time I read it while I come to understand certain aspects.
The 'Salvage Entries' segment is an excellent addition to the end of a 6 day odyssey of blood, sweat and tears.
For someone who finds themselves distancing from the media and barrage of bias news etc. Down and Rising is a truly sobering read. It doesn't side completely with one or the other when it comes to politics. It takes a common sense and logical approach insisting on being fundamentally sound. Using simple approaches for complex situations.
We get too tied up in trying to be 'smart' that we get blinded by the solution that's in front of our face.
Powerful and brutal. Will be re-reading because there was so much in this and I have a feeling the experience will alter each time I read it while I come to understand certain aspects.
February 1, 2019
Imaginative. Striking. Visceral. Un-filtered.
Firstly, don't take this book on the subway. It's heavy and unless you've big hands, it'll be uncomfortable. It's a book made for someone who has put some time aside or will be in one place and not on the move. Patience is a virtue.
Secondly, the artwork is fab! It's designed as if the artist has literally drawn on the paper itself and gives that authentic/classical feel.
Thirdly, the story is one of the most layered and fleshed out narratives I've had the pleasure of reading. I was and still am invested. I want more. I want to see where it goes or can go because there is a world here to explore and plunder for more creative riches.
This is most certainly a psychological odyssey of epic proportions. A creative feat that leaves you humbled and fulfilled - yet you want more!
Firstly, don't take this book on the subway. It's heavy and unless you've big hands, it'll be uncomfortable. It's a book made for someone who has put some time aside or will be in one place and not on the move. Patience is a virtue.
Secondly, the artwork is fab! It's designed as if the artist has literally drawn on the paper itself and gives that authentic/classical feel.
Thirdly, the story is one of the most layered and fleshed out narratives I've had the pleasure of reading. I was and still am invested. I want more. I want to see where it goes or can go because there is a world here to explore and plunder for more creative riches.
This is most certainly a psychological odyssey of epic proportions. A creative feat that leaves you humbled and fulfilled - yet you want more!
January 16, 2019
A novel written with fearlessness. Dark and bold. Takes a genre to a new place in structure, story and character depth. A demanding and rewarding read.
January 23, 2019
Experimentation at its finest.
A wonderful blend of prose, art, history, politics and masterful storytelling.
A wonderful blend of prose, art, history, politics and masterful storytelling.
January 22, 2019
An Epic Novel About the Importance of People Power.
Down and Rising documents the spirit of activism across a post-apocalyptic landscape. A rare take on the genre - which is refreshing considering the recent abundance of content from the genre.
Depending on who you are and your walk of life, you may take something entirely different away from this epic tale. For me, it was the empowerment of independent thought and the need for more empathy in the world.
It's a book that'll make the cynics uncomfortable and one that'll spur hope.
Down and Rising documents the spirit of activism across a post-apocalyptic landscape. A rare take on the genre - which is refreshing considering the recent abundance of content from the genre.
Depending on who you are and your walk of life, you may take something entirely different away from this epic tale. For me, it was the empowerment of independent thought and the need for more empathy in the world.
It's a book that'll make the cynics uncomfortable and one that'll spur hope.
February 1, 2019
A futuristic documentary.
Unflinching with touching moments.
Unflinching with touching moments.
January 31, 2019
Fantastic collage of literature and reality. Ending packs a punch.
February 10, 2019
Drives the conversation right to the heart. Who are we as humans and are we worth saving?
So much to take from this work of literary art. From the social and political commentary right on through to the spiritual and psychological analysis. On top of that, there's a great deal of importance placed on simple solutions to complicated issues. About stepping back and taking a breath. Refreshing your view.
Down and Rising is a triumph of a read and an unforgettable experience with characters who bleed through the pages to touch you with relentless emotion.
So much to take from this work of literary art. From the social and political commentary right on through to the spiritual and psychological analysis. On top of that, there's a great deal of importance placed on simple solutions to complicated issues. About stepping back and taking a breath. Refreshing your view.
Down and Rising is a triumph of a read and an unforgettable experience with characters who bleed through the pages to touch you with relentless emotion.
May 6, 2019
There have only been a handful of books in my life which I have deemed as true page-turners. This is undoubtedly one of those books.
Let's start with the plot: the year is 2027 and the 'world has fallen'. Doom and gloom befalls the broken landscapes and its characters. Something even more rotten lies underneath. This isn't just a story about 10 or so people uniting for a common truth. It's about home truths. Personal truths. The dark and seedy. The light and hopeful. There is pain and great struggle. A cacophony of themes not only for those in the story but for the reader. For me. For you. For our society.
The presentation/structure: a creative recipe of life-like newspaper cuttings, radio interviews, photographs and other interesting academic-like resource features. They're all tantamount to the story. A narrative builder. Thickening the substance and making for a pleasurable and often addictive read.
The message: change is frightening but necessary. Problems are complicated but solvable. Society is abrassive but compassion and empathy are the elixir.
"True deliverance is the liberation of the mind and the embrace of human compassion."
Let's start with the plot: the year is 2027 and the 'world has fallen'. Doom and gloom befalls the broken landscapes and its characters. Something even more rotten lies underneath. This isn't just a story about 10 or so people uniting for a common truth. It's about home truths. Personal truths. The dark and seedy. The light and hopeful. There is pain and great struggle. A cacophony of themes not only for those in the story but for the reader. For me. For you. For our society.
The presentation/structure: a creative recipe of life-like newspaper cuttings, radio interviews, photographs and other interesting academic-like resource features. They're all tantamount to the story. A narrative builder. Thickening the substance and making for a pleasurable and often addictive read.
The message: change is frightening but necessary. Problems are complicated but solvable. Society is abrassive but compassion and empathy are the elixir.
"True deliverance is the liberation of the mind and the embrace of human compassion."
February 25, 2019
Sobering! Finished last night and woke up thinking about it. Still blows me away.
February 25, 2019
This was a hard read at times because of the subject matter. It was hardhitting and didn't hold back.
As someone who has gone through much of a particular character in this book (won't mention which one), I felt like I was reading an auto-biography at moments. The detail was grand and the visual scape painted through the words and description was fantastic. I don't think I've ever read a book that has made me feel so overcome with emotion. The connections between these characters and the ideas of loyalty and compassion were so welcomed. The story was next level, in my opinion. Political games played at the highest level through manipulation and deception. A strange education that feels familiar when you look online or hear on the radio. Really hits home.
I don't feel there is such a thing as an original idea these days, but there is an original voice telling an original take in an original way when it comes to Down and Rising. A must-read. I'm sure I will read it again later in the year.
As someone who has gone through much of a particular character in this book (won't mention which one), I felt like I was reading an auto-biography at moments. The detail was grand and the visual scape painted through the words and description was fantastic. I don't think I've ever read a book that has made me feel so overcome with emotion. The connections between these characters and the ideas of loyalty and compassion were so welcomed. The story was next level, in my opinion. Political games played at the highest level through manipulation and deception. A strange education that feels familiar when you look online or hear on the radio. Really hits home.
I don't feel there is such a thing as an original idea these days, but there is an original voice telling an original take in an original way when it comes to Down and Rising. A must-read. I'm sure I will read it again later in the year.
February 25, 2019
My first question was something like, "is this another 'sh*t on the world' book?"
This was before I read DOWN AND RISING.
My answer was firmly given by the end of the first chapter. It wasn't about sh*tting on the world. Nor was it about nihilism or misanthropy. Popular hipster things to do or be these days. It was about widening your perspective and looking at the world as a community. An extended family. Being open-minded and giving and sometimes the downsides to these - but how not to be dissuaded by the 'few' bad things that can happen.
I think we tend to focus on the one negative among the 99 positives. Might be the human make-up, our ego and so on. All I know is that I feel encouraged to focus more on the latter. The positives. This is progression - and that's what DOWN AND RISING was for me. The goal of progressing as a human society.
Proves that even in the fiercest brutality, you can still lift yourself and others up.
This was before I read DOWN AND RISING.
My answer was firmly given by the end of the first chapter. It wasn't about sh*tting on the world. Nor was it about nihilism or misanthropy. Popular hipster things to do or be these days. It was about widening your perspective and looking at the world as a community. An extended family. Being open-minded and giving and sometimes the downsides to these - but how not to be dissuaded by the 'few' bad things that can happen.
I think we tend to focus on the one negative among the 99 positives. Might be the human make-up, our ego and so on. All I know is that I feel encouraged to focus more on the latter. The positives. This is progression - and that's what DOWN AND RISING was for me. The goal of progressing as a human society.
Proves that even in the fiercest brutality, you can still lift yourself and others up.
February 14, 2019
It was the characters that did it for me.
Even though the story was pretty damn brilliant, the characters (who felt like real-life people) were absorbing and moving. I actually can't remember the last time I felt this attached to literary characters.
Arav and Jared are complete standouts. The latter will probably be the most controversial and most complex. But go in with an open mind and try to put your personal bias and pre-conceptions aside to understand. It's what I had to do and it paid off. I was both moved and angered but satisfied.
The autistic character of Utari is completely adorable and as someone who has an autistic relative with similar comprehension, it hit home in a warm way. There was clearly an effort to delve into her mind. To ask questions about perception and taking in the "ruined" world around her.
Regarding the characters on the whole, the depth and detail from each inflexion and mannerism to the words and gestures exchanged are delicate and purposeful. I was there in the discussions and conversations and situations. I was engrossed in it all.
Another reviewer mentioned the word 'documentary' and it does feel that way. A drama-doc even. You're a fly on the wall watching it all unfold. You want to touch and intervene but you can't. It's a pretty strange feeling. A good feeling.
Definitely worth a second read. It's a huge book but I was determined to finish it. I was hooked.
Even though the story was pretty damn brilliant, the characters (who felt like real-life people) were absorbing and moving. I actually can't remember the last time I felt this attached to literary characters.
Arav and Jared are complete standouts. The latter will probably be the most controversial and most complex. But go in with an open mind and try to put your personal bias and pre-conceptions aside to understand. It's what I had to do and it paid off. I was both moved and angered but satisfied.
The autistic character of Utari is completely adorable and as someone who has an autistic relative with similar comprehension, it hit home in a warm way. There was clearly an effort to delve into her mind. To ask questions about perception and taking in the "ruined" world around her.
Regarding the characters on the whole, the depth and detail from each inflexion and mannerism to the words and gestures exchanged are delicate and purposeful. I was there in the discussions and conversations and situations. I was engrossed in it all.
Another reviewer mentioned the word 'documentary' and it does feel that way. A drama-doc even. You're a fly on the wall watching it all unfold. You want to touch and intervene but you can't. It's a pretty strange feeling. A good feeling.
Definitely worth a second read. It's a huge book but I was determined to finish it. I was hooked.
March 7, 2019
Why can't we have more books like this? Tackles convention and throws the rule book out of the window.
I understand why DOWN AND RISING is dubbed a "hybrid novel". It's not just the creative presentation (reminiscent of Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel, WATCHMEN). It's the feel of the book. It blends an abundace of ingredients for a colourful read.
Now having read this book during a time where we're seeing huge changes in our lifetime, it resonates with me deeply. The bureaucracy and hyprocisy so prevalent in our government along with the struggles of the average man, woman and child. They are under these microscopes of examination. The why's and how's.
I think the feeling I had was a bracing feeling. A fresh take on human observation. Yes, we've seen many a story on the end of the world and how it all goes very bad, very fast. With DOWN AND RISING we get to see this finite period between the aftermath and the next stage of rebuilding. A time capsule I've rarely seen implemented with such focus into a plot.
Pro's:
Intelligent
Incredible character depth
Compelling story full of turns, twists and patience
Masterful attention to detail
Strong messaging - author isn't afraid to go unfiltered
Beautiful and emotive artwork
Engaging and creative archive material
Con's:
Heavy book (weight)
I understand why DOWN AND RISING is dubbed a "hybrid novel". It's not just the creative presentation (reminiscent of Alan Moore's seminal graphic novel, WATCHMEN). It's the feel of the book. It blends an abundace of ingredients for a colourful read.
Now having read this book during a time where we're seeing huge changes in our lifetime, it resonates with me deeply. The bureaucracy and hyprocisy so prevalent in our government along with the struggles of the average man, woman and child. They are under these microscopes of examination. The why's and how's.
I think the feeling I had was a bracing feeling. A fresh take on human observation. Yes, we've seen many a story on the end of the world and how it all goes very bad, very fast. With DOWN AND RISING we get to see this finite period between the aftermath and the next stage of rebuilding. A time capsule I've rarely seen implemented with such focus into a plot.
Pro's:
Intelligent
Incredible character depth
Compelling story full of turns, twists and patience
Masterful attention to detail
Strong messaging - author isn't afraid to go unfiltered
Beautiful and emotive artwork
Engaging and creative archive material
Con's:
Heavy book (weight)
March 8, 2019
A human drama dressed in an apocalyptic tale. A ferocious command of characters and brutal realism.
March 12, 2019
Mindblowing!
April 12, 2019
This book came highly recommended through my university lecturer. It is the first book I have ever reviewed or have felt compelled to comment on. I'm normally a reader of classics and poetry like Poe and Bronte along with the occassional Stephen King and John le Carré. But I took on the recommedation.
Having read many of the reviews posted by readers, I'm not all too surprised by the praise. From what I understand, this is a debut novel by an indie filmmaker who has clearly demonstrated his writing prowess and confident command over multiple stories and characters.
As a British-born Indian, I feel represented just by reading a diverse book where one of the leads is a British-born Indian. It may sound like that is the only reason I'm so invested in this book but it isn't. What drew me in was the focus on human relationships and how important they are especially in the most dire of circumstances. The hardships faced and how a simple connection with another person can empower you to go the extra mile to overcome that hardship.
What also spoke to me was the stagnation of society and how they were essentially the footsteps towards complacency, frustration, revolt and violence. It was a message tantamount to our world today. This made many of the moments in reading 'Down and Rising' an eerie read.
I felt the strongest moments came when the author was able to wield his pen over the surreal sequences like Gavin's wonderfully haunting dreams and the fiery back and fourth exchanges between the core characters and those in the final chapters (no spoilers) with the antoganists. Exchanges that were blood curdling, angry and passionate.
The ending wasn't at all what I expected but saying that, neither was much of the book. It was unpredictable and truly had me on the edge. Great world building and fascinating atmosphere.
Having read many of the reviews posted by readers, I'm not all too surprised by the praise. From what I understand, this is a debut novel by an indie filmmaker who has clearly demonstrated his writing prowess and confident command over multiple stories and characters.
As a British-born Indian, I feel represented just by reading a diverse book where one of the leads is a British-born Indian. It may sound like that is the only reason I'm so invested in this book but it isn't. What drew me in was the focus on human relationships and how important they are especially in the most dire of circumstances. The hardships faced and how a simple connection with another person can empower you to go the extra mile to overcome that hardship.
What also spoke to me was the stagnation of society and how they were essentially the footsteps towards complacency, frustration, revolt and violence. It was a message tantamount to our world today. This made many of the moments in reading 'Down and Rising' an eerie read.
I felt the strongest moments came when the author was able to wield his pen over the surreal sequences like Gavin's wonderfully haunting dreams and the fiery back and fourth exchanges between the core characters and those in the final chapters (no spoilers) with the antoganists. Exchanges that were blood curdling, angry and passionate.
The ending wasn't at all what I expected but saying that, neither was much of the book. It was unpredictable and truly had me on the edge. Great world building and fascinating atmosphere.
April 10, 2019
Having been one of the fortunate to watch, and delight in, the highly under rated TV drama series PREMature, I was very much looking forward to reading the directors first venture into prose.
As with his TV scripts, Katbamna’s talent lies in his ability to create real characters, people that we not only feel we know but that we connect with and want to follow them on their journey. As for the story itself, given the state the country is in right now its an almost Nostradamus like prediction of what could happen should we fail to heed the warning signs and continue to point fingers rather than open arms.
Be aware this is not an easy read, it challenges you on every front, not least of which is where you stand in human terms. I’m biased because I love his writing but for those that enjoy a fresh approach, the combination of pictures, drawings and other visual material is a first, then do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this incredible book.
As with his TV scripts, Katbamna’s talent lies in his ability to create real characters, people that we not only feel we know but that we connect with and want to follow them on their journey. As for the story itself, given the state the country is in right now its an almost Nostradamus like prediction of what could happen should we fail to heed the warning signs and continue to point fingers rather than open arms.
Be aware this is not an easy read, it challenges you on every front, not least of which is where you stand in human terms. I’m biased because I love his writing but for those that enjoy a fresh approach, the combination of pictures, drawings and other visual material is a first, then do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of this incredible book.
April 13, 2019
Destroys me with the ending. I want more! Need more!
Brilliant drawings meshed with poetic writing and eerily prophetic archives.
Brilliant drawings meshed with poetic writing and eerily prophetic archives.
March 23, 2019
From a psychology graduate: a rich dissection of the human mind told from the perspective of (I suspect) a humanist.
Powerful observations on ego and self. I feel assured that views like those in D&R are present and confidently conveyed in such a creative way.
Our own world can be a frightening one, fraught with tension. D&R expresses ways or even offers choices to lead a positive way.
The final words uttered at the end between the two characters is in my opinion - the strongest and most appropriate.
Powerful observations on ego and self. I feel assured that views like those in D&R are present and confidently conveyed in such a creative way.
Our own world can be a frightening one, fraught with tension. D&R expresses ways or even offers choices to lead a positive way.
The final words uttered at the end between the two characters is in my opinion - the strongest and most appropriate.
March 19, 2019
Daunting at first sight. Once you get stuck in, you find yourself further than originally thought.
POSITIVES
Inventive structure
Relevant and crossover themes
Wonderful character arcs
Heartfelt moments
Smart storytelling comprised of many threads
Imaginative use of timely events
POSITIVES
Inventive structure
Relevant and crossover themes
Wonderful character arcs
Heartfelt moments
Smart storytelling comprised of many threads
Imaginative use of timely events
March 21, 2019
Attacks all senses. Staggering work.
April 10, 2019
This came recommended through a friend at work due to my interest in psychology and strangely because of my love for classic Japanese cinema. Now let me explain the reasoning for the Japanese cinema reference. My viewing library consists of films by Akira Kurosawa, Masaki Kobayashi, Yoji Yamada, Kenji Mizoguchi and Yasujirō Ozu. All directors who specialised in themes on humanity and purpose in life. I've always been fascinated by this and felt alot of my teen years and 20's were shaped by these films and their messages.
With that preface I come to Down and Rising - Six Days in a Ruined World. From the outset it's all about the people in this story. The principal players and their own missions of preservation and search for meaning/truth. Throughout my read I came to find a transformation of character stories flowing in waves of emotion and action all with an intention to emphasize the human condition. The why's and how's of their decisions and the psychological makeup (in many cases, the changing makeup).
As casual comic reader I found the artwork to be on par with some of the most emotive I've seen. The decision to present the main characters in nude was quite beautiful and tasteful. Having black ink on white paper made it quite elegant.
Referencing back to classic Japanese cinema I want to mention the violence element. In both the book and the aforementioned cinema genre there is control to the violence. It doesn't read like a cheap thrill or tasteless. There is profound purpose to each act of brutality and it is just as important to the forward motion of the overall story and character development.
Last thing. The bonus material is highly creative and truly digs deeper into not only the creative decisions on the author and illustrator's parts but also provides insights into the effort to involve the reader by crossing over from observer to participant particularly with the reader's notes pages between chapters.
5 stars without a doubt.
With that preface I come to Down and Rising - Six Days in a Ruined World. From the outset it's all about the people in this story. The principal players and their own missions of preservation and search for meaning/truth. Throughout my read I came to find a transformation of character stories flowing in waves of emotion and action all with an intention to emphasize the human condition. The why's and how's of their decisions and the psychological makeup (in many cases, the changing makeup).
As casual comic reader I found the artwork to be on par with some of the most emotive I've seen. The decision to present the main characters in nude was quite beautiful and tasteful. Having black ink on white paper made it quite elegant.
Referencing back to classic Japanese cinema I want to mention the violence element. In both the book and the aforementioned cinema genre there is control to the violence. It doesn't read like a cheap thrill or tasteless. There is profound purpose to each act of brutality and it is just as important to the forward motion of the overall story and character development.
Last thing. The bonus material is highly creative and truly digs deeper into not only the creative decisions on the author and illustrator's parts but also provides insights into the effort to involve the reader by crossing over from observer to participant particularly with the reader's notes pages between chapters.
5 stars without a doubt.
March 22, 2019
Exceptionally written novel with a masterful touch on character, atmosphere and story.
I personaly found some elements a little too violent for my taste. But it is not to say that it dampened my experience.
Perhaps a second read will have me acclimated to this level of intensity.
A special mention should go to the attentive detail so dearly appreciated and the splendid artwork.
I think with time, 'Down and Rising' will age like a fine wine.
I personaly found some elements a little too violent for my taste. But it is not to say that it dampened my experience.
Perhaps a second read will have me acclimated to this level of intensity.
A special mention should go to the attentive detail so dearly appreciated and the splendid artwork.
I think with time, 'Down and Rising' will age like a fine wine.
April 9, 2019
A missing full stop (print error or proof error?) couldn't take away from a 5-star read. Beautiful, tragic and hopeful. A potent mix for a fervant book that at points will make your blood boil.
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