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The Last Nomad

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Every moment of Rahul Gite’s childhood has been etched with strange stories: untold stories from the dark and dreary lanes of thriving Shantinagar slum in Bombay. Written by nameless faces out of the thrust for survival, these are stories of love, hate, greed and belief. But everyone despises them; they bring us face to face with life—off guard and will-less. Then there is Ryan Davis, enjoying the ancient myths and legends from his parents, sitting in the drawing room of a well furnished apartment in Sagamihara, Japan—the land of hope. Life in Sagamihara has been nothing short of a fairy tale: streets bathing in the beautiful pink cherry blossoms, autumn leaves floating at the mystical Lake Sagami and gigantic kites magnificently soaring in the skies during the Sagami Giant Kites Festival. Every new day is a story soaked in fantasy, leaving Ryan longing for more. One day by happenstance, Rahul and Ryan meet each other at the crossroads of life. Will they have to let go the stories they have cherished?

216 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2017

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About the author

Heramb Sukhathankar

4 books15 followers
Heramb Sukhathankar is an Instructional Designer-turned-Linguistics student and digital creator. Apart from dabbling in diverse interests, he is in search of plants and music.

The Last Nomad, his debut novella, was released at the Jaipur Art Summit 2019 in India. His literary work has been published across several platforms including newspapers, magazines, and journals like Lokprabha, and Hakara. His Marathi poem has won the Wingword Poetry Prize 2019 and his short story 'Straight Lines' was a winning entry in the Notion Press National Writing Competition 2022. An anthology of his short stories, 'Untold Stories of Love' has been published recently on NotionPress, Amazon and Kindle.

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5 stars
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2 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Neeraja Vaidya.
24 reviews42 followers
October 31, 2016
The book is much more than the story of Rahul and Ryan as the cover of the book reads...The author has managed to identify and beautifully pen down the nuances and intricacies of life and struggle in slums..Another beautiful piece in this novel is the protagonist's understanding of a woman... The author sketches the protagonist's different relations to different women in his life and takes you on an emotional roller coster journey as each of these relations mature..Last but not the least the novella also brings forth the author's love for stories which is the in turn reflected in the protagonist and manages to bring out the same within the reader...These beautiful pieces are intelligently woven together by a thrilling and compelling story telling..A must read..
Profile Image for Pari.
152 reviews19 followers
May 18, 2018
The book narrates the vivid life events of a boy called Rahul in the slums of India who suffers from selective mutism and is denied decent medical treatment and medication due to the superstitious and ignorant nature of his parents. The slums of India is portrayed in minute details. The author delves on the subjects of unemployment, poverty, alcoholism and corruption. This small book contains vibrant characters and deals with even more vibrant social as well as political issues in the Indian society. The varied aspects of politics, whether it be regional or religious politics, is also discussed. The writer tries to show as to how any social or cultural act with a political motive can lead to a devastating end and how the poorer sections of the society are used as baits in these games. The superstitious psyche of the majority of the population in India is also reflected in the pages!

The spiritual and emotional journey takes an even deeper dive as Rahul transforms into Ryan and goes on a path of self - exploration and acceptance. Whirled up in a new location, he tries to adapt to a new culture but his past still haunts him. Unable to express his feelings or understand the new developments within and around him makes him suffer alone. Till he finds a confidante in Saki who showers his life in poetry that drenches him to his core and help him find respite from the upheavals in his life. The latter part of the book provides several valuable lessons on Life through the words of Adinath, the person who enlightens Rahul on many mysteries of life and changes him to a great extent. But, does Rahul finds his answers? Will he be cured of all the frailties in his life? Will he find inner peace in a chaotic world? It remains to be found out.

Starting with the cover of the book, it is red in colour that tends to draw attention and also, shows a town above and a cave below that intricately symbolises the plot as well as the story within the story concept of the book. I really liked the quality of the pages in addition to the book cover.
Reading this book reminded me of the quote by Mark Twain that “Truth is Stranger than Fiction”. There are certain revelations in the book that may leave the reader befuddled. Questions on reincarnation and self – exploration are deliberated. On one side, there is the fraudulent God man and on the other side, Adinath. Who is Adinath? Is he a fictious character? Is he a fragment of Rahul’s imagination?’ This poetic narration is emotionally – charged, to say the least. Without detracting from the plot, the author showcased various elements of the Indian society and more specifically, on the concept of religion.

I love the format of a short length story as it is much preferred by people who likes to read but can allow only few hours from their busy lives to this entertainment. Also, the short length do not compromise with the storyline as it ends on a perfect note.

I must also add that the story starts with a very interesting beginning that will keep the readers glued to the pages from the start. My only regret was that the concept of “the last nomad” was not explicitly discussed in the book. I went with the phrase in the book that “Not all things experienced can be understood. Not all things understood can be expressed.” But, then, when I contacted the author of the book, he clarified by doubts regarding the concept of nomad in the book. The first nomad is Laxmi, the biological mother of Rahul, the second nomad is Agnes, Ryan’s adoptive mother and Saki, his friend, is the third nomad who in their own ways pulled him out of darkness and brought light in the life of Rahul/ Ryan. Overall, a sweet and powerful book that any lover of contemporary fiction would have a good time reading!
Profile Image for Archana Dash.
6 reviews
July 1, 2017
"The story was subtly narrative , beautiful intricacies of how a place develops as a civilization and what all comes in the name of development and progress, how a place to be called a home which is already dealing with its difficulties in life is spotted as a battleground by the politicians and people genuinely working for reforms. The dark/true side of being 'do good for all' is explicitly narrated. The writer seems to have an elaborate knowledge about each and every subject he has touched in this be it about the lifestyle of a slum, the opportunities, cultures in a different country like Japan, the intricate network of thoughts of an introvert who has become an introvert because life didn't allow a chance to express... All were covered well. I was curious to explore more as the story progressed. The poems seemed to be raw and fresh from crude thoughts which is felt close to one's heart in its most unrefined form before all the decorative elements are added to make it 'look' like a poem.
All in all the book had nice twist and turns and plot beautifully explained. The writer has a subtlety in his narrating style like a seasoned writer, in his representation of thoughts and combining both which appealed to me the most.
Thank you so much for this beautiful gift I definitely take away a lot of wonders and perceptions from it. Cherish it a lot...definitely a heart-warming read."
Profile Image for Shahnila Hassan.
29 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2019
"A book that indulges everyone's interest"
"Another successful book by Heramb"



Writer described very beautifully about each phases of lifestyle. From a slum boy to a modern educated man. A story from a Rahul to Ryan.
In each stage Ryan's life became more complicated. Something is there to know. Some part of his life is hideously and he was curious to know about this. Perhaps Nature was playing hide and seek with Ryan.
Although his continues struggle helps him to accomplished his mission and he sorted the secret that lies behind it.
To know more about the journey of Rahul to Ryan. You must read the book.
Indeed the best suspense fictional story.

I love the story from beginning. No one can imagine where the story takes you. But the bonding of evolution is engrossing.

"The last Nomad" title is very suitable. Before start reading I was confused about the title but now I must say writer described the title in very appropriate way.

A poetic touch in the story is so interesting. Excellent style of author to narrate the story.
Profile Image for Kaushal Gupta.
136 reviews6 followers
May 17, 2018
There are struggles, there are beliefs and then there are successes. In no particular order, if one strives, one would succeed.

The book is a fictional tale that speaks about the growing up days of Rahul Gite and Ryan Davis, two different 'identities' who once in their lifetime, by chance, come across each other only to comprehend and get acquainted with each other's identity.

There are a certain good things about the book which make it very simple yet interesting at the same time. The Last Nomad has a narration that leaves with certain food for thoughts and emotions that don't become baggage on you as a reader.

Is it conclusive with the topics it deals with? That is all for you to find out :-)

To read the complete review please visit Book Review : The Last Nomad - Heramb Sukhathankar­
Profile Image for Aishwarya Rathor.
271 reviews24 followers
June 18, 2018
The story revoloves around Rahul who dwells in a slum and suffers from mutism and his parent's ignorant nature leads to his health's downfall.
The slums are described in detail. The complex life of slums and their day to day struggles are portrayed. The poverty, the superstition, alcoholism are various aspects of life.
The characters describe the social and economic status of these people. Each character had their importance and helped to build a strong plot.
The story reflects how poor people are used by politicians to up their game thereby putting the commoners in disaster.
The story is impactful and crisp. The author used short story pattern which was captivating.
The cover of the book is good.
Lastly,
"Not all things experienced can be understood, Not all things understood can be expressed"
Profile Image for Gayathri.
148 reviews
August 15, 2018
The book is about Rahul born to parents who love in shantinagar a slum area in Mumbai. His sudden change in behaviour and his behaviour becomes a cause of concern to his parents. He is been denied the medical treatment told by his psychiatrist. The innocence of his parents has been exploited by people of greed and arrogance for their selfish political interest. This effects their life and ultimately Rahul life. Ryan lives in Japan with his adopted parents and is a graduate in literature. He finds future love of his life Saki and is debutant Novelist. The book becomes a sensational hit and bestselling novel. When Rahul and Ryan meet at the crossroads and how story unfolds makes the novel an amazing read

To avail the book, please use the link below:
https://www.instamojo.com/TheLastNoma...
1 review1 follower
January 2, 2017
The Last Nomad....A book which is perfectly crafted with what we see around. A modern time read where we are surrounded by people but hardly know any one. Deceptive people with selfish motives and life changing incidents…
The book is engaging and makes you a part of the whole plot, changing your role with the flowing story. The author has done justice by taking minute care of each element around which the whole story is built. Each line in the book has its own revelation.

The journey of Rahul to Ryan, woman in every role...wife, mother and the friend; ever ready to listen and bring out the you inside you...the cherry blossom...Hanabi.... every element is hand-picked and painted. Overall, sumptuously narrated tale that makes you think of life and love, trust, betrayal and fear.
March 3, 2019
" Not all things experienced can be understood... Not all things understood can be expressed"

It's so true in the case of the latest book I read " The Last Nomad" and it's left me speechless.. The book has been wonderfully written by Heramb Sukhthankar shells out the interesting story of Rahul and Ryan whose lives are intertwined in a way that you need to read it to know the story.. Goosebumps is what you shall get in certain situations.. written in such a detailed way where you will be right there next to Ryan listening to what he says and seeing and feeling what he feels!!! Kudos and waiting for many more books to be released!!

#thelastnomad #happyreaders #selfpublished #novella #indiandebutauthor #goodreadsauthor
Profile Image for Sayali  Jagtap.
19 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2018
"Darkness is the only time that tells you how bright you shine " - The Last Nomad -------------------------------------------------------------
My rating - ⭐⭐.5 /5

The story of Rahul & Ryan begins with a promising plot , involving life in mumbai , slums , politics & religion. But in the second half the story takes a dip as the entry and exit of characters gets confusing , the plot changes abruptly & the climax or closure of the story is loose ended.
Profile Image for Beulah Jenifer.
106 reviews15 followers
August 14, 2018
A must read!
Suspense fiction which is well written and engaging!!
Story about Rahul and Ryan ... Where both are the same!!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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