Book Review: Dwidala Camera Shop by Ajit Nathaniel

Ajit Nathaniel is an Indian author and creative professional whose diverse experiences span technology, corporate compliance, and visual arts. Raised in the Shivalik Hills and passionate about analogue photography, Ajit brings a unique blend of technical insight and artistic vision to his storytelling.

With a lifelong love for writing that began in his school days, he combines cinematic sensibilities and philosophical depth in his debut novel, Dwidala Camera Shop, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking narrative.His debut novel, Dwidala Camera Shop, is a genre-defying narrative that intertwines elements of magical realism, corporate intrigue, and profound philosophical musings. Set in the serene mountain town of Baxterpur, the story introduces readers to a unique camera shop run by a Buddhist monk who offers more than just photography equipment.

He provides customers with sumptuous Tibetan meals and insights that challenge their perceptions of reality.Plot overviewThe protagonist, Harish Arya, a startup founder in self-imposed exile, stumbles upon the Dwidala Camera Shop. Drawn into a surreal web of ancient mysteries and modern dangers, Harish forms an unexpected alliance with a Japanese billionaire and his samurai bodyguards. Together, they encounter a rare psychedelic lily that unveils their deepest fears, leading them into a confrontation with a ruthless venture capitalist.

As corporate rivalries intensify and unseen forces stir, Harish begins to question the fragile architecture of his fabricated world, confronting the vast and unsettling depths of his awakening mind.Nathaniel’s writing is both evocative and introspective, seamlessly blending elements of mysticism with contemporary issues. The novel delves into themes of perception, reality, and the human psyche, challenging readers to question the boundaries of their own consciousness. The surreal narrative is complemented by rich character development and a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.If you’re someone who enjoys introspective storytelling with a touch of magic, Dwidala Camera Shop by Ajit Nathaniel is a must-read — a captivating blend of imagination, depth, and human emotion.