The story commences in 1924, India, where Cat Adam, a former bullied and overweight schoolboy, seeks refuge. He accepts an invitation from an old school friend, the Rajah, to visit the forgotten princely state of Dusa Mathavasi.
Adam is on the run from The Trustees, who want their priceless da Salò double bass back, a loan he received after graduating from the Royal Academy. Assuming the role of Master of the Rajah's Music, he arrives to find a directionless court in a deteriorating palace. While denied the luxuries he craves, he discovers love in Dr Vijinalakshmi Rajmani, the head of the women's hospital.
Fast forward to the present day, Dr Philip Adam becomes an expert on Dusa Mathavasi, driven by his desire to find the missing double bass and restore his family's fortune. He hears that his great-great-uncle's former bungalow site has been located, prompting him to journey to this nearly forgotten part of the subcontinent.
The central character undergoes significant development, becoming a multi-dimensional figure that readers can connect with easily. One standout feature of the book is the author's meticulous research and historical accuracy, vividly portraying 1920s India with humour, subversion, intrigue, and insight. The era's settings, attire, customs, and societal norms are depicted with precision, immersing readers in a different time.
The prose in "The Case of Cat Adam" is beautifully lyrical, often resembling a work of art. Roger Ashton Griffins has a talent for crafting vivid imagery through words, enriching the narrative. The pacing is generally well-executed, offering moments of tension and quiet reflection that mirror the ebb and flow of history.
In conclusion, "The Case of Cat Adam" is a remarkable tapestry of words and history. It's a must-read for fans of historical literary fiction, transporting readers to a different era while exploring timeless themes of human existence. The novel is a captivating journey through time, both enlightening and enchanting, showcasing the power of literature to breathe life into the past and resonate with the present.
About the author: Roger Ashton-Griffiths wrote about Anglo-Indian literature for his PhD in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He engages in creative work in a variety of fields as a musician, artist, director, and writer. He began his singing career with English National Opera, but today his greatest fame comes from his work as a British actor.