Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Courtesan's Keeper
The Courtesan's Keeper | K?emendra
2 posts | 1 read
This feast of smiles was put together giving the secret strategies and all the tricks of courtesans. One of Kshemendra's finest satires, The Courtesan's Keeperis a delightful and rambunctious rendition of the life and times of the courtesan Kankali as she teaches the ways of the world to her ward Kalavati. From the attractive courtesan and her shrewd keeper, to the experienced barber and the avaricious trader, the book brings to life the vibrant society of Kashmir Valley a thousand years ago through a host of characters, each drawn in vivid detail. With its terse narrative, directness and economy of style and fast-paced action, the book is fully suited for the twenty-first-century reader. Translated from the Sanskrit by A.N.D. Haksar 'A brilliant, funny, naughty translation.' Lee Seigel
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
TalesandTexts
post image
Pickpick

Written sometime b/w 1010 AD & 1050 AD, Samaya Matrika is a delightful read, about a courtesan & her madam in Kashmir.

Most books in Sanskrit are about religion or philosophy. But, there were many writers specialising in satire, comedy & erotica. Samaya Matrika checks all three boxes.

Kshemendra takes two stances at once, in this book. Talking about the guile of courtesans, he also places the blame squarely on the men who demand their services.

TalesandTexts My third pick for December‘s #adventrecommends (edited) 1y
9 likes1 comment
blurb
TalesandTexts
post image

Enjoying this brilliant book with a mug of beer. So hilarious, sassy, blunt in its truth and full of wisdom. 🥰💖

#AdventRecommends