iverging from the glitz and glam of Bollywood’s commercial love stories, Bollywood’s award-winning film director and producer, Mansoor Hussain Khan, embarks on a journey across dimensions to engage in contemporary discourse, exploring ecological degradation and evolution in the realm of philosophy. His first literary work, The Third Curve (2013), had focused on the global economy and dissected some of the fallacies about economic expansion. After four blockbuster movies, the storytelling virtuoso moved to Coonoor with his family and runs an organic farm, Acres Wild, where he makes cheese. He is happy to belong to the soil and the sky.

Endorsed by actor Aamir Khan, the book stays loyal to Khan’s craft, presenting a distinctive take on the climate crisis, environmental decline and human vices, including ignorance and greed. This compels us to don our intellectual hats and rethink our excessive and unchecked exploitation of Earth’s resources.

A narrative labyrinth unfolds within Khan’s book, a tale nestled within another, intricately woven with the diverse elements that shape our world. We delve into the complex lives of the depressed 37-year-old Sonal and deranged Abhay, both literate and cultured in their own ways. Sonal is a former sociology professor and firebrand activist battling memory loss. Dr Abhay Rao is a pioneering plant pathologist responsible for engineering a novel strain of rice, a genetically modified specie promising greater nutritional value. He is hiding from an establishment whose scientific paradigm he has challenged.

As their journeys unfold, their convictions transform, unveiling the dire consequences of their chosen paths. Their deep-rooted environmental sensibilities intertwine with a web of ethical and moral dilemmas, leaving the reader with a tapestry of introspection and revelation.

The protagonists’ voices gradually fade amidst the cacophony of commerce. The tale delves into the intricacies of the interconnectedness of all life and the magnificent rhythm of our planet, capable of self-renewal. It underscores the loss of traditional wisdom while celebrating the grace of those who once harmonised their lives with the natural world.

Our planet is currently going through a climate crisis, a formidable challenge. The United Nations has outlined 17 sustainable development goals, a vision to be realised by 2030, but the path forward appears uncertain. The human race, with its diverse perspectives and unique neurobiology (comprising the reptilian, mammalian and neo-cortex brains), navigates a twisted journey in its quest for change. For more than five decades, modern society has been in conflict with the natural world and the traditions of indigenous communities. This has resulted in utter chaos, complete disconnection, extreme habitat loss and lives floating away from equilibrium. The circle of life and our connection to Nature have been irreparably disrupted.

The book serves as a valuable reminder of the critical need for responsible stewardship of our planet.

One brings forth a myriad of themes: mental health, reason and rationality, the insidious influence of greed, the myopia of short-term thinking, the sustainability of modern development, the struggle to comprehend Nature and its ecosystems, the ceaseless pursuit of personal desires and the inevitable imbalance that ensues. It underscores the pressing necessity for collective action and how pioneering ideas and practices often find themselves trampled, only to be embraced when calamity strikes a broader audience. The wheel of time turns perpetually as lost intellects are mourned and their research resurrected for examination afresh.

One ignites the memory of many intellects who did not witness triumph during their lifetimes, yet their creations have evoked inspiration in others. Think of artists like Vincent van Gogh, writers such as Ernest Hemingway and poets like Mirza Ghalib. The roster could extend indefinitely, but the annals of history and research have unveiled a recurring pattern: there are always individuals who dare to think and strive for change, even if they don’t succeed right away. The inevitable progression of species and galaxies is a testament to the passage of time, quietly bearing witness to perpetual transformation.

The writing style is distinct; the chapters oscillate between the past and the present; the characters and narrative strike a chord of familiarity. Yet, the book firmly hammers home its central message. It masterfully captures the gravity of the crisis, prompting us to rethink and reconfigure our perspectives, education and the well-being of the world around us. In the Acknowledgements section, Khan notes that the writing process spanned two decades, during which he was “awakened, educated and inspired” by a multitude of influences.

One’s exploration of the ecological crisis is poignant and eye-opening, highlighting the consequences of our unsustainable practices. However, while the narrative effectively raises awareness, it occasionally leans toward didacticism, rendering the narrative a tad preachy. A more nuanced approach to the plot could have provided a more balanced and immersive reading experience. Nonetheless, the book serves as a valuable reminder of the critical need for responsible stewardship of our planet.

One

Author: Mansoor Khan

Publisher: Harper Collins

The writer is the head of content at a communications agency. sara.amj@hotmail.co.uk