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Before settling in Spain, where I now live, I travelled far and wide as much as I could, doing any paid work at all to pay for the next trip. Between South and North America came India. Crazy, maddening, unforgettable India. From Benares my friends and I headed north, entering Nepal and coming to Kathmandu, where we breathed a cooler, more headily mystical air.
When I returned twenty years later, the air was thick with the fumes and racket of a million cheap scooters and motorbikes and the streets were thronged with twice as many citizens. Writing a story about just one of these people, who is single-minded in the midst of the chaos, was a peaceful act that brought the place into focus. It was a way of knowing the magic of the place again, which was still there but harder to find.
The Sweet Teeth of God collates some of the impressions that Kathmandu makes on the senses. The sights and sounds, scents and tastes of the ancient capital are powerful. The religious imagery, which is everywhere in temples and statues, is as alive to the inhabitants as the Buddha mind and the gods themselves. For while economic motivation is as strong as anywhere else, the life of the spirit is fundamental to the Nepali, and expressions of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs are as crucial as food and drink. This symbolism gave an impetus to the story and I let it play out.
Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
In Kathmandu, Raghu, a 19-year-old night porter, grapples with insecurities about his slim build while dreaming of love and success. Eager to gain weight and win the heart of Neela, the girl he admires, Raghu sets out on a humorous quest to eat his way to confidence. His efforts take a comical yet eerie turn as he indulges in an addictive "ayurvedic" ice cream and makes reluctant offerings to the intimidating god Bhairab. Will Raghu achieve the transformation he longs for, or will his insatiable appetite ultimately consume him? Discover the answer in Guy Arthur Simpson’s The Sweet Teeth of God, a subtly haunting tale set in Nepal.
The Sweet Teeth of God is rich in depth and creativity. The plot is refreshingly unpredictable—beginning with Raghu’s seemingly straightforward goal and spiraling into a narrative teeming with mystery and introspection. The pacing is brisk, ensuring every moment counts as it seamlessly shifts between light-hearted humor and deeper themes. Raghu stands out as an unforgettable character; his vulnerability and obsession make him both relatable and frustrating. Supporting characters, like the meddling aunt and the mysterious Mahendra, add layers of humor and depth to the storyline. The exploration of themes such as self-acceptance, societal expectations, and the tug-of-war between ambition and spirituality is both fresh and relevant. Guy Arthur Simpson’s vivid descriptions and clever symbolism breathe life into the narrative. The striking imagery—like the "corn-fed buffalo" cousin and the shrine’s haunting allure—immerses the reader in the vibrant streets and rituals of Kathmandu. This is a story that resonates, prompting reflection well after the last page is turned.
