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A modern fable of rural India narrated against the back drop of freedom struggle. It is a masterly satire on those who live by the lure of the gold. The characters are introduced one by one in a leisurely manner, and we meet among them a pretty girl, a wandering minstrel and a magic talisman. Skilfully blending the worlds of fable and reality in the relatively insulated close textured fabric of rural life it delves deep into the human mind of the rural folk and the closely knit textured fabric of Indian life. The plot centers around a touchstone given to Meera by her noble grandfather. It is believed that the amulet would enable Meera to turn copper into gold, provided she acts kindly as a natural and spontaneous expression of herself. As we read the book, we hear the dialogue between man and his situations, between man and man and between man and the ideas he lives by. It entertains as a story, but it also disturbs us as a warning and as a prophecy. "A most illuminating and satisfying reading experience, recommended without reservation. It is hardly possible to over praise this novel." — The Chicago Tribune "Tinkling fable of rural facts of life and pure fun — ingredients which Bhattacharya has made his own. Since he loves the people he scolds and his fun-poking is without brittle edges, his lesson is pleasant to take." — The New York Times