Under the Painted Eyes: A Story of Nepal

by Ferd Mahler

The three novels of "Under The Painted Eyes" are set in the shadow of the great Himalayan Mountains and against the background tapestry of Nepal's fascinating history and rich culture. Fictional and historical characters live, love, fight and worship under the watching eyes of the Adi Buddha, which are painted on the torans of the Swayambhunath and the Bodnath and other ancient temples. The novels tell of romance and love over the centuries and the happiness and tragedy they bring. There are the golden-roofed pagodas and the exotic festivals, intrigue, war and massacre, and the abuse of power and finally the successful struggle for democracy in modern times.

About the Author:

Ferd Mahler, an economist, worked for many years with the International Labour Office, a United Nations' agency. During the 1980s he undertook consultancies in Nepal where he travelled widely and met many people in both towns and villages. He had the opportunity to learn much of Nepal's history and culture and its problems.

Reviews:

"The book brings out mixture of the history of Nepal in the most interesting manner, in a heady intrigue of romance and war... The description of temples and festivals alone are engrossing enough to bring more tourists to Nepal."  - Tribune

"By blending history with fictional characters, the author has created stories that throb with life." - The Vedanta Kesari