Shivaji Das

In some ways, Travels with the Caterpillar is a standard travel book, but it is elevated from being such by the author's good humour, eye for detail and original descriptive prose.
As soon as I read that the author had ordered a Jain meal on the aeroplane for no other reason than it would hassle the staff and he'd get his meal first, I thought: I like this guy!
Shivaji and Lobo's journey takes them through warm hearted and poverty stricken small villages on the Indonesian islands of Flores and Sumba. The author has a good balance between describing the places, the history and the culture, and the heart of this book is about the people, which, for me, is what any travelling trip is mostly about.
There are a few proofing and grammar issues, and I felt the author could have edited the book a little better with regards to structure and pace, but I am somewhat nitpicking. Ultimately, this is a great debut!… (more)

I really enjoyed this book as I have not only travelled in most of the islands described in Indonesia, but have also written a novel partly based in these locations−It was interesting to get a more Asian-centric view of the region.

This book reads like a travelogue/travelling diary and would be great as a reference book, as a departure from guide books, internet, etc. The two groups it would most appeal to are those travelling through the area and those that know the area well.
The quality of the writing is of a very high standard. If I had one criticism it would be I would want something more emotive from a first person account−that aside I thoroughly enjoyed it.
He has a great tip to get served first on a plane, order some special requirement meal, e.g. vegetarian, vegan, etc. I am a veggie on long haul flights now!

All profits go to children’s charities in Indonesia−so if you are wavering about reading it; that should sway you.

Shavaji has great potential and I look forward to reading further work from him.

thewritingIMP… (more)

Opening this book will transport you through Indonesia, described so vividly, you'll think you're really there. This book is written like a personal diary from the perspective of a positive thinking author who really knows how to make use of his words. It's very intimate, and I felt like I was really getting to know the author on a personal level. He has a real sense of a humor that was entertaining to read.

In addition, I found myself learning a lot about Indonesia including culture, climate, architecture, and the interactions between people living there. I was really glad I was taken along on this adventure, and take a break from my own life and be engulfed in Shivaji's and Lobo's world.

Everything was written so vibrantly and clearly I really felt I was there. The descriptions went above and beyond. I didn't regret picking this book up, I highly recommend, and give this book a rating of 5/5.… (more)