Cheeni Rao

Cheeni Rao’s memoir In Hanuman’s Hands describes the terrible period in his life when, during his college years, all his earlier insecurities coalesced into a drug fueled journey that dictated the rest of his life. It’s title derives from the words his mother said to him after his family could no longer help him, consigning him to the ‘bringer of cures’, the Hindu Monkey God Hanuman.

What follows is a discourse between Cheeni and Hanuman, who came to him in the depths of his addictions and formed the foundation of what he would believe in to try to leave his addictions behind him.

The book follows Rao’s path through his short and destructive college life, his time on the streets and his time in rehab trying to put his life back together. Much more than just a memoir, it is a also a powerful discussion on how we use ‘myths’ of our disparate histories to inform our lives.

In spare, deeply emotional language Rao conjures a seamless flow from past to present, from myth to reality, combining all into an absorbing read that I didn’t want to end. That the Hindu mythology forms the foundation on which Rao builds his story, enough clear renderings of the stories are included to allow most readers to understand their link to Rao’s experiences. Admittedly, it is easier for a Hindu to identify with that aspect of the book, but in no was does Rao alienate his non-Hindu reader. In Hanuman’s Hands is a great read.… (more)