Drunken Boat / Fortunate Traveller Press has announced the publication of Bhutan, a multi-genre collaboration between poet and photographer Sudeep Sen and writer Ravi Shankar. The book combines Sen's poetry and photography with Shankar's prose to present a complex portrait of the Himalayan kingdom, known for its policy of Gross National Happiness. Rather than reinforcing the myth of Bhutan as a Shangri-La, the authors delve into the tensions between tradition and modernity, Buddhism and monarchy, and the realities beneath the official narrative.
Shankar's prose brings wit and analytical rigor to his observations, tracing Bhutan's modernizing monarchy and its Buddhist heritage without surrendering critical intelligence. He approaches the country's claim to being the happiest on Earth with genuine wonder but also skepticism, exploring the complicated textures beneath the glossy surface. Sen's poetry and photography provide a stunning counterpoint, with spare, musical couplets and evocative images of prayer flags, monasteries, and mountain light. The book is a genuinely integrated work of art, where both mediums speak to each other.
The book has garnered praise from notable figures. Actress Shabana Azmi called it "a unique and personal multi-genre book" that brings alive aspects of Bhutan through the authors' signature styles. Dasho Kinley Dorji described it as "an elegant treasure trove" capturing what is special about the country. Poet and novelist Amit Majmudar noted the "sheen of eudemonic delight and heightened astonished awareness" that adheres to the book, praising Shankar's loving but analytical approach and Sen's vivid images.
Ravi Shankar is the author of 18 books, including the memoir Correctional, and teaches at Tufts University. He is the founding editor-in-chief of Drunken Boat. Sudeep Sen, author of over 25 books, is an internationally acclaimed poet and photographer. His work has appeared in The Times Literary Supplement and The Guardian, and he is the first Asian to deliver the Derek Walcott Lecture. Bhutan is available on Amazon in trade paperback for $29.95.
The publication of Bhutan matters because it offers a counter-narrative to the simplistic portrayal of Bhutan as a utopia. By combining poetry, photography, and prose, the book provides a multi-dimensional exploration that is both beautiful and critical. It challenges readers to think about how nations construct their identities and the role of art in revealing deeper truths. In an era of travel writing that often exoticizes destinations, Bhutan stands out for its intellectual honesty and artistic integrity.
