Guptara, Jyoti and Suresh: *1988

Conspiracy of Calaspia, 2007 - Thematic Parallels: Search for Fantasy Adventure

Guptara, Jyoti and Suresh: Conspiracy of Calaspia, 2007
The novel explores themes of heroism, treachery, deception, and the nature of evil. It delves into the struggle against both external monsters and the darker aspects of human nature, such as corruption and the distortion of reality
The following books are thematically simliar. Having read "Conspiracy of Calaspia," these texts lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- McCabe, Patrick: The Butcher Boy, 1992, ~210pp
  This novel delves into the life of a young boy in Ireland, exploring themes of isolation, mental turmoil, and the blurred lines between reality and delusion.
  - Both works explore themes of psychological complexity, societal pressure, and underlying darkness, but they approach these themes differently and with unique nuances. McCabe’s work is more of a personal psychological tragedy rooted in a specific cultural and social context, where as Guptara’s may lean towards political thriller or speculative fiction, with broader systemic conspiracies.
- Moore, Brian: Lies of Silence, 1990, ~210pp
  Set against the backdrop of political unrest, this thriller involves moral dilemmas and the impact of choices, echoing the conspiratorial elements found in "Conspiracy of Calaspia."
  - Both works explore themes of political tension, personal morality, and the impact of larger conflicts on individual lives—but they do it with quite different styles and narrative focuses. "Lies of Silence" is deeply rooted in the Northern Ireland Troubles. It shows how a seemingly ordinary man’s life is upended by political violence and moral dilemmas. The narrative explores internal conflict, fear, and the price of silence. "Conspiracy of Calaspia," on the other hand, is more of a political thriller set in a fictional or alternate setting, focusing on intrigue, power struggles, and conspiracies at a broader scale. The personal stories tend to be entangled with political machinations.
List of general discussion questions on Search for Fantasy (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Search for Fantasy (pdf)