The Rivered Earth by Vikram Seth (Hardcover)

“The Rivered Earth” is a collection of four libretti, or short operas, by the Indian writer Vikram Seth. Each libretto is inspired by a different landscape or setting, and they are all united by a theme of water and its significance in human life.

The first libretto, “The Traveller,” is set in a barren desert and tells the story of a lonely traveler who comes across an oasis and finds temporary solace there. The second, “The Rivered Earth,” takes place in an Indian forest and explores the relationship between a young couple and the river that runs through their land. The third, “The Beastly Tales from Here and There,” tells humorous and moralistic fables about animals in various settings. Finally, the fourth, “Mountains of the Mind,” is set in a Himalayan landscape and tells the story of a mountaineer who is attempting to climb a difficult peak.

Seth’s libretti are lyrical and poetic, with a strong emphasis on musicality and sound. They explore themes of love, loss, and human connection to nature, and they are accompanied by musical scores composed by the acclaimed musician Alec Roth. Overall, “The Rivered Earth” is a unique and imaginative work that showcases Seth’s versatility as a writer and his deep connection to the natural world.