Song of Kali
"I agree it's not a very frightening ghost story," she said. "But it frightened me for years. You see, in that second before the moon was obscured, I looked right into the woman's face and I knew very well who she was." Amrita patted the baby's back and looked at me. "It was me."
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
This would seem to have some forward-leaning import.
Chapter Ten
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
Booby picks up the manuscript, with a parade in tow. Quite a confusing kerfuffle for the exchange at the train station.
Chapter Eight
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
The sacrifice of M. Das.
"I decided then that I wanted to live in a country where I would see no ghosts." "I hate to break it to you, kiddo," I said, "but Great Britain and New England are famous for having their share of ghosts." "Perhaps," said Amrita and rose with Victoria secure in her arms. "But I can't see them."
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
Chapter One
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
Robert “Bobby” C. Luczak meets with Abe (in the “Other Voices” office, a literary specialty magazine), who attempts to dissuade him from a “Harper’s” writing assignment in Calcutta. Abe calls Calcultta a "miasma" and tells Bobby of a bridge dedication with a sacrificed youth impaled on iron reinforcement rods. Bobby ignores the advice.References: * Kipling's "The Bridge Builders" storyCharacters: * Robert C. Luczak - writer going on assignment to Calcutta for Harper's magazine. Has written a novel "Winter Spirits."Amrita - Robert's wife, mathematicianVictoria - their 7-month old daughter* M. Das - a celebrated Bangalore poet/writer who has disappeared, expected murdered, 8 years ago (in July '69). Famous for a Mother Theresa epic. Appears to have resurfaced in Calcultta with some new vulgar lines published ("dame screwing doggie-style while drinking the blood of a headless man" - Abe's retelling). Bobby's assignment is to look for him in Calcultta and ideally bring back more new words.* Chet Morrow - temporary assistant editor at "Harper's" sending Bobby on assignment* Abe Bronstein - cigar chewing owner/editor of "Other Voices." Close friend of Bobby. Live with mom in Bronxtown. Completely dedicated to "Other Voices."
Once again I realized that the greatest argument against marriage, the absolutely irrefutable argument against living with one person for years, was the destruction of the illusion of free will by the spouse's constant recognition of one's total predictability.
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
"There are a lot of children," I said. "And almost none," said Amrita so softly that it was almost a whisper. It took me only a few seconds to realize that she was correct. For most of the youngsters we saw, their childhood was already past them. They faced a future of rearing younger siblings, heavy labor, early marriage, and r
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Chapter Eleven
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
The overhead fans turned slowly, the light flickered like distant heat lightning on a summer's night, and I gave Jayaprakesh Muktanandaji my total attention as his story unfolded in Krishna's voice.
Dan Simmons • Song of Kali
Hypnotic.