By Shubhra Krishan
Viswaprasad Raju’s Places via Notes is a delight! You will find that it is a keepsake of a book, also giftworthy, studded with gems from our incredible world. Fresh off its win of the prestigious Emily Dickinson Award, this book is a personal invitation to experience travel in its purest form.
What makes Places via Notes truly sing is its ingenious structure. Raju guides us through 21 locations, through poems, short stories, conversations, and even social media posts. It’s a testament to his boundless creativity and deep connection to the places he visits.
Sample this:
DUBAI
A city rises in the middle of a desert
A wetland in a desert
A story of stories in a desert
A Ferrari meets a camel in a desert
GOA
Mario Miranda’s Goa
Remo Fernandes’ Goa
Kishori Amonkar’s Goa
Ileana D’Cruz’s Goa
Wendell Rodricks’ Goa
Damodar Mauzo’s Goa
Maria Aurora Couto’s Goa
Everyone’s Goa
That’s the kind of book it is. Playful. Observant. Heartfelt.
“I sketch and write notes while on the move,” says Raju, who frequently travels for TVC shoots and meetings. What’s more, family holidays to his beloved getaways, such as the National Parks of Central India (Tadoba and Kanha) and his birthplace, Konaseema, also fuel his inspiration. In fact, these spontaneous, often deadline-driven moments—where notes and sketches were hastily captured—form the very DNA of this book. As a result, you’ll discover a diverse mix of destinations here: well-known places like Switzerland, alongside more obscure ones like Perupalem.
To me, the sheer brilliance of Places via Notes lies in how beautifully each locale finds its voice. No two places feel the same, and no two pieces of writing within these pages are identical.
For those curious about the less-travelled paths, Raju offers a refreshing lens, sparking interest in hidden treasures like Pillalamarri. And as you read, you feel like you’re strolling right alongside Raju, experiencing these moments as if they were your own.
In Places via Notes, Viswaprasad Raju masterfully proves that travel transcends the mere act of reaching a destination. It’s about the captivating narratives we co-create along the way. It’s a powerful reminder that our world teems with untold stories, just waiting to be discovered.
Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal chronicle, penned by Raju with honesty, wit, and profound insight. For anyone who delights in seeing the world through fresh eyes, Places via Notes is an absolute must-read.
About the Award: The Emily Dickinson Award, inspired by the celebrated American poet, challenges authors to complete a book within 21 days. Selected writers are honored with the limited edition 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award trophy. Raju’s Places Via Notes stood out for its exploration of places through lyrical reflections.
You can buy Places via Notes on Amazon
Viswaprasad Raju is an advertising professional and a travel sketch artist based in Hyderabad. www.viswaprasadraju.in
