Chasing the Monsoon by Alexander Frater

Chasing the Monsoon by Alexander Frater

In this 1990 travel classic, Alexander Frater embarks on a "modern pilgrimage" to follow the path of the Indian monsoon. Beginning with its dramatic arrival in Kerala and ending at its finale in the rain-soaked heights of Cherrapunji, Frater documents the phenomenon's overwhelming impact on the landscape and the people of India. Blending meticulous factual reporting with deeply personal reflection and cultural history, he explores the monsoon as a life-giving yet destructive force that is inextricably linked to the Indian identity. Chasing the Monsoon offers a multi-layered view of the subcontinent, weaving together colonial accounts and contemporary observations into a vivid, lyrical journey.

Why You’ll Love This Book

This is a beautiful and remarkable work of travel literature that captures the idiosyncratic charm and desperate beauty of India under the rain. Hailed by critics as an exuberant rollercoaster, Frater’s writing combines an infectious enthusiasm for meteorology with a sharp eye for the human condition. If you enjoy travelogues that feel both romantic and profoundly grounded in reality—described as the most romantic look at rain since Somerset Maugham—this First Edition is a timeless addition to any library.

Condition Note

First Edition. Used - Good. The spine is square and uncreased but shows light sunning (fading). There is mild shelf wear to the edges of the maroon cover banners. The pages are clean and the binding remains tight.