The Man Who Would Be King

Set in the rugged and remote regions of Afghanistan and the Himalayas, this Rudyard Kipling book follows two British adventurers who seek to carve out their own kingdom among the native tribes. Their audacious quest for power and wealth in forbidden lands leads to a tragic unraveling of their ambitions.

Through vivid storytelling and rich symbolism, Kipling delves into themes of imperialism, cultural arrogance, and the clash between civilizations. The forbidden territories they seek to conquer serve as a backdrop for exploring the darker aspects of human ambition and colonialism, making it a seminal work in literature.

This book–and its… show more.

I especially loved how the romantic elements were woven into this incredible mystery adventure. The characters were larger than life, and the goals they set out to achieve were equally audacious. This to me was a great adventure, great mystery, and truly a great thriller. How to conquer a nation, how to indulge the fantasies and make them reality, and in the process give form to two broken lives.

Both the lyrical story-poem itself and the film adaptation had an immense impact on my early writing. It was not the story itself that so enthralled and challenged me. Rather, I… show more.