Democratizing Monarch: A Memoir of Nepal’s King Birendra
On the evening of June 1, 2001, the King and Queen of Nepal, their daughter and younger son were murdered, evidently by their older son, whose own mysterious death ended the slaughter. The King’s younger brother succeeded to the throne amidst rumors that he had masterminded the massacre. Years of turmoil followed, from which Nepal is just now beginning to emerge.
For me, Kathmandu’s June One massacre was traumatic because it ended three and a half decades of quiet empathy I had felt for a man who had taught me as I was teaching him. In the weeks that followed his death, I collected articles on the tragedy, but felt principally disbelief as I read them. It took more than three years before it began to seem to me that it might be healing and helpful to try to characterize Birendra, his life, his death, his role in my life, and what may be his enduring significance in the history of Nepal.
-Excerpt from the Introduction of Democratizing Monarch: A Memoir of Nepal’s King Birendra by Francis G. Hutchins
On Monday, my family celebrated the publication of my father’s book, Democratizing Monarch: A Memoir of Nepal’s King Birendra by Vajra Publications (located in Kathmandu, Nepal). We threw a book party at this wonderful little restaurant called The Himalayan Bistro (which specializes in Indian and Nepali cuisine). My parents invited some of their colleagues and friends to help us celebrate.
My sister and I were in charge of selling my father’s book. It is not currently available in The United States, but we are hoping that will change when word of the book gets out.
The silver plaque on the right side of the photo was given to my father by King Birendra. It is an image of a pupil and his guru (teacher). It is called Dhruva-Narayan.
This book is extremely important because it shows a side of Nepal not known to many. Usually when I mention the horrible massacre that occurred in Nepal back in 2001, people have no idea what I am talking about. Most people can’t even tell me what the capital of Nepal is (Kathmandu) or where Nepal is located! I have to admit that I’ve only read the first half of my father’s book thus far, but I am sure I will complete it soon seeing as it’s very hard for me to put it down (yes, it is that captivating). I never really knew the history of Nepal before this book, but it is incredible.
If anyone would like a copy of my father’s book to read (which I highly recommend), leave a comment here and I will see if I can get you one.
i really do want to read it, i was facinated by the premise of the book before i realized your dad wrote it! and you know me and how i love to read! so yeah i would to read it if you could get me a copy!
Comment by shark — June 20, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
As I have read a couple of your dad’s books and am aware of their groundbreaking contributions to the field of South Asian political studies (Imperialism and the Illusion of Permanence, for instance), I would love to read his book on the late King of Nepal. I have been searching the Web for its publisher and distributor, and other publication details such as ISBN. If you can provide me with these details I can probably order a copy on my own. None of the reviews published in Kathmandu or India gives anything more than some excerpts–without giving over publication details.
Comment by Professor Kamal P. Malla — June 21, 2007 @ 8:39 am
Shark: I will be sure to bring you back a copy!
Professor Kamal P. Malla: The book isn’t available online yet, but I forwarded your email address to my father and he is going to contact you to let you know how you can get a copy.
Comment by Esther — June 21, 2007 @ 10:13 am
Looks like you had a great book party. Wish I could have been there. Your fathers book looks really interesting, i can’t wait to start reading it!
Comment by Marc — June 21, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
Actually…that looks really intresting. If there is any place in the uk selling it…let me know.
Im afraid i know little of the history of Nepal, but as a avid reader im always willing to learn.
Comment by Oxy — June 21, 2007 @ 5:48 pm
Hey - I’d love to learn more about political history of Nepal. It’s so cool that your dad has such an interesting career.
Add me to the mailing list of how/where to order a copy.
Comment by Howdy — June 25, 2007 @ 3:54 pm
Oxy and Howdy: If you email me your addresses, I can send you each a copy. Email me at esthermira@mac.com
Comment by Esther — June 26, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
[…] On the evening of June 1, 2001, the King and Queen of Nepal, their daughter and younger son were murdered, evidently by their older son, whose own mysterious death ended the slaughter. The King’s younger brother succeeded to the throne … …more […]
Pingback by nepal » Blog Archive » Q&A: Sunil Pokharel: Spearheading Kachahari in Nepal — July 4, 2007 @ 8:28 am
I would like a copy as well. What do I do? bhuwansharma01@gmail.com
Comment by Bhuwan — July 15, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
Bhuwan: I will forward your email address to my father so he can contact you to let you know how to get a copy.
Comment by Esther — July 15, 2007 @ 8:12 pm
The title sounds quite interesting but what is inside we need to read first. Anyway, the memoir must have depicted the late king Birenda’s characters.I am very much interested to read this book.Can you provide me a copy for review.
Thanks.
Comment by Min Bhatta — August 22, 2007 @ 12:45 am
The title sounds quite interesting but what is inside we need to read first. Anyway, the memoir must have depicted the late king Birendra’s characters.I am very much interested to read this book.Can you provide me a copy for review.
Thanks.
Comment by Min Bhatta — August 22, 2007 @ 12:46 am
Hi,
Is the book still not available in the US? I currently live in Chicago but was born and raised in Nepal. I was very interested in the book after reading a review of it in Nepalitimes.com, but couldn’t find it anywhere…till I stumbled into your website today.
Comment by Jagdeep — September 21, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Min Bhatta: and Jagdeep: I will forward your email addresses to my father so he can get in contact with you to let you know how you can get a copy of his book.
Comment by Esther — September 21, 2007 @ 11:04 pm