“The story has the pace and grace of a well-crafted thriller, ebbing and flowing like a river while picking up the many sediments of Shivaswamy’s life. Whether writing about the claustrophobia-inducing Bengaluru metro, the duplicity of office politics, or the shrewd bureaucracy of real-estate dealings, Dattathri brings a contemporary flair and familiarity that extends beyond the local.“ – Amritesh Mukherjee, in Deccan Herald. “By translating his own Kannada original into English, Dattathri ensures that the flavor, rhythm, and sly wit of the story stay intact like a filter coffee served with just the right amount of bitterness. ‘What’s Your Price, Mr Shivaswamy?’ is, at its core, a story about quiet courage. It’s about those who’ve spent a lifetime playing fair, only to discover that the game has changed.” – Swapna Peri, in STORIZEN “Dattathri masterfully crafts a narrative that is both a compelling story and a Socratic dialogue on the […]

In the pre-dawn hours, a newborn child is abandoned on the doorstep of a priest’s home. The priest and his wife take in the child, who flourishes into a young man named Yagi Jois. The family’s profession revolves around performing “apara karma,” the rituals conducted for the deceased. A thoughtful and bright young man, Yagi Jois is nonetheless burdened by the enigma of his origins. The novel chronicles his rise above his humble beginnings, weaving profound philosophical reflections throughout his odyssey.