We absolutely enjoyed reading the life and times of The Last White Hunter by Joshua Mathew; a book about Donald Anderson, the son of the legendary Kenneth Anderson.
Apart from reading about Don’s extraordinary life it was the magic of the Bangalore of a different era and Don’s travels and adventures that caught our attention.
Here’s our quick chat with Joshua on his inspiration to write and his own travels.
Tell us a little more about yourself, and your love for wildlife and nature.
It’s probably genetic, but I’ve always loved animals ever since I can remember.
Growing up, not only were pets an influence at home, but my grandparents’ home had barnyard animals and a river close by.
Most holidays had a wildlife element included and if you add to all this, my interest in shikar literature, it’s no surprise that I tuned out this way.
In what way does wildlife affect you and what do you do to protect it?
I love the outdoors and wildlife is a key element of that passion.
And unlike most people who visit Indian forests to see only tigers, I’m almost as happy observing some of the lesser creatures.
I’m no activist, so I haven’t done anything noteworthy that would fall into the definition of ‘protection’, but my advice to others who follow the same passion is to be patient, occasionally forget about ISO and aperture and shutter speed and just enjoy the moment.
What is your favorite book and why?
Probably King Solomon’s Mines, by Rider Haggard.
I think I read it at an impressionable age, but a story of a time when the world still had places that were unexplored, of searching for lost treasure and having a grand adventure seems appealing even today.
While writing this book, did you feel connected to Karnataka in a new and special way? If so, how?
Donald Andersons’ ‘riches to rags’ story though set in Bangalore is a universal reminder of how things never work out the way you plan.
His poignant tale is evocative of what many Anglo Indian families went through, and it was an eye opener for me.
Which is the one place you would like to visit again and again?
The Nilgiris.
What is your favorite travel quote?
“If you’re ever in a dilemma whether to take a holiday or not, choose to take it. Nothing will change in your absence” (note : this does not apply to my current employment)
Joshua Mathew
Joshua Mathew – Pic courtesy Hindustan Times
How does it feel like to be recognized for doing something you love? Has the media attention ever felt challenging?
I never thought I would write a book.
And when I started to put it all together, it was more a left-brain exercise… a real-life jigsaw puzzle built over many years and with the infinite kindness of strangers and friends.
And as cliched as it may sound, I don’t think my book is ground breaking by any perspective, so I don’t think ‘recognition’ really applies! Media attention?
Luckily, it’s been so minimal, the world does not have to see the narcissist I hoped to become.
Do you plan on writing another book anytime soon? Maybe fiction?
I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to write Donald’s story.
The law of averages has caught up; I don’t think I am lucky enough to have that kind of opportunity again. Fiction? Me?
Surely, you need to have some sympathy for bibliophiles out there!
Is there any advice you would like to give to all the aspiring writers?
The best books are probably lying in the recycle bin of some agent or publishers’ laptop because the author was plain unlucky or the approach to get people to sit up and take notice was flawed.
Not much one can do about the former, all aspiring authors must work on how to present the book to a potential publisher.
It’s the marketer in me speaking, but the introductory mail should be lucid, concise and include things like the target audience, and preferably a marketing plan.
If you could meet one author, who would it be?
Thor Heyerdal
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