The Malaysian-born Indian American author, college professor, broadcaster, Quiz Master, and Resource Person, Philip Koshi, has just published his seventh book, a memoir(autobiography) titled, Hero in Disguise (The story of a boy who became a man). It is truly mind-blowing and inspirational. It is at once slow and steady, rough and polished, tumultuous and tempestuous. The book is divided into three parts and has a total of one hundred and forty-eight pages.

In the post-script, the author writes “One of the biggest challenges in my life as a writer has been the recording of my core random thoughts into a semblance of a unified lot. After much introspection and deliberation, I hit upon a favorite technique famously pioneered by some of the most influential 20th century modernist authors- Ms. Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, William Faulkner and Dorothy Richardson-Stream of Consciousness. It is the thought process of capturing the chaotic, associative, logical and illogical way the mind actually works.” While Part 1 and Part 2 are purely linear in narration, Part 3 lays bare the Life Manifesto and philosophy of the author. The book is dedicated to the “Citizens of the world, in every nook and corner, and beyond.” 

Philip Koshi traces his ancestry to an ancient, aristocratic Syrian Christian family in East Kallada, Kollam, Keralam. As landlords and chieftains of the domain they possessed, they led a regal life. But fate intervened and reduced them to eke out a spartan life. Philip takes one through his birthplace, Malaysia, the land of his forbears, India, a brief stint in the Gulf state and a permanent settlement in the Unites States of America.

The book is full of anecdotes, unbelievable experiences, witty and pithy sayings, coupled with worldly wisdom and spiritual insights. It is a recap of the past that shaped the author, the present that nurtures him and the future that awaits him. He frankly discusses his colossal failures and shining successes with a candor that evokes the reader’s appreciation. Out of his setbacks, he developed resilience, strength and positivity. Philip Koshi, at the end of the book, emerges as an astonishing writer, a hero in disguise and an acute observer of human nature.

When encountered with the statement that Part 3 of the book is a hard nut to crack the author retorted. “I’m 70 years old and at this stage of my life I am not prepared to write a fairytale story”.

In conclusion, the book is a brilliant exposition of human ingenuity, perseverance and skill. As the author himself says: “My pen became my rebellion”. It is an unfinished journey of self-discovery. The story of an unheard voice. The book was born out of a desire to connect with a wider audience.

Anyone interested to read the book online may please email to the author with their email ID at philip_koshi@yahoo.com. A pdf. file is available and will be send on request. Purely complimentary!