Author Spotlight: S.N. Sippy
From the creative mind of British Indian writer, S. N. Sippy, comes The A.E.C., a tale of romance, regret, and mystical intrigue. What if you had a chance at righting past wrongs? Would your new choices be better ones, or would the cost of such an opportunity be too great? The A.E.C. poses these questions and more in a thoughtful and inspiring novella, where not everything is as it seems. It is therefore The Book Network’s honour to catch up with S.N. Sippy and talk about his processes and influences going into the creation of The A.E.C… Starting with why he wanted to write in the first place.
'They say that everyone has a book in them and I am no different. My Dad was in publishing and I grew up surrounded by books. I do enjoy reading books.'
The story of The A.E.C. surrounds Ed Garcia, a self-made wealthy man in his own right, but one who also lives out the latter stages of his life in a cycle of alcoholism and loneliness. Ed’s weak-mindedness is contrasted by the indomitable strength and spirits of his ex-wife, his estranged daughter, and his soon-to-be lover, Maya.
After dreaming of a mysterious temple and a symbol with nine triangles, Ed meets a priest who offers him the chance to become a thirty-year old man once again. Ed must therefore decide if growing younger is worth the risk, and if so, how he can rectify the mistakes made first time round.
Along the way, he interacts with characters such as his ex colleague Sam, who offers him friendly advice in his darkest hour, an enigmatic woman who regularly visits the same local cafe as Ed, and of course, the elderly priest located at an ornately built temple, who sets the central protagonist on his path to rekindled youth. The priest in question carries the job-description of ‘Age Exchange Co-ordinator’ (‘A.E.C.’ for short), a service which transfers the unwanted remaining years of one person towards another human being more desiring of the privelage.
Keen readers might also be interested to know that the centrepiece of the strange dreams afflicting Ed at the beginning of the story is the Shri Yantra or Shri Charka diagram, a mystical symbol used in the Shri Vidya school of Hinduism containing triangles that represent the cosmos and the human body. This is one of the many themes closely related to Sippy’s Indian heritage and cultural background.
'I believe my religion and my Indian culture also influences me on a daily basis and that is likely to have come through in my writing. Concepts like re-incarnation are part and parcel of life in certain cultures. I am an actor and have the opportunity to brush with creative people fairly regularly. I also think that one's age and the experiences one gathers along the way can reflect in one's writing.
Life experience is indeed a prevalent theme of the story, as it deals in one man’s downward spiral, and how that person can find the strength to pick themselves up again. There is a strong battle between living a life of unrewarding self-indulgence and the pursuit of true spiritual wealth. Which of these Ed chooses, is a resolve that audiences will have to read the story to find out.
In any case, such concepts of morality are what gives The A.E.C. substance. Add a surprising supernatural element, and you have a story with a very distinct identity, and one that means a great deal to the author who penned it.
‘I think that most people, given the opportunity, would change the choices they have made in life. I know I would, but here's the point: Would that make you happier? It's a million-dollar question. Sometimes we chase things we already have.'
'The supernatural element was extremely important to me, as I believe that there is more to us than our five senses. Most people sense that and have experienced that sometimes in their lives and importantly, would like to sense that again. I wanted to take my readers on a fantasy trip.'
Readers will certainly experience a trip of that calibre, and have fun along the way. The main protagonist traverses many states of mind throughout the story, moving from location to location and experience to experience in a well-woven tapestry of love, despair, and suspense. The drama and mysticism comprising The A.E.C. complement each other throughout to create something higher than the sum of its parts.
S.N. Sippy explained to The Book Network how a good story should entertain, inform, inspire, and leave a subliminal message in the minds of readers. The A.E.C. achieves all of this in a highly enjoyable fashion, and is greatly recommended for anyone looking for a poignant story with a spiritual twist. S.N. Sippy ultimately hopes that readers will feel richer for the experience.
'I want readers of The A.E.C. to appreciate what they have, realise that the simple joys of life bring the most happiness, and that love is the most precious thing we have, to give and to receive.'
Fans of The A.E.C. will also be pleased to know that S.N. Sippy has another story in the works, set around similar themes, but this time dealing with financial fraud. In the meantime, you can order The A.E.C. on Amazon and Kobo.
