Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi talks about his novels, his critics and his decision not to write another book

Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi, who was in the city for the launch of his second novel, The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay, doesn't like to be described as a racy writer. "I only want to break the taboo about sex in this country," he says, earnestly.

"I want people to be able to talk about sex as normally as possible, without blushing. There has to be a language created, which would make a person express things easily. Sex can be the subject of an intelligent conversation," he adds.

"My first book, The Last Song of the Dusk, was a subtle love story whereas The Lost Flamingoes of Bombay is a city centric tale that revolves around the lives of powerful and rich socialites. This book deals with heartbreak, politics, tragedy and lonelinessu2026 the works. I believe that friendships are the strongest bonds in a human's life," he says as we chat over a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, watching crows flit across the balcony.

How does he feel after reading scathing reviews of his book by critics? "People who liked my first book didn't like my second book, whereas people who liked this book, couldn't find anything to connect with in my first book."
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Is writing the culmination of a childhood dream? "I have always wanted to be a writer. But now I can see that the passion is fading away. I wouldn't want to write anymore. So probably, this would be my last book. Actually, I don't want to write anymore."