Kitaab Review: Brahma Dreaming by John Jackson

Tales of Indian gods told with European art-inspired illustrations erase the Indian feel from this otherwise beautiful and magnificent production, says Elen Turner.

Brahma Dreaming. Written by John Jackson, Illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini. London: JJ Books, 2013. 239 pp. ISBN 978-0-9569212-8-4.

In his dedication, author John Jackson writes: “This book is dedicated to all those who enjoy the beliefs and dreams of their fellow beings.” This intention runs throughout this book, a re-telling and re-illustration of the tales of Hinduism’s great gods, the Mahadevas. Described as an “illustrated novel for sophisticated readers of all ages”, Brahma Dreaming is a large hardback, around half text and half illustration. Its production is extremely high quality and classy: all black-and-white, save for a little subtle red, with thick, high quality paper and exquisite illustrations.