The Substance of a Dream

"The Substance of a Dream" by F. W. Bain is a captivating novel that blends love with mythical elements, exploring the challenges of desire, and the emotional lives of its characters. The story highlights Shatrunjaya, a talented lute-player and prince, who seeks a mysterious woman from his dreams, eventually meeting Táráwalí, a queen whose life is intertwined with love, beauty, and discovering oneself. Opening with a thoughtful and poetic tone, the novel sets the scene for Shatrunjaya's inner conflicts and longings, posing the ephemeral beauty of dreams against the challenges of reality. As Shatrunjaya wanders through a dreamscape, he remembers a dream about a beautiful woman and commits to finding her in the real world, leading to his fateful encounter with Táráwalí, where he wrestles with powerful emotions and the understanding that their bond blurs the line between dream and reality.