Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Stephen Alter's Monsoon Memoirs
Stephen Alter, a writer, has written a book called 'The Fragrance of Rain' about the monsoon.
He talks about how the monsoon is unpredictable and how it smells and sounds different in places like Mussoorie and Goa.
When he was young, he used to go beetle hunting in the rain.
Now, he enjoys the thunderstorms and the animals that come out during the monsoon.
He also talks about how landslides and floods can be dangerous.
He says that people have changed how they live with the monsoon, using things like air conditioners.
When the monsoon ends, he is happy to see the clear skies again.
Stephen Alter's book 'The Fragrance of Rain' explores the monsoon's unpredictability and cultural significance.
Alter shares personal memories of the monsoon from Mussoorie and Goa, including beetle hunting and landslides.
The monsoon in Goa is characterized by tropical foliage and diverse creatures, while in Mussoorie, it features oak and deodar trees with epiphytic species.
Alter discusses the impact of climate change and human activity on the monsoon, including landslides and flash floods.
He enjoys the thunderstorms and nocturnal creatures that emerge during the monsoon, preferring it to urban entertainment.
- Who
- Stephen Alter, author and writer
- What
- Release of Alter's book on the monsoon and his personal experiences
- When
- Recent release, specific timeline not mentioned
- Where
- Mussoorie, Uttarakhand and Goa
- Why
- To capture the unpredictability and cultural significance of the monsoon
- Author
- Stephen Alter
- Book Title
- The Fragrance of Rain: A Brief History of the Monsoon
- Publisher
- Aleph
- Primary Locations
- Mussoorie, Goa
- Monsoon Features
- Petrichor, tropical foliage, epiphytic species, landslides, flash floods
- Author's Background
- American missionary grandparents, grew up in Mussoorie, lives in Goa
- Monsoon Impact
- Landslides, flash floods, climate change effects