The Great and the Small by A.T. Balsara | GSMC Book Review Podcast

Sarah sits down with author A.T. Balsara to talk about her powerful and thought-provoking novel, The Great and the Small. This richly layered story brings together the worlds of humans and rats in a gripping tale of survival, compassion, and resistance.The novel introduces Ananda, a troubled teenager struggling with grief, isolation, and her uncanny ability to connect with animals. Living in the tunnels beneath the city is Fin, a young rat who serves as henchman to his uncle, the Beloved Chairman, the charismatic but ruthless leader of the rat colony. When fate brings Ananda and Fin together, their connection challenges long-held prejudices and raises questions about loyalty, power, and the cost of rebellion.As the Chairman prepares to wage war against humans using an ancient plague, both Ananda and Fin face impossible choices. Their intertwined stories echo with themes of buried trauma, dictatorship, and the search for hope in the darkest of places. Inspired by historical accounts and infused with allegorical depth, The Great and the Small is a powerful exploration of empathy, courage, and the human (and animal) spirit.Sarah and A.T. Balsara discuss the inspirations behind the novel, its complex characters, and the universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are drawn to fantasy, allegory, or stories that challenge you to reflect on society and human nature, this episode offers an engaging and insightful conversation.Tune in to the GSMC Book Review Podcast to hear A.T. Balsara’s journey in bringing this unforgettable story to life.A.T. Basara's website: https://www.torreybalsara.com/If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast NetworkApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1ATwitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreviewTiktok: @gsmcbookreviewBluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.socialThreads: @gsmc_bookreviewGSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.