Her tale weaves scandal with timeless myth: As Shatarupa blossoms into womanhood, ancient wisdom and forbidden desires collide, revealing the most profound and elemental of truths. In the philosophical novella Without Opposite, twins Adam and Sata (sobriquet for Shatarupa) face a world where passion, family duty, and the search for ultimate truth collide.

Sata’s existential journey takes her across continents and cultures. When she encounters three brilliant young philosophers—Ludwig, David, and Albert—their intellectual sparring ignites into something far more dangerous. As each man offers his own path to enlightenment through art, pleasure, and sacrifice, their philosophical rivalry transforms into a primal contest for Sata’s heart, hurtling them all toward an inevitable reckoning.

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Adam’s guilt

Meanwhile, Adam’s life takes a dark turn after a family tragedy. Wrestling with guilt over a crime that has deeply affected those closest to him, he faces years of internal torment. His bond with Sata, his only lifeline, remains unbroken despite the physical and emotional distance between them. Adam’s struggle forces readers to reflect on how guilt can shape one’s identity and, ultimately, how forgiveness—both given and received—is essential for healing.

Catching Brahman mid-flight

Without Opposite offers more than just a coming-of-age story about love and family; it is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and psychological needs. Perfect for readers seeking brainy depth and emotional engagement, this novella invites contemplation on life’s most profound questions while delivering an engrossing narrative filled with twists, scandals, and revelations. With its rich blend of forbidden desires and mythical undertones, Without Opposite stands as a unique contribution to the genre of philosophical fiction, challenging readers to reflect on the illusions that divide us and Brahman, the ultimate truth.

Why read it?

• Expand your mind: The book delves into deep philosophical discussions about nonduality, metaphysics, and consciousness, offering readers a fresh perspective on self-awareness.
• Explore an epic adventure: Through engaging storytelling, readers will journey with vibrant characters, blending romance, drama, and mystery, making philosophical concepts accessible and enjoyable.
• Challenge conventional thinking: Readers are invited to question deeply held beliefs about time, identity, and existence, opening doors to greater personal insight and spiritual growth.
• A unique blend of East and West: The book integrates both Eastern nondual philosophy and Western rationalism, creating a captivating exploration of these distinct worldviews, perfect for readers who enjoy cultural and philosophical synthesis​.

From the back cover

“Mind-bending nondualism fiction that speaks the unspeakable.

The original sin is Freudian in this modern version of ancient creation legends. Shatarupa’s mythical hundred manifestations reflect her unrivaled beauty but also the pain of family secrets and unfulfilled dreams. Driven from paradise by an unspeakable act, she must face her demons—who happen to be philosophers. They vie for her feelings with pleasure, art, and sacrifice, inevitably leading to an existential showdown. When Shatarupa finally exposes the origin of humankind and the physical world, it turns the philosophers’ lives upside down. But can she mend her own life and find forgiveness in her heart?

Her tale weaves scandal with timeless myth: As Shatarupa blossoms into womanhood, ancient wisdom and forbidden desires collide, revealing the most profound and elemental of truths.”

What readers say

“Without Opposite: A Philosophical Adventure (Unlock Tao) by Marcel Eschauzier relates the story of Shatarupa (popularly called Sata) as told by her twin brother Adam. For the duration of his 30-year prison sentence for killing his mother, Adam was dependent on his sister’s letters for support. Sata was raised in the wealthy household of Bram Virinski and subjected to a great deal of over-protection, which she hated as a youngster and later as a teenager. In contrast, her brother was handled differently and even encouraged to do things that Sata wouldn’t dare. After their mother died, Sata was free to do as she pleased and traveled to Germany to enroll in her father’s dream course – philosophy. There, she encountered individuals who transformed her life and opened her eyes to new truths in philosophy and metaphysics.

The cover of Without Opposite by Marcel Eschauzier features an eye-catching image of an incredibly gorgeous young woman. I adore how the author seamlessly transitions between the first-person and omniscient narratives. The book includes discussions on philosophy, logic, physics, metaphysics, and art. Fans of these disciplines would find the work intriguing. There is also an examination of ideas from Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The book promotes discussion about the disparities between the way boys and girls are raised in the home and highlights how young people are affected by peer pressure. The conclusion is one you won’t see coming at all. Without giving anything away, I’ll let you read the book and enjoy it as much as I did, learning a ton in the process.”—Adanna Ora for Reader’s Favorite

“The problem with discussing philosophy academically is that it feels like something dry and irrelevant to the average person rather than the dynamic lived experience that philosophical ideas truly are. What better way for Marcel Eschauzier to break open the shell of philosophy than to embed the discussion into an exciting narrative that is as cerebral as it is rousing? It’s a testament to the skill of the author that he has so effectively fused the high-concept ideas of one of the essential sciences into such an exciting tale of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery. Without Opposite is a perfect springboard for readers who have the spark of interest in philosophical ideas and are keen to fan that spark into a flame, with exciting and realistic characters exploring big ideas in a way that makes sense for real people. This book is not to be missed and I recommend it to all.”—K.C. Finn for Reader’s Favorite

Author’s note

They say men shouldn’t write from a woman’s perspective. That only native speakers can write English fiction. That Westerners don’t understand Indian philosophy and religion. They’re probably right. But I was once imagining a life without ever being foolish, always coloring between the lines and doing what was expected of me. It was a nightmare.

And I thought, if no one ever dared to make a fool of himself, how will we ever cross the chasm between Western and Eastern thought? Because that’s what Without Opposite is about. But it’s also a fun and sometimes dramatic story—provocative and with a twist. Don’t read it if you’re judgmental or easily offended. If you’re not, there’s a rich, layered experience waiting to be discovered and enjoyed on different levels.

Without Opposite was an Amazon #1 Bestseller in the USA, Australia, Germany, and Japan in several niche Kindle categories.

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