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'There are few things as sacred as words'

There are a few thrillers, and science fiction, and I'm told there's now some detective fiction.

Yes, but these are stray works. There is no body of work in these genres.

I would love to do something like that. I also like mixing genres though. Parts of God's Little Soldier, especially towards the end, will definitely read like a thriller. There is a sense of urgency there. When we talk about genres, I do not know what goes on in Raymond Chandler's novels, for instance, but I am enchanted by his language, his humour, and sense of irony.

The genre does not in the least dictate whether it is going to be pulp or great literature. It is what you make of it.

At the recent launch of your book in Mumbai, the actor Naseeruddin Shah marvelled at "the capability of critics who sum up years of toil in a few words."

The thing is, you have to give a book weight. You have to qualify comments. Is anybody counter-questioning these reviewers? And if some novelists are now praising bad reviewers -- as I am told some are -- then god help non-existent Indian criticism.

The critical tradition is in dire need of being built up again. It only appears to be getting worse. I have written enough bad sentences in my life, but criticism should be valid. If put into perspective, I can rectify my work.

I find myself resentful because people make sweeping statements and there is no one standing up and asking them for proof. I want to pin people to the words they use. I wish somebody would corner them and make them accountable.

When you use words, you become accountable. Ultimately, there are few things as sacred as words. If critics don't value them, who will? As it is, we have devalued words altogether.