"A Rat with a Soul: ‘Paw and Memories’ Redefines Animal Fiction"

(MENAFN- Yahoo) New Delhi, India — August 2025
Independent author and former musician Rajesh Kumar Ram, known as ItsIncubius, makes a compelling literary debut with Paw and Memories, published by PTSD Publications. The novella blends emotional storytelling with stark realism, told through the eyes of an unlikely protagonist—a rat.

A Story Set in the Shadows

Paw and Memories opens in a neglected sewage colony, where a young rat is born into squalor. His early life is marked by immediate loss—the death of his mother and brother. What follows is a deeply affecting journey through abandonment, trauma, and the search for meaning in a hostile world.

As the rat wanders from alleyways to underground tunnels, the novella unfolds as both a physical journey and an emotional one. Rather than relying on escape, the story explores how healing comes from facing the past—not avoiding it.

Emotional Depth Through Memory

ItsIncubius frames memory as both burden and catalyst. The protagonist is haunted by flashbacks—of warmth, companionship, and loss. But these moments become turning points. The narrative highlights how grief, when acknowledged, can fuel inner strength.

The author’s decision to portray a rat’s psychological evolution serves as a striking metaphor for trauma and resilience, especially among the marginalized.

Literary Impact and Style

What sets Paw and Memories apart is its voice. The prose is sparse but evocative, capturing bleak environments while allowing moments of beauty to emerge. By choosing a rat—often seen as dirty or disposable—as the central figure, Incubius forces readers to reconsider ideas of value, dignity, and empathy.

The story avoids sentimentality, offering raw insight into survival amid despair. It succeeds not just as fiction, but as a symbolic commentary on forgotten lives.

From Music to Literature

Rajesh Kumar Ram, formerly active in the indie music scene under the same alias, made a quiet shift to writing in 2022. Paw and Memories marks his formal entry into fiction. His transition from music to literature brings a rhythmic depth to his storytelling, evident in the emotional pacing and flow of the book.

Why This Novella Matters

In under 100 pages, Paw and Memories offers a fresh, emotionally grounded perspective on grief, memory, and hope. It is especially relevant in today’s climate of displacement and mental health awareness. The book’s unique viewpoint gives voice to the overlooked—whether animals, people, or emotions buried under silence.

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