Oct 10, 2015 01:53 PM
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New Genre Dr. Yadav’s book is in the new genre of Indian writers in terms of the way he uses English. The school teacher in me had to flinch every so often. But I realise that a new brand of reader has also developped who are able to follow this new kind of English.
I don't think that the country which was ruling one third of the world would suddenly get scared with his stick.
I’d tend to say “Scared of his stick.”
Political and Social Issues The author discusses the state of India today.
In the Guise of a "Murder Story" Dr Ajay Yadav’s creation traces Indian history and dissects prominent historical figures. The protagonist secretly loves a girl who has been a childhood friend. She seems to perpetually choose the wrong type of partner and gets into various soups. Will our hero get his lady love? But isn’t he married?
Authentic Set in and around Gurgaon/Delhi, this book brings those places to life. The author has described eateries, colleges, police stations and even real estate, giving the writing a feel of the real.
Idols with Feet of Stone? Gandhi and others are not spared as Dr. Yadav reveals facets of their life that some of us might find it uncomfortable to digest. For example, I like the concept of ideals. It is uplifting and can motivate people to excel. Few of us strive as hard as some historical figures in India have. It makes me proud to be Indian. Showing me aspects of these people which are not so palatable seems to me to be rather unnecessary. Let me address this sideways: Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass was not only a childhood favourite because of its absurdity but also worked as a guide in life situations for me. However, some busybody felt that Carroll might have had a rather nasty interest in little girls. Thus, the books have fallen out of grace.
Similarly, soon after Mother Teresa passed away, a most funny man wrote an account of his meeting her in an airplane and her drinking wine. There are other things about her, rather than what she ate or drank, that do disturb me today. Even so, few can do what she did to alleviate the suffering of the poor.
However, I thank Dr. Yadav for the historical snippets.
Salacious History I was mostly highly entertained by the spicy accounts of India’s last princes and their bizarre extravagances.
Pertinent? I'm not so clear about the author’s concerns and how they relate to the story within which they are framed. Yet, he has viewpoints about why things are the way they are in India today. Perhaps his ideas are shared by many?
He put his hand over my shoulder and advised me, "When you grow up try to find the truth yourself. Always look at both sides of the curtain before reaching any conclusion."
When I grew old and peeped on the other side of the curtain, it had many stains; in fact it was soaked at many places. The person whom we give credit for having singlehandedly expelled the British from India was a firm believer that British rule was meant for the welfare of the world.The problem with the majority of us is to follow the easy path "believe whatever is available as a platter without putting an effort to find out the truth" and that's why winners write history as per their vested interests.
Who Should Buy It? Anyone who has lived in Delhi/NCR would relish nostalgic moments. But it is also a book that is worth studying for a student of language: how is English evolving in India today?
