Dec 10, 2011 03:31 PM
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I liked Two states by Chetan Bhagat(referred to as CB hereafter) and it was only natural that I read this book too after I chanced upon it. I was browsing through an online book store and was intrigued by the synopsis. Pre-ordered the book right away and I am not regretting it.
Two Fates continues two years after CB's book. Since it is supposedly a continuation to CB'ss book Author takes liberty and assumes that readers have gone through it and hence does little on character development. Narrative is good and keeps you engaged until you reach at midpoint. First 100 pages of 199 page long story keeps you glued and interested. Somewhere after the half-way mark wit, sarcasm and the detailed narrative starts to get on your nerves. At two-third mark one actually starts counting pages till end. Narrative, naturally, is influenced by involvement of a one too many characters. Some characters are redundant and could have been done without. You might relate to some characters personally and a couple to your relatives. Like they say everyone has a duplicate.
Witty sarcasm is all abound the story and is plenty. Central characters keep throwing regional sarcastic remarks throughout the story. Apparently, Judy Balan, the author has done good research on intricacies of two cultures, namely Punjabi and Tamilian and uses it to highlight witty, sarcastic remarks by Hero and Heroin.
It is Judy Balan's first book and she can be excused for a little faltering in narrative and continuity. The book, overall, is above average and much better than many corporate executive turned writer's pathetic excuse of a novel.
If you appreciate dark humor and sarcasm, then you should definitely read this book.
