Apr 21, 2005 02:21 AM
3303 Views
(Updated Apr 21, 2005 02:21 AM)
MUST READ!!!!
For anyone who has faced insecurity about work!
For anyone who has craved true love!
For anyone who has felt completely at sea about things around him (/her)!
For anyone who has ever been beyond the glory days of teen and tried to find his true self.
Jai, the protagonist, is you, is me, is all of us. His is a simple story told in simple words. Thats the best part about it. Unlike many Indian authors, A Banker, does not try and prove his worthiness as an Enlish writer by using heavy 10-letter laden words. He does so by writing a book he feels about, he surely has gone through and by keeping his foot rooted to terra firma.
For people in Mumbai, u will relate to him rite from the minute details, (viz. morning rush hour local to Churchgate) to the deep rooted concerns, rather insecurities, abt work, love, family, finance etc. For people outside of Mumbai, you will still relate to all thats happening in Jai's life. Even if u dont know where and wat Gokul is. (THose who do, cheers, lived 2 years on those cramped tables!!)
Hats off to the author for writing a simple story which encompasses everything. Just one regret. How the hell did he not write a sequel to this book??
The various reviews of the book (not just on this site) called it an Indian epic. I was circumspect.. even cynical. But trust me, if you are a middle classed working Indian, you HAVE to read the book. And to think that this book was written in 1992, not much has changed!!
As for critiquing the book on specifics, here goes.
The charaters are simple, yet clearly and honestly defined. A spade is called a spade.
The plot line moves fast. Every chapter rushes you through a major event. Its so beautifully structred, you are finishing one episode and you are already thinking ''What Next''.
The pace is maintained through out, and that is the only let down. Cause, even the climax is the same. It doesnt reach a greater height. Unlike wat climaxes are meant to do. They end the story witha question mark.. thought provoking yes, but fulfillin no.
All in all, read the book, just get your hands on it. You will love it. I did. And it surely is the MOST simple yet enriching book I have ever read.
Read on..
