"Unreal Aliens" by Karthik Lakshman. This book is published by Penguin Random house India in 2016 and has 240 pages. It's second fiction of Unreal series after 'Unreal elections' by same author.
Aliens have landed in Delhi. Modi charms the aliens with his showmanship, signs a number of agreements, involves them in Swacch Bharat Abhiyan but refuses to give them what they are looking for. Pakistan conspires with Aliens and Aliens take control of India.
What will India do? What is China's position? What are Aliens looking for? What will Modi do?
Modi forms a motley crew comprising of trusted Amit Shah, Smart Subramanium Swamy, unreliable Kejriwal, Dozing Devegouda and loud Arnab Goswami to fight and defeat Aliens by watching a movie and copying the trick. It's a race against time and fight for survival. Rahul Gandhi once again plays a key role.
Modi, again, is the larger than life figure and protagonist. Modi's speeach to the audience made up of his accessories in walk in closet, response of various news channels to arrival of aliens, Ajit Doval's cameo, Arvind Kejriwal's histrionics and the double twist at the end of book are too good.
Keen observation of famous personalities and correct use of it for the story is the key to success of this book. Kejriwal's anti Modi rant, Swamy's proximity to Supreme Court as he needs to go their daily, Badass Amit Shah, Arnab who can't stop talking, Dhoni who emphasizes process, swearing Kohli, Rajdeep Sardesai's anti Modi campaign and aversion to the word prestitute, compulsive sleeper Devegowda and many more are shrewdly captured and wittily used.
One of the best part of the book was Arvind Kejriwal's performance at 'India has got talent' show where he successfully blames everything on Modi, including something that happened before he was born. A masterpiece.
The only section of book that slows down the story is the cricket match. Cricket match was entertaining but largely unnecessary and not in line with the story. The book fictionalizes real life figures, so those who don't know these figures will not find the book amusing. Another shortcoming is that author has used Hindi dialogues in the book verbatim. The readers who don't understand Hindi will not understand it. Thus the book will be deprived of international audience.
It's a witty book. Readers can't help smiling multiple times and laughing out loud a few times. It tickles you, pricks you, makes you smile, amazes you and fully entertains you.
Why did I read this book? Previous book by same author was too good.
What I didn't like? Cricket match.
What did I like? Everything else and the end.
Recommend reading. It's a must read.
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