The India spy by J. S. Monroe

"The India spy" by J. S. Monroe writing as John Stock - Is it possible?

This book is published by Head of Zeus in 2018 and has 225 pages. 

Raj, a doctor of Indian origin from Edinburgh, is recruited by MI6 (British intelligence) and sent to Delhi, India. He makes a few friends in Delhi and meets Priyanka. He is starting to enjoy stay in India when he is sent to Cochin to check health of Macaulay. Here he gets inkling of something sinister,  something secret. 

Why was Raj sent to Cochin? What does he discover there? Who does he reconnect with? Who is Macaulay? Is IPI still active? What is Cardamom club?

The book is divided in three parts. First part is the build-up or preamble and is light,  second part brings the subject on anvil and it starts getting serious,  third part is where all the action takes place. 

The book is based on the idea that some Britishers could not digest that India has gained independence,  that she has made progress,  that she is now equal to Great Briton; even better in some aspects. They are still spinning stories, presenting India in a backward, derogatory way to outside world and are ready to go to any extreme to make it happen. They are against the notion of developed India. How does Britain, a first world country, look at India, a third world country? Do they want India to be known as a regressive,  undeserving nation with snake charmers, elephants, human sacrifices and Sati?

The book also raises two pertinent question. First: Has the British society accepted the migrated Indians and subsequent generations as their own? Are non whites born in Britain still considered outsiders or second class or second choice?

Second: You can take a person out of India, but can you take India out of a person?

Author has created a good story but the climax is not very good. The final act spoils the mood but author makes his point emphatically to conclude the story. 

Author deserves praise for describing India and life around the protagonist in great detail. His keen observation,  the inputs he got and his ability to catch the pulse of India is commendable. Author has captured sights and sounds of India precisely. He sees the county through the eyes of someone who is a foreigner but has roots here. One can't make out from his writings that the author is not an Indian. 

Author,  Jon Stock Monroe or JS Monroe, has worked as foreign correspondent in Delhi. 

Why did I read this book? Blurb.

What I didn't like? Sudden departure of antagonist

What did I like? Sights and sounds of India. 

Read if this review interests you.