The Girl in room 105 by Chetan Bhagat

"The Girl in room 105" by Chetan Bhagat - A murder mystery!

This book is published by Westland in 2018 and has 304 pages. 

Keshav has broken up with his beautiful Kashmiri girlfriend Zara. One day he gets a text message from her on the eve of her birthday and enters drunk in Room 105 of IIT Delhi hostel through window.

How does Zara receive him? Why did they break up? Which world does Keshav enter when he enters room 105? Does Zara miss him? Does she want to leave Raghu, her current boyfriend?

The story is built nicely. What appeared to be a hearty break and romance, quickly turns into a murder mystery. Amature detectives persist, don't give up, encounter dead ends, perceiver and eventually succeeded. Character of Zara Lone unfolds through other characters. 

It's a good plot. Development of story is good. Characterization is also good. The story is on the slower side. However, there are some weaknesses. Reason for Zara and Keshav's breakup appears flimsy. Killer's confession comes too soon etc.

Author ends with Keshav opening a detective agency. Does Chetan intend to write a sequel or a series? Only time will tell. 

The book has a subtitle 'an unlove story'. Concept of unlove is imaginative and interesting. It's love equivalent of unfriend. I was impressed by this concept. 

This book is out of typical Chetan Bhagat cast. If you have read his previous books then don't expect anything similar in this book. 

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like? Some weak points. 

What did I like? Author's attempt in new genre. 

Recommend reading. 

The walls of Delhi by Uday Prakash

"The walls of Delhi" by Uday Prakash, translated into English by Kason Grunebaum - Noir !

This book is published by UWA Publishing in 2012 and has 235 pages.

This book is a collection of three stories. 

Story 1 - The walls of Delhi

Ramnivas, the sanitation worker, starts an affair with Sushma, the domestic worker. One day he finds cash hidden by someone in a hollow wall in Saket (a rich locality), where he cleans. What happens next?

Author paints the life on road. Small time vendors, beggars, leaper, smackheads, chaiwalla, bicycle repairman, panwalla, cobbler, astrologer, sanitation worker, domestic worker and their relations and relationships. The story is allegorical in nature on one hand and starkly realistic on the other. What happens when one finds easy money and what happens when someone else finds that? 

Story  2 - Mohandas 

Mohandas, a bright young man from weaver community, who stood second in university is selected for a job that never materializes. He does not find another job and manages to survive on a small piece of land, somehow. One day he gets a shock of his life about the job he was selected for. What's it?

This story numbs your mind. The story happens after year 2000. Basically it tells that although India has progressed, it has not come out of the clutches of cast system and the lower casts are still deprived. Author narratesboois story in contrast. On one side India is developing rapidly taking big strides and close to be counted as a superpower and on the other hand some do not have food to eat, place for a toilet and roof over head. The established have usurped what rightfully begins to poor. 

Author clarifies that this is not some symbolic story or allegory or coded fable although the name of protagonist, his family members and his village are same or eerily similar to that of Mahatma Gandhi.

Story 3 - Mangosil

Shobha, wife of Ramakant, is abused and sexually assaulted regularly by an inspector and a contractor. She can't take it and runs away with Chandrakant. Chandrakant Thorat's son with Shobha has a decease that he calls Mangosil, where the head becomes big and is continuously getting bigger. There is no cure. He has red eyes and almost never sleeps. But was he a kid or was his brain more developed and all knowing?

Chandrakant's son, who was not expected to live, but survives and has strange tangled thoughts. He lives until he doesn't. But how does he die? Author takes us through the life of Shobha, her escape, sufferings. General discomfort of parents and neighbours towards the strange child. Unusual life and death of the child. 

All the three stories are noir. There is a continuous ache and suffering. Poverty is the main issue, sometimes exacerbated by cast. All the three stories have a protagonist couple and there is scene of passion between them. 

All three stories are on a serious subjects and exploitation of the poor by established is the common theme running through these stories. Author's style of narration is somewhat abstract.

Translation looks decent. In some instances if translator had given the hindi words and translation in brackets, it would have been more appropriate because some things simply can't be translated. As an example Mai hoon na (title of a movie) can't be translated as You can count on me. You don't get the same effect. 

Cover of the book is fantastic. It shows an electric socket with a number of adaptors and a bulb plugged in. Additionally there is a switch Jerry rigged to it. Classic Jugad!

Why did I read this book? Goodreads rating.

What I didn't like? Abstract narration is hard to follow for common readers. 

What did I like? Contrast, realistic. 

Read if you like the genre. 

Saboteur by R. V. Raman

"Saboteur" by R. V. Raman - E-tailing story!

This book is published by Hachette India in 2017 and has 352 pages. 

Nilay Adiga is CEO of MyMagicHat, an internet retailer. One day he gets three jolts. They find out that their meeting rooms, his cabin and cabin of promoter, Gautam Puraria, was bugged. Then he found out that company is running out of cash. Finally financial auditor Puneet, who was doing due diligence for an investor, goes missing. Inspector Dhruvi Kishor is requested by one of her relatives to look into Puneet's disappearance. She starts investigating in personal capacity. 

Are the three things related? How come a company suddenly runs out of cash? Is this industrial espionage? Is this a sabotage? Why is it happening? Who is the saboteur?

This book gives insights to the reader about working of e-tailing industry. Reader is enlightened thaat all e-tailers make loss because they give discounts below the price and reimburse the gap to the suppliers. Ask this to gain market share. It's not only technical but also about marketing, strategy, competition and espionage.

The story is interesting. Due to the technical details of the industry, readers have to be watchful.  However, the name is a giveaway that is an insider job. What remains to be seen is who it is. Author manages to keep the identity of perpetrator under wraps until he reveals it.

Characterization is also interesting. Ambitious Nilay. Genius Moin. Goutam, who wants prove to his father that he is not a kid. Methodical and observant Dhruvi. Intelligent Vibha. Mysterious and methodical Puneet.

All in all it is a good package. 

Why did I read this book? Was on my wish list for a long time. 

What I didn't like? Gullibility of Goutam. A little outlandish sabotage. 

What did I like? Functioning of industry. Hidden saboteur.

Recommend reading. 

Sweet dreams by Sunny Leone

"Sweet dreams" by Sunny Leone - Predictably, erotica!

This book is published by Juggernaut in 2016 and has 200 pages. This is Sunny's debut venture. 

It's a collection of 12 stories of erotica genre. One can guess that much from the name of author.

The stories are fantasy come true encounters.  The stories have variety in backdrop, if not content. There is a story of a couple who is losing zing in their life after 10 years of marriage. Another one is of an American Indian house wife seducing a 19 year old student. There is a chance passionate encounter in a tailoring shop. There is a story of a terminally ill lady preparing her final resting place with the help of a stranger. There is a tryst in an aeroplane. There is a story of a an Indian bar dancer in New York. The is a story of an overweight girl made fun of by the guy she likes. There is a one night stand at call center. There are teenagers who, surprisingly, don't have sex. Story of a peeping tom divorcee lady and the handsome neighbour she watches secretly. There is even a ghost love story. A story of an executive and a masseuse. 

At times, author suggests that couples discover love through sex. In some stories it's just sex, just fling. In some cases sex is combination of love and in some it's the start of love. Most of them are one time encounters. Little love and lot of passion.

3-4 stories are narrated by Male narrator. All other stories are narrated by female protagonist.

The stories are ok. Some even unrealistic like tryst in aeroplane. Some stories are outright shallow. Author had a chance to make some of the stories meaningful, more than carnal pleasure. But author mostly squandered the opportunities. 

The writing style is good. There is no mention of a co- writer,  so it's a good debut effort. Don't look for literary value in the book. Just that it's one of the very few erotic Indian books.

When I first came across this book, I was surprised. I did not know that Sunny was a writer. So I picked it up.

Why did I read this book? Curiosity about Sunny's writing. 

What I didn't like? Shallowness

What did I like? Erotica in Indian literature. 

Read if the review interests you. 

Raavan: enemy of Aryavarta by Amish

"Raavan: enemy of Aryavarta" by Amish -  Good, not great!

This book is published by Westland publications private limited in 2019 and has 400 pages. This is Book 3 of Ram Chandra series. 

First two books took us through the story of Ram and Sita up to the kidnapping of Sita. This book takes us through the story of Raavan up to the kidnapping of Sita. This style of narration is called Hyperlinking.

Who was Raavan? What ticked him? How did Lanka become most wealthy nation in the world? What were his limitations and capabilities? Why did he kidnap Sita?

So are there surprises and twists? Yes. Author has given an interesting twist to the story of rape and murder of Vedavati. Ravan and Kumbhakarna are shown as Nagas. Vishwamitra is the real string puller. There is a competition between Vayuputras (Tribe left by previous Mahadev, Lord Rudra) and Malayputras (Tribe left by previous Vishnu, Parshuram). Author also reveals biological Parentage of Sita and real reason for her kidnap. He gives some good philosophical anecdotes too. 

Raavan hates his father, Rishi Vishrawas. His family (He, brother, mother and uncle Marich) was abandoned by his mother's family. He is in love with Vedavati since childhood but is livid by the way Sapt Sindhu (ancient India) treats her. He is very capable, intelligent, powerful and has flexible morals. He has very low opinion about females. He loves Kumbhakarna and Indrajit.He hates Sapt Sindhu and becomes her sworn enemy. Raavan is a complicated character and lack of influence of elder in his life is detrimental. He makes all choices on his own, many of them wrong. 

This book was originally titled "Raavan: orphan of Aryavarta" but author changed orphan to enemy when the book was published. However, I think that with a little creativity the original title might have suited more. Showing Raavan as victim of circumstances would have made a greater impact. 

Author uses current names of places in this period story (Mumbadevi, Nicobar, Asia, Africa etc.), except for the ones where he has used ancient names earlier (e.g. Karchappa for Karachi). He also makes a comment on Shabarimala female entry ban, but in the context of story. 

So how was the book? It was good, but not great. Are there twists? Yes, but nothing that hits you hard. Are there revelations? Yes but nothing that surprises you to the end of your wits. So in short, it's good, but not as good as Book 2: Sita. Sita still remains best of the series.

This book of the series was delayed a lot due to some personal issues in authors life. Readers were patient. 

Why did I read this book? Author and series 

What did I like? Vedavati angle.  

What I didn't like? Lack of wow factor!

Read if you are reading the series. 

Five point someone by Chetan Bhagat

"Five point someone" by Chetan Bhagat - Finally read it!

This book is published by Rupa Publications India in 2004. Second edition was published in 2014 and has 267 pages. This is Chetan's debut novel. 

Hari, Alok and Rayan meet during their ragging in 1st year at IIT Delhi and become fast friends. Their friendship flourishes but it's not without trouble. They get a GPA of five point something, hence they are five point someone. Lowest in the class. 

What troubles will they face? Is there a love story? What are their aspirations? Why are they five point someones? Are their careers at risk?

Author takes us through the life of IITians. What ticks them? What do they do? How do they live? It also comments on the education system of IIT and criticises too many assignments and lack of practical work & research.

Readers sympathise with the three protagonists and worry about their future looking at the way they jump from one trouble to another. It takes the reader back to some part if their college life. Author succeeds to create emotions in readers. 

While narrating the fiction, author makes some important comments about education system, in general, and that of IIT, in particular. However, he does not try to provide solutions. 

Character of Rayan remains mysterious. Character of Hari, the narrator, is not complete,  there is hardly any mention of his family. Author alludes that this was on purpose through another character. Alok gets due space for character development and so does Neha.

End of the book is not satisfactory. It appears a bit hurried and tentative. I had a feeling that author was unsure about, at which turn he wants to conclude the story.

3 idiots was the movie based on this book. Generally any movie differs from the book for many reasons like format, visual effects, artistic liberty etc. This film also has numerous differences with the book. I will list the major ones as most of you must have watched the movie. Neha is girlfriend of Hari in the book, she is Rancho's (Rayan) girlfriend in the movie. She has a sister in movie, not in book. Consequently the book doesn't have sister's delivery either. Phunsuk Wangdu is invention of the movie. So, there is no search for Rayan (Rancho) in the book. Character played by Rajesh Vaidya is a very minor character in the book. 

This book was the start of Chetan's career as author. Chetan was responsible to re-inculcate reading culture in India and attract the youngsters to reading books. He started the golden age of Indian English fiction writers, many of who came from IIT and/or IIM.

Why did I read this book? Author.

What I didn't like? The end. 

What did I like? Recreation of hostel life. 

Read, if you have not already watched the movie. 

House of stars by Keya Ghosh

"House of stars" by Keya Ghosh - It's different!

This book is published by Penguin Metro Reads in 2019 and has 240 pages. 

Kabir is following a beautiful girl, Diya. She enters a mall, Kabir follows her there. Terrorists take over this mall and take them hostage. Diya is terrified of her autocratic father even in the hostage situation. Kabir is working up courage to approach her. 

Why does Kabir follow Diya? What are his real intentions? Can they survive the hostage situation? What is House of Stars?

This is not a boy meets girl love story, but it has a lot of love in it. For the first part, reader is unclear about where the story is going. Is it a love story? Is it a hostage story? Is it something else? It remains so until Aman's entry. Then it suddenly becomes interesting and things start to fall in place. 

Characters of Diya and Kabir are good, though Diya appears to be underdeveloped. However, character of Aman is complete. He is an unusual individual with convictions and resolve. A rare character in today's age. Your heart goes out for him. 

The story is delivered by Kabir and Diya alternately. Author has an interesting style. Every time the narrator changes, he/she narrates a tiny portion already narrated from other's view point as a cue. 

The story also raises a few questions, which when unanswered, look like flaws. Why go to a mall? Tactically it's a nightmare for terrorists. Large space, multiple egress, lot of hiding spots, large crowd to control. Why they did not choose a smaller establishment? Why is Diya called Diya? How come Kabir does not know Diya's name but still manages to find her in Mumbai?

So what is house of stars? House of stars is a metaphor for free, open, natural abode without limitations, without boundaries, free of shackles. An ideal abode. Something Kabir dreams and strives for. 

Keya was a teacher and took early retirement for this new career. She deserves praise for imagining this tale. It's different!

Why did I read this book? By chance

What did I like? Concept and story. 

What I didn't like? Kabir's love and very fast end. 

Recommend reading.