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Saturday, August 8, 2020

Book Review: Pokhran by Uday Singh | Indian Crime-Thriller

Book Review

Pokhran by Uday Singh


Book Review: Pokhran by Uday Singh | Indian Crime-Thriller | Dhiraj Sindhi | Indian Book Blogger
Pokhran by Uday Singh

Author: Uday Singh

ISBN: 978-9387022874

Genre: Crime, Thriller & Mystery

Length: 213 Pages

Publisher: SrishtiPublishers and Distributors (15th July 2020)

My Ratings: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Order your copy right now: https://amzn.to/2CbYQ1E

About the author: 

Uday is a philosopher, economist, and engineer with a firm belief in the progressive march of humanity towards a better and brighter future. He has traveled and lived across countries and continents, which has given him a unique outside-in perspective on India. With a Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University, when he is not writing, he works at an investment bank in New York City and likes to spend time with his family in Princeton, New Jersey.


Book Review: Pokhran by Uday Singh | Indian Crime-Thriller | Dhiraj Sindhi | Indian Book Blogger
Uday Singh

Instagram: @uday_singh_0000
Twitter: @udaysingh007
REVIEW

Summary

Pokhran by Uday Singh is a thriller fictional novel based on the true events that took place in India following the ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation – a successful nuclear bomb test, in 1974; the book shows how it impacted the lives in Pokhran; moreover, the story follows the protagonist whose life is closely connected with ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation; with a wonderful cast of supporting characters and an excellent fast-pacing and enthralling plot, the book touches numerous thought-provoking subjects highly relevant to the current circumstances; packed with shocks and surprises at every page, surely makes it an enjoyable read.


Narration

Pokhran is narrated in first person POV most of the times by Chaitanya, the protagonist. The writing style is natural and easily comprehensible, perfect for the kind of novel it assembles. The language is simple and can be read by anyone including children. The structure of the novel complements the mystery element of the book that makes you eager to read more every time the chapter ends.


Setting and Characters

Pokhran by Uday Singh, as it suggests, begins with the ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation at the Pokhran Test Range, Rajasthan, and a prologue with a glimpse of the situation in 2019. Firstly, the book focusses on the childhood and school-life of Chaitanya in Pokhran and his trips to Payradanga, Calcutta, and Kakekapura, a village his best friend belonged to. The portrayal is so vivid that it makes us reminisce about those invaluable moments of our golden age. Chaitanya’s character arc remains tremendous throughout the book with the same amount of ups and downs. Apart from these locations, the book travels you through MIT, Boston, and Syria.


The supporting characters include Paramvir, his father who brought up Chaitu to be strongest. Radhika, Chaitanya’s sister who stands by her brother throughout her life and supports him at every stage. Ramesh Sir, Chaitanya’s favorite teacher and his mentor who sees the great potential in his student. Divyani, her childhood friend and crush from Payradanga. Zara, his wife, and a persecuted Yazidi from Syria having a fearless and lively personality. There are even more pivotal characters from diverse backgrounds.


Theme

The theme of the book can be collectively described as crime, thriller, and mystery. The book addresses many subjects varying from religion to human trafficking. It sheds light on the communal riots in parts of West Bengal after the Bangladesh Partition. It also discusses land redistribution and greedy politicians. The subjects that are highly relevant at this time in 2020 such as discrimination, equality, refugees, immigration, and encounters to conceal their felonies. The author shares the objective behind writing this novel, an idea of the formation of the government and society that eradicates the generational build-up of the wealth gap, which I strongly disagree with. But the intent is indeed very good that of level playing field.


Plot

The plot is about the ups and downs in Chaitanya’s life. There are several heart-breaking moments in his life. There are delightful moments too, marking his success and celebrating emotional bonds with other characters. The book is filled with meaningful dialogues providing different perspectives.


My Opinion

The book is engrossing that I never felt bored reading the book. It is a fast-paced book that lures you to complete the book in one sitting. There are a lot of elements involved that somewhat don’t keep up with what readers might be expecting which makes it highly unpredictable. The plot and the concept, as I said earlier is excellent. However, the purpose of writing the book, introduction to ‘Paracratic society’ which I think is very unrealistic and dangerous for humankind. Instead, I would like to take away this great thought from the book – “It is in the service of others that you will find true joy and happiness”.

I also think that my difference of opinion should not be considered a part of this evaluation. The author has done a commendable job in jotting down this remarkable story of Pokhran and her son. If Pokhran doesn’t get recognized by the readers all over the country, then I'll consider it an underrated work of Indian literature. I’m truly looking forward to reading more from the author.


Happy Reading!

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2 comments:

  1. That is amazingly well structured review. It is by far the most thorough and comprehensive review "Pokhran" (the novel) has received.

    Thank you so much for reading the book and even more so for sharing the review with your audience.

    I especially like the fact that you mentioned "Paracracy" and also your perspective that you disagree with the concept although you agree with the notion that the life's "playing field" needs to be leveled for all. Maybe counterintuitively, your disagreement was music to my ears because it highlights that you have given the concept signficant thought and also that you have differing perspectives on the topic.

    That is the beautify of democracy allowing its citizens to have differing opinions and still coexist peacefully. It is only through healthy public debate and discourse that we ca arrive at solutions to such sticky problems (as the gap between haves and have-nots which leads to uneven playing field in a society)

    If at all it works out, I would love to join (or host) a live video insta session for us to discuss the different view points on the topic of Paracracy (or a democracy without inheritance of assets/ wealth). Will leave that out there as an option to pursue

    Once again, thank you. I shall cherish your review forever

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your comment sir! It's absolutely pleasure to have read your book. Right, at this time when nepotism discussion is at peak, I think the idea of "Paracracy" and level playing field should be addressed too.

      Delete

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