Book Review
Pokhran by Uday Singh
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| Pokhran by Uday Singh |
Author: Uday Singh
ISBN: 978-9387022874
Genre: Crime,
Thriller & Mystery
Length: 213 Pages
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.
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| 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
Plot
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.
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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