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3.07 AVERAGE
3.07 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
fast-paced
As all his other Banking stories, Ravi Subramanian has made this one a bit more special by adding emotions to the already smart and elegant characters. As always it is also a tale of bankers playing games of love, suspicion, betrayal and redemption. As always Aditya emerges out to be the ideal character. In short, I loved this and it’s worth a read for many others who have previously enjoyed ‘If God was a Banker’ or ‘The Devil in Pinstripes’
So I decided to get back on the book review bandwagon once again, and picked up this title by well known Indian author – Ravi Subramanian – who has usually written Banking thrillers, and this was publicized as his first foray into ‘Romantic intrigue’. I haven’t read any books in this particular genre, and quite honestly, I have never been a big fan of the romance genre itself. But I was curious to find out how an Indian author dealt with it.
I haven’t also read any of his older books. I did start ‘If God was a Banker’ years ago when it was released, and I distinctly remember putting it down after page three, because of a particular sentence that described a female character with the word ‘bomb’. Now I’m not feminist, but this didn’t go down very well with the little bit of literary snobbishness I am guilty of. I mean, ‘bomb’? But a long time has passed since then, I thought it was time to give the author another shot.
So here’s my two-pence. The story is about an IIM-B alumnus, banker turned famous commercial author, Aditya Kapoor, and his tryst with yet another IIM-B student, almost banker and wannabe famous author, Shreya Kaushik, some 15 years his junior. Their’s is the ‘romantic intrigue’ that was spoken of, and the story is quite a candidate for a Bollywood movie, considering it has almost all the elements we need for on – attraction, love, ego-clashes, betrayal, sentiments, ambitions, revenge and a fair bit of drama. But how well does it work is the question.
My answer is, just about ok. I got bored initially, it seemed like an unnecessary tale of infidelity and mid-life crisis. But as the story progressed, it got interesting to the extent that there were twists and things happened, the characters showed shades of grey, instead of the stark blacks and whites, and I actually wanted to finish the story, know how it ended. And so, I kept at it, and credit to the author, the book kept me engrossed for a while.
The problem came to the fore when it came towards the end. I was left feeling betrayed – by the sheer laziness and convenience with which things were wrapped up. The characters, which seemed to be building up through the story, fell flat by the end, and I felt there was no effort at making them more realistic, more genuine. A hurried closure, a random twist, and we were done. So many parts in the story which you might have wanted a bit more closure on, were left gaping open. It was like the author realized that this had to be made into a Bollywood movie and hence the only befitting end was what was presented. As I said, absolute anti-climax.
I am not saying my expectations were high, they were not, I wasn’t expecting a literary gem when the author himself had promised us a comfortable, laid-back read; which is why I am not getting into the language used or the prose in itself at all. But when you pick up a paper-back, you want a story that keeps you engrossed, and has a justifiable end to it. In this case, the latter element was missing.
Would I recommend it? Well, not really, unless you are the kind who wants something easy to read, and doesn’t nitpick on loopholes in the story line and characters and writing. If you couldn’t care about all that and just want entertainment, go ahead. Or better still, wait for it to be made into a movie with Salman Khan starring in it.
I haven’t also read any of his older books. I did start ‘If God was a Banker’ years ago when it was released, and I distinctly remember putting it down after page three, because of a particular sentence that described a female character with the word ‘bomb’. Now I’m not feminist, but this didn’t go down very well with the little bit of literary snobbishness I am guilty of. I mean, ‘bomb’? But a long time has passed since then, I thought it was time to give the author another shot.
So here’s my two-pence. The story is about an IIM-B alumnus, banker turned famous commercial author, Aditya Kapoor, and his tryst with yet another IIM-B student, almost banker and wannabe famous author, Shreya Kaushik, some 15 years his junior. Their’s is the ‘romantic intrigue’ that was spoken of, and the story is quite a candidate for a Bollywood movie, considering it has almost all the elements we need for on – attraction, love, ego-clashes, betrayal, sentiments, ambitions, revenge and a fair bit of drama. But how well does it work is the question.
My answer is, just about ok. I got bored initially, it seemed like an unnecessary tale of infidelity and mid-life crisis. But as the story progressed, it got interesting to the extent that there were twists and things happened, the characters showed shades of grey, instead of the stark blacks and whites, and I actually wanted to finish the story, know how it ended. And so, I kept at it, and credit to the author, the book kept me engrossed for a while.
The problem came to the fore when it came towards the end. I was left feeling betrayed – by the sheer laziness and convenience with which things were wrapped up. The characters, which seemed to be building up through the story, fell flat by the end, and I felt there was no effort at making them more realistic, more genuine. A hurried closure, a random twist, and we were done. So many parts in the story which you might have wanted a bit more closure on, were left gaping open. It was like the author realized that this had to be made into a Bollywood movie and hence the only befitting end was what was presented. As I said, absolute anti-climax.
I am not saying my expectations were high, they were not, I wasn’t expecting a literary gem when the author himself had promised us a comfortable, laid-back read; which is why I am not getting into the language used or the prose in itself at all. But when you pick up a paper-back, you want a story that keeps you engrossed, and has a justifiable end to it. In this case, the latter element was missing.
Would I recommend it? Well, not really, unless you are the kind who wants something easy to read, and doesn’t nitpick on loopholes in the story line and characters and writing. If you couldn’t care about all that and just want entertainment, go ahead. Or better still, wait for it to be made into a movie with Salman Khan starring in it.
This book left me cold and pissed off. If I have a million or whatever readers, wouldn't I at least feel the responsibility of writing a decent book for them in my head? Mr Subramanian has no such qualms. This book is sheer lazy writing. The story offers nothing new.
It is about this douchebag 'Paperback King' (ugh!) supremely awesome rock star author Aditya Kapoor (40-something years old) with a loving (and annoyingly devoted) wife and kid, who wants to boom boom bang this 20-something child/booty queen/wannabe writer/borderline creep Shreya. He forces his friend HR Guy to hire this girl who is supposed to be a voracious reader with excellent taste (who falls in love with this dude's writing. Calling it the best she has read. And the only Indian writer she likes or something. Double ugh!)
Then they get it on, and blah. Creep Child uses him to write her novel. Douchebag thinks it is love. And the Good Wife finds out their little tryst thanks to Steve Jobs. And then gets Ebola! Walaah! Douchebag suddenly rediscovers his love for Good Wife, sees Creep Child is a creep.
Good Wife survives because of the miracle of love. Hates Douchebag though. So he is deprived of booty. But not for long! Plot twist plot twist happens. Mr Subramanian liberally borrows plots from my favourite Higashino's Malice and Journey Under the Midnight Sun (Grrrr! I didn't think he even reads!)!
And then finally turns out *SPOILERS AHEAD* HR guy was evil malice man and was also getting it on with Creep Child. Douchebag after wonderful justifications of adultery in the first half suddenly changes his mind and pretty much slut shames Creep Child. Mr Rakesh Maria makes an appearance as Mr Ramesh Karia (an ardent fan!) and is a crucial part of the climax. Good Wife forgives Douchebag. Creep Child gets her bestseller but quits writing. I can't even remember what happened to HR Guy. And Douchebag's good kid? Nope..Not a clue what happened to that one.
Features unabashed endorsements of other writers of the bestselling clan, and even himself! Also cringeworthy uncle lovemaking scenes (Sample this: '"Oh my gawddd,'' he exclaimed as he opened her shirt, discovering she wasn't wearing a brassierie. "You are faster than I thought, my pussy cat," he exclaimed.' *shudders*)
AND there is also a movie coming. Kill.Me.Now.
It is about this douchebag 'Paperback King' (ugh!) supremely awesome rock star author Aditya Kapoor (40-something years old) with a loving (and annoyingly devoted) wife and kid, who wants to boom boom bang this 20-something child/booty queen/wannabe writer/borderline creep Shreya. He forces his friend HR Guy to hire this girl who is supposed to be a voracious reader with excellent taste (who falls in love with this dude's writing. Calling it the best she has read. And the only Indian writer she likes or something. Double ugh!)
Then they get it on, and blah. Creep Child uses him to write her novel. Douchebag thinks it is love. And the Good Wife finds out their little tryst thanks to Steve Jobs. And then gets Ebola! Walaah! Douchebag suddenly rediscovers his love for Good Wife, sees Creep Child is a creep.
Good Wife survives because of the miracle of love. Hates Douchebag though. So he is deprived of booty. But not for long! Plot twist plot twist happens. Mr Subramanian liberally borrows plots from my favourite Higashino's Malice and Journey Under the Midnight Sun (Grrrr! I didn't think he even reads!)!
And then finally turns out *SPOILERS AHEAD* HR guy was evil malice man and was also getting it on with Creep Child. Douchebag after wonderful justifications of adultery in the first half suddenly changes his mind and pretty much slut shames Creep Child. Mr Rakesh Maria makes an appearance as Mr Ramesh Karia (an ardent fan!) and is a crucial part of the climax. Good Wife forgives Douchebag. Creep Child gets her bestseller but quits writing. I can't even remember what happened to HR Guy. And Douchebag's good kid? Nope..Not a clue what happened to that one.
Features unabashed endorsements of other writers of the bestselling clan, and even himself! Also cringeworthy uncle lovemaking scenes (Sample this: '"Oh my gawddd,'' he exclaimed as he opened her shirt, discovering she wasn't wearing a brassierie. "You are faster than I thought, my pussy cat," he exclaimed.' *shudders*)
AND there is also a movie coming. Kill.Me.Now.
I have read all of Ravi Subramaniam's books. From his first book "If, God was a Banker". After reading Chetan Bhagat's crappy novels his books were a little refreshing. But again I need to mention when comparing his first book to this it is totally Mediocre and not to forgot he has also become another Chetan Bhagat.
From his first book to this one he literally gone a notch down from his Writings and I think this is the story of every Indian Authors who writes in English. They lack many areas and they always wanted to portray a Villian in every other books.
When I read the Tagline "Soon to be Motion Picture" I should have realised but damn (I curse myself for reading it) as many other reviewers mentioned it is like a screenplay written for a Bollywood movie. Seriously? Mr.Subramanian I think you have also lost your skills in the hands of Indian Studios? So sad and pathetic.
So, the Protagonist Aditya Kapoor is a Paperback King (Lol! These days number of Sales volumes make them Paperback King! Even their books are at their worst *sigh*) and Shreya Kaushik is Cold hearted, ruthless, selfish wanna-be-author-girl and the reason for her being so is because of her parents. Seriously? (How many people have you met being such bitchy when they go through so many hardships in life?) Alright seems like a good Bollywood story. Here comes our Super villian (ROFL!) Sanjay who is the HR head of National bank. Other 2 poor souls of the Book are Maya and Diana who always suffer.
I understand that Author tries to imply that A man can cheat his wife with another girl but that another girl shouldn't cheat a man. I mean really? I never took you as a Male Chauvinist Mr. Subramaniam but you portrayed your lead character in that way. No you are not saving Indian Sanity instead you are making it worse. I never understand Why should not a Women cheat on a man who cheats on his wife? If, What Aditya did is right then Shreya did is also right.
Worst part of the book is When Aditya is allowed to apologise his wife when she was diagnosed with Ebola. Mr. Kapoor apologises to wife in that state where she is fighting for her life and after apologising Maya will gain strength and she will be back alive (It is a Medical Miracle :P) and Maya is not aware this whole apologising drama all over until the end? You miss the logic here Mr.Subramaniam.
I personally never expected so many flaws from you after you touched many good topics in your previous books. I would plead you either stop writing books or atleast give us some good thrillers. Don't fall prey to write Bollywood Screenplays in the name of Books and destroy the Sanity of Book readers.
From his first book to this one he literally gone a notch down from his Writings and I think this is the story of every Indian Authors who writes in English. They lack many areas and they always wanted to portray a Villian in every other books.
When I read the Tagline "Soon to be Motion Picture" I should have realised but damn (I curse myself for reading it) as many other reviewers mentioned it is like a screenplay written for a Bollywood movie. Seriously? Mr.Subramanian I think you have also lost your skills in the hands of Indian Studios? So sad and pathetic.
So, the Protagonist Aditya Kapoor is a Paperback King (Lol! These days number of Sales volumes make them Paperback King! Even their books are at their worst *sigh*) and Shreya Kaushik is Cold hearted, ruthless, selfish wanna-be-author-girl and the reason for her being so is because of her parents. Seriously? (How many people have you met being such bitchy when they go through so many hardships in life?) Alright seems like a good Bollywood story. Here comes our Super villian (ROFL!) Sanjay who is the HR head of National bank. Other 2 poor souls of the Book are Maya and Diana who always suffer.
I understand that Author tries to imply that A man can cheat his wife with another girl but that another girl shouldn't cheat a man. I mean really? I never took you as a Male Chauvinist Mr. Subramaniam but you portrayed your lead character in that way. No you are not saving Indian Sanity instead you are making it worse. I never understand Why should not a Women cheat on a man who cheats on his wife? If, What Aditya did is right then Shreya did is also right.
Worst part of the book is When Aditya is allowed to apologise his wife when she was diagnosed with Ebola. Mr. Kapoor apologises to wife in that state where she is fighting for her life and after apologising Maya will gain strength and she will be back alive (It is a Medical Miracle :P) and Maya is not aware this whole apologising drama all over until the end? You miss the logic here Mr.Subramaniam.
I personally never expected so many flaws from you after you touched many good topics in your previous books. I would plead you either stop writing books or atleast give us some good thrillers. Don't fall prey to write Bollywood Screenplays in the name of Books and destroy the Sanity of Book readers.
The book is about Aditya, a banker and popular author. He gets into an extra marital relation with Shreya who aspires to be an author too and also joins the same bank. And this over time impacts his marriage with Maya and young son.
The book starts off well and maintains a good pace with incidents around the characters. The latter part of the book however descends into a storyline which seems tailored so that it can be adapted to a Hindi movie. The twists near the end are silly and the story totally loses it then.
There are sprinklings of real characters such as Chetan Bhagat and Anurag Kashyap to lend a touch of realism. Aditya also mouths opinions such as authors should not judge reality shows.
Overall, an average read though it had much more promise. This is the first book by Ravi Subramanian that I have read, and hope to read more of his books......
The book starts off well and maintains a good pace with incidents around the characters. The latter part of the book however descends into a storyline which seems tailored so that it can be adapted to a Hindi movie. The twists near the end are silly and the story totally loses it then.
There are sprinklings of real characters such as Chetan Bhagat and Anurag Kashyap to lend a touch of realism. Aditya also mouths opinions such as authors should not judge reality shows.
Overall, an average read though it had much more promise. This is the first book by Ravi Subramanian that I have read, and hope to read more of his books......
This was one of those where the show was 100 times better than the book, considering this was the source material the show writers deserve a pat on the back.
The little things just annoyed me, the female lead was completely pretentious, an avid reader yet she has rarely stayed up all night to finish a book. Without reading an authors work she judges him, she wants to be a writer but is getting a MBA?
The male lead is the same level of confusing, he’s not well read but sells himself as such. He still works in a bank for some reason even after making it as a successful author.
This was a dnf for me
The little things just annoyed me, the female lead was completely pretentious, an avid reader yet she has rarely stayed up all night to finish a book. Without reading an authors work she judges him, she wants to be a writer but is getting a MBA?
The male lead is the same level of confusing, he’s not well read but sells himself as such. He still works in a bank for some reason even after making it as a successful author.
This was a dnf for me