Introduction
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ISBN: 978-81-8400-126-6
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Genre : Non-Fiction
· Price: Rs. 399/- [
This book was given by the publisher for a review]
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Pages : 354
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Publishers: Random House India
Since
childhood suspense and mystery has been my genre in reading. I have devoured
greedily on Nancy Drew, Famous Five, Hardy boys as much as I have on Sherlock
Holmes, Sidney Sheldon and Agatha Christie. And add to it history my favourite
subject and make it a biography, it’s like a never before offer for me to
difficult to resist. No wonder when read the blurb of this book I knew I had to
read it for obvious reasons.
Behind the
Book:
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| Source: Google Images |
The scandal
that rocked the Raj
About the author:
A former Delhi-based foreign correspondent, John Zubrzycki has
worked in India as a diplomat and consultant. He is currently the world
commentary editor at The Australian newspaper in Sydney. (Source)
Me thinks:
This is my
first book by the author and I was a bit apprehensive about the way it would
turn out. Especially for the subject and genre are both my favourites. The
author has undoubtedly done his homework very well behind this book giving us
an impeccable read which is thoroughly enjoyable and leaves us on a high asking
for more.
The
mysterious Mr. Jacob by John Zubrzycki is about a person called Alexander
Malcolm Jacob who was a famous purveyor during the British rule in India. Like
every powerful ruler, he had seen the best days of his life enjoying the riches
and fame that came along with it. But as time passed he also faced a downfall
in his success after which he could never rise again.
The story is
narrated with such minute details that it makes the book a nail biting read
ensuring an edge of the seat thriller. Mr. Jacob is known for his mysterious
ways of living and dubious acts to earn a quick penny. He was treated like the
confidante of so many viceroys and maharajas yet he died as a pauper with his
grave being obscure today as nobody knows where he was buried.
Though a
biopic there are instances in this book which make you feel you are watching
some Hollywood movie based on some mastermind who is out to hoodwink everyone
he can. It’s a fun read making you
curious as to what happens next with every page that you turn.
People who
don’t enjoy biographies / historical nonfiction might find some portions dull
and boring as the details tend to make it seem like a chapter in our history
text book where we don’t care what. Overall a book worth reading atleast once.
Foodie verdict
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| Source: Google Images |
This book is like a plate full of noodles - yummy, tongue tantalising, delicious and filling!!
This book has been received from Random House for review