Introduction
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| Source: Goodreads.com |
ISBN: 978-9386643315
Genre: Fiction/Contemporary
Publishers: Bloomsbury India
Price: Rs. 399/- ( I got the book for review from the publisher)
Behind the Book
Blowfish is a fast, funny and irreverent take on the over-hyped pursuit of passion in a country where flashy cars and posh bungalows remain the only lasting symbols of success and happiness.
Mukund and Chaddha spend their days comfortably ensconced in their cushy jobs, wallowing in regrets that make for good conversation. Mukund, in a fit of bravado. resigns to pursue his “calling”; the only hitch is that he doesn't know what it is yet! Chaddha is fired and seeks solace in shooting pigeons at point-blank range.
Mukund's life spirals out of control when Colonel Harpal Singh, the housing society secretary, finds in him a reflection of his estranged son. Harpal places Mukund under “house arrest”, puts him on trial in a kangaroo court and coerces him to fight a ludicrous duel.
Constantly under threat, and running out of time and money, Mukund is about to go back to being a man with bad dandruff, a small car and even smaller dreams, when he meets Suman, a girl who, like him, is trying to figure out what life is all about.
About the Author
Siddharth Tripathi was born in Allahabad and schooled in Banaras. He is a B.E from NIT Trichy and an MBA from MDI, Gurgaon. The Virgins, published in 2013, is his first novel. Blowfish, his second novel, has been published by Bloomsbury in September 2017.
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be "witty". Written is a funny tone this book tells us the story of Mukund and Chaddha dwelling in what is otherwise a normal world we all are a part of. Starting with the cover, the book has managed to grab attention with its bright and colourful tone and a unique title.Blowfish is a fish which has the capability to inflate itself. Used in a metaphoric manner, the title aptly suits the storyline to the T. If all this wasn't enough, the blurb seals the deal. It not only conveys how wacky the whole plot but also gives you a glimpse of what to expect in the book.
With characters which are seemingly plausible, the story is about the confusion we all face at some point or the other about life. Edgy, comical, weird at times and real is how the characters of the book can be described.We are not sure where life is heading to and we don't know which direction to take it to make it right. The character Mukund is one such character. Written in first person narrative, his agony and confusion is there for us to see. Mukund is unhappy and quits his job to write a book, while Chaddha is sacked from his job. What follows next is what I call the roller coaster ride full of fun.
A large part of it is connectable because it shows us the shallow society we survive in. Working in MNCs, swanky cars, lavish lifestyle, holidays abroad and living in palatial houses have now become the parameters by which we judge an individual. How in today's times people believe what they see and ignore the hollowness it brings along. The book is perfectly paced written with dry and sometimes dark humour lacing the narrative making it an entertaining read. In a country like ours where our careers are decided at times much before our names, this book throws light on how our mental conditioning makes us take decisions which we don't agree upon most of the times.
Having said all of the above, let me clarify that this book doesn't offer any solution to the confusion you feel in life. It is showing you the mirror and in the process ensuring few laughs.
Recommended to all who enjoy a good comedy and also for people who don't know where their life is headed. If nothing this might just tell you, "You are not alone, my friend!"
With characters which are seemingly plausible, the story is about the confusion we all face at some point or the other about life. Edgy, comical, weird at times and real is how the characters of the book can be described.We are not sure where life is heading to and we don't know which direction to take it to make it right. The character Mukund is one such character. Written in first person narrative, his agony and confusion is there for us to see. Mukund is unhappy and quits his job to write a book, while Chaddha is sacked from his job. What follows next is what I call the roller coaster ride full of fun.
A large part of it is connectable because it shows us the shallow society we survive in. Working in MNCs, swanky cars, lavish lifestyle, holidays abroad and living in palatial houses have now become the parameters by which we judge an individual. How in today's times people believe what they see and ignore the hollowness it brings along. The book is perfectly paced written with dry and sometimes dark humour lacing the narrative making it an entertaining read. In a country like ours where our careers are decided at times much before our names, this book throws light on how our mental conditioning makes us take decisions which we don't agree upon most of the times.
Having said all of the above, let me clarify that this book doesn't offer any solution to the confusion you feel in life. It is showing you the mirror and in the process ensuring few laughs.
Recommended to all who enjoy a good comedy and also for people who don't know where their life is headed. If nothing this might just tell you, "You are not alone, my friend!"
Foodie Verdict
This book is like Sohan Halwa - melts in the mouth and takes you on a trip down the memory lane!
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| Source: Rehmat-e-Shereen |