Introduction
ISBN:978-9353332501
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| Source: Amazon.in |
Genre: Fiction
Publishers: Rupa Publications
Price: Rs. 299/- (I got the book for review from the publisher)
Price: Rs. 299/- (I got the book for review from the publisher)
Behind the Book
Dinesh, Feroze and Rahul grow up together, playing cricket and cycling in the laidback ‘ganjs’ of Lucknow—their lives comfortably intertwined with the life of the city they live in. The author vividly portrays their everyday life and adventures, deftly sketching the parallel courses their lives move on as they grow into youth.
What happens when love crosses their path and they come face to face with life’s harsh realities? Will journalistic ethics be compromised at the altar of commerce and politics? Can the rosy dreams of IAS probationers surmount the rock of reality? Will politics of idealism survive that of intrigue and deceit? And above all, will love bridge the chasm of space, time and circumstance? Find out in this story of friendship, love and ambition.
About the Author
Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma is an Indian Administrative Service Officer and has written articles, mainly travel pieces, for The Times of India, Hindustan Times, Discover India, Swagat, Rail Bandhu and other periodicals. He also published a travelogue titled A Passage Across Europe in 2011 and Love Side by Side, his fiction novel, in 2015. Apart from his work and writing, Partha loves to spend time with his family. He is an avid traveller, having travelled to over twenty countries. He is a voracious reader and fluent in English, Hindi and Bengali and is a sport enthusiast. He has earlier authored Every Mile a Memory.
Ticket to Lucknow - that is how I would like to describe this book!
Through the primary characters of Dinesh, Feroze and Rahul, the author takes us on a joy ride all around Lucknow. The beauty of the city has been captured immaculately. The accuracy in his descriptions is surreal as each and every landmark of that beautiful city comes alive before your eyes. Not to forget it surely leaves a smile on your face, well because - Muskuraiye, aap Lucknow main hain!
The characters are well carved with defining stories which make them seem realistic. Their youthful carefree days of gay abundance has been narrated exceptionally well, including the moment when all of them fall in love. Their stories seem like the turning point in the story as after that a lot of things change, which usually is the case. Their paths converge once again and that forms the most crucial part of the plot.
Written in a lucid manner, the author makes sure his readers enjoy the story while at the same time nothing seems forced. The humour, the friendly banter, the teasing - everything that is a part of growing up years has been depicted very well. It is heartwarming to read about their camaraderie and the bond they share.
The linear path of the story was all going great until the climax. It is there where the story feels like a huge let down. I am not sure if that was the intention of the author whilst writing this interesting story of three friends, but the end result was tad disappointing for a reader who kept turning page after page with a heart full of anticipation.
Having said all of the above, what still remains is the fact that it is an entertaining read, fast paced and one that can surely brighten up a lazy weekend afternoon or a journey.
