Book Review:
Sachin Garg, I’m not twenty four… I’ve been nineteen for five years…
Grapevine India Publishers Pvt. Ltd., 2010
ISBN: 978-81-922226-2-2
Rs.100
The
author has produced work which, is well constructed, tight enough paced and takes
the reader on a journey through a slice of life and soul, of a freshly minted graduate.
Given
the limited number of successful, modern Indian fiction writers, the author
puts in an admirable effort in trying to be one. A woman reader may not find
the main woman character and her attempts at dealing with the range of emotions,
especially sexual, quite satisfactory or acceptable. Not surprising, given the
author has tried to write the story from a woman’s perspective. Whilst not
intellectual nor an eye-opener in the typical sense, this work is good enough for a
light read.
The
author at the onset clarifies, this is a story which takes you into a world, rather
difficult to believe yet does actually exist. Agreed, it is believable fiction.
Not exactly falling in the ‘chick lit’ category, even though the story
is revealed through the main character of a girl, there are so many instances
that a reader can relate to, irrespective of gender. It is a life that many an
Indian middle class person may have faced; is facing; or is about to face.
English
is not our first language. While the publishers/editors should have ensured
that obvious spelling errors did not creep in, overall, the language used in
this book is simple, straightforward and believable – similar to what is colloquially
used in daily lives across India, easy enough for a beginner to read and
understand. And enjoy.
At
the heart of this story is a character, which the author tries to flesh out well.
He attempts to give, more than a peek into the heart and mind of a city girl, Saumya,
and her flaws inasmuch as strengths as well as her journey from being a modern Barbie
focussed on shoes, malls and her figure, to a matured individual who understands
herself better. The character of Shubhro, is a tad farfetched in being a
modern day Indian hippie on the path to save the world, three months at a time.
However, using a blog as the medium to reveal his story connects with today’s social
media consumers.
While the title does not exactly justify the story, there are many salient points that a reader will connect with, in the story line containing a roller coaster ride of emotions that feels, plausible.
- From the time in college that is carefree and not loaded with responsibilities, to going through the grind and relief of securing that first job
- From having lived in a modern city, to being relocated to a place like Toranagallu, plumb in the middle of Indian hinterland
- From being in the comfort zone of known social life, to the alien and sometimes, scarring world of industrial work-life
- From shying away in the face of unexpected events to actually making decisions in life by choice, not chance
Life is a challenge. Never, black or white, it takes you through the whole spectrum of colours and then some. Everyone deals with their version differently, at least from their point of view. Yet from life, you can never take out the basic essences of emotions. Be it small jealousies, pleasant surprises, mind numbing despair, joyous satisfaction or shattering regret. And enthralling love. This is what the story is all about.
Overall
rating: 6/10.
Recommendation: If you are not out saving the world, you could pick up the book online or from your nearest store, and enjoy the light reading.
Recommendation: If you are not out saving the world, you could pick up the book online or from your nearest store, and enjoy the light reading.
