Book Review: The Bogus Read by Divyamaan
Title: The Bogus Read
Author: Divyamaan
Pages: 289
Publisher: Leadstartcorp/Frog Books
Genre: Fiction
Getting the book:
I got this book back in December from the author for a
review but due to my infrequent travels and impulsive planning, simply kept delaying
reading the book. Although I carried it in my bag almost the entire time, this
week I finally decided to pick it up and read the whole thing before I get busy
again. The only thing I kept thinking the entire time that I was reading it was
why I kept procrastinating for so long. It’s a superbly fun read. The title ‘The
Bogus Read’ and the illustrations on the cover give the definite first
understanding- this is not to be taken seriously. No ‘anti-nationalism’ intended. This is
satire at its best.
Story and Style:
The Bogus Read is a story of 5 engineering students who are
addicted to Counter Strike. It is about them discovering a huge conspiracy by
Pakistan to take over India without the latter realizing it. Would they be successful?
Are five 20-year olds intelligent enough to take things in control and save the
nation?
All prominent leaders from Indian politics and media and
television industries are characters in the story taking place in ‘a galaxy
far, far away’. There are Arjun Kejriwaal, PM Mody and his mitron, Arnub Gooswamy, Himaesh Rechamiya and his nasal voice, the
Army Chiefs, Dawood Ebrahim among others driving the story. There are illogical
explanations and events including a mosquito army, but then how far does logic
take us anyway. The prologue is set in the times of the Kargil War but the plot
doesn’t really focus on Kashmir or the war for that matter.
The writing style and story clearly talks about the sad
state of affairs in Indian politics and the economy right now. It never says it
but one can easily read between the lines to see the red-tapism in the
bureaucracy that is being made fun of. The corruption, the star status of celebrities,
the manipulation by the media and control of the media, the TV as a real idiot
box and most importantly, the lowering IQ of the human race in general.
The author carefully mimics dialogues of the real life
leaders. Reading the story makes you laugh out loud in those instances because
you realize that’s exactly how they would say it and that someone actually
wrote it down in a comedy. Of course none of it is to be taken seriously.
The imagination of the author is what impressed me- The
timings of some jokes exactly like they would happen in real life and not a
movie, the careless attitude of the characters and seemingly impossible tasks
being carried out with ease, and most importantly, the idea that forms the major
plot of the book.
Conclusion:
Don’t expect literature when you pick up this book. The language
is exactly how the youth of the country speaks today. It’s a fun read and should
be read that ways. A great weekend read and travel companion it would be if you are looking for
something light and witty.
My rating: 4.5/5
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interesting title
ReplyDeleteThe author deserves applause for it :)
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