I finally understood why Joey kept that frightening book in the freezer. I wanted to do the same, to this paranormal thriller by Sharath Komarraju. I am not someone who is particularly fond of the genre, but couldn’t say No when I was approached for a book-review. Reluctantly, I picked up this book which gave me chills in the middle of the night.
One of the reasons why I took long to finish up this book is that I am a night-reader. And picking up this book at night was a sure shot way to nightmares. As much as I wanted to finish it up, I just couldn’t gather the courage to read during night time. My experience with the book says much more than the review I am going to write, will ever do.
The book has two parallel plots running side by side. One, set in 1984 and one in 2001. The main characters are a set of five people who shared childhoods in 1984 and then re-unite again after many years in 2001 to take the story forward. They are a part of a bigger spooky scheme which they are unaware of. None of them ever planned to visit the land of their distant childhood. But, somehow,they are pulled into a reunion which none of them had planned.
The village of Palem, on the banks of river Godavri plays an important part in the story – A part which is not just a background to the story, but a real character which has a life of its own. The reader tends to feel emotions for a place which they have not been to – I will have to give Sharath a thumbs-up for the way he was woven it into the story.
The treatment of the mystic element is different and the story is laden with attempts to shock the reader. The scheme of things is brilliantly set by Sharath and this becomes a page-turner of a book. Unless, you’re frightened to turn the page, like me. I could only read during the day and tried to not even think about the book after sun-set and I am not exaggerating.
The way Sharath has weaved the story is amazing. Any other way of narration would not have been as effective as the one we are getting to read. The way it all sums up in the last few pages is a reflection of the strong hold Sharath has on his characters and their lives. It is just brilliant, how it all gathers together.
The way Sharath has weaved the story is amazing. Any other way of narration would not have been as effective as the one we are getting to read. The way it all sums up in the last few pages is a reflection of the strong hold Sharath has on his characters and their lives. It is just brilliant, how it all gathers together.
This is the first book I’ve read of the genre, so I don’t have anything to compare it with. But, still I know this is going to set the game rolling for Indian authors to start attempting subjects that are beyond what they are writing these days. All in all, this book is a must (day)read! So, as much as I will recommend this book to people who love this genre, this is one book you’ll never find on my night-stand.
Publisher – Westend
Author – Sharath Komarraju
Price – Rs 275
My Rating – 4/5
All the best to the author sure looks like to be a good read
Bikram's
Indeed it was good, if you read that genre. 🙂