Ashok Bhasin's "Chapter 31" is a gripping thriller that takes readers on a fast-paced journey filled with twists and turns. The story revolves around Rahul Mehra, a retired chief of India's Narcotics Control Bureau, who comes across a best-selling thriller that bears an uncanny resemblance to a situation he encountered during his time with the NCB.
As he becomes curious about the author's inspiration for the story, events soon unfold that draw Rahul into a political endgame with far-reaching consequences. Believe me when I say this is just one among many other perspectives and aspects of the story!
Characters and Writing Style The book features a cast of interesting characters whose internal dialogues add depth and nuance to the story. Bhasin's writing style is engaging, with a flow of thought that makes it easy to follow the story.
“Sanjeev and Shankar quietly left the cabin. Sheela felt exhausted. Closing her eyes, she started contemplating. It was no less than a miracle that a self-published book had managed to attract such a huge readership.”
Theme and Plot The theme of the cutthroat publishing industry and corruption is explored with brutal honesty, leaving no stone unturned. Additionally, the story's pacing is well-executed to ensure readers don't feel lost at any point despite the introduction to new content.
The inclusion of political election aspects within the storyline adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative. It is noteworthy that the author's experiences in law and courtroom scenarios lend a sense of authenticity to these scenes, thereby elevating the overall reading experience for the audience.
Likes and Dislikes One of the things I appreciated about the book was the open-ended conclusion that left me thinking long after I finished reading. Bhasin's portrayal of the publishing industry and government was also refreshing and brutally honest.
Rahul congratulated Ashutosh and said, 'You know, there are some other facts that would make the climax of The Grass even more engrossing. If I tell you, you could add another chapter - Chapter 32.'
However, I felt a bit lost in some places owing to the level of technicality the author introduced. As mentioned above, the author is quite a pro in these cases but for a novice like me, it was hard to follow the subtle hints thrown around.
Parting Thoughts This novel is a must-read for fans of thrillers and suspense novels. The well-structured storyline helps readers learn about the characters and their motives through internal and open dialogues, leaving them thinking about how they would have acted during such situations.
Overall, I highly recommend "Chapter 31" for its fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and exploration of politics and the publishing industry. It is now available on Amazon, making it a perfect book to kickstart your reading list!