Rakhi Jayashankar's Blog, page 14

"I Am A Hybrid Writer," In Conversation With Vish Dhamija - Author of Prisoners Dilemma, Bhendi Bazaar And Ten More Books

"Indian John Grisham" - The terms brings to your mind the face of none other than Vish Dhamija. We saw him master crime fiction, holding the reins of the plot which he manoeuvres seamlessly through the twists and surprises. Being at the peak of his career with the tenth book "Prisoner's Dilemma" grabbing the eyeballs with rave reviews, Vish Dhamija shares his journey with Outset, through our virtual tete-a-tete.

Virtual tete-a-tete with Vish Dhamija Friendship or freedom, what would you choose?” This is a tagline that hooks readers. How did this idea come to you?

Prisoner’s Dilemma as a concept (in-game

theory) is simply that. Rationally, there should be no reason to doubt your friend—you should know that your friend will not double-cross you, but you are talked into doubting years of friendship. Once that happens, you get paranoid and consequently, the self-preservation instinct takes over your rational mind. That is the entire premise of the book, so when I began writing I knew that is the challenge I’ll put forth to the protagonist(s), and I appreciate the dilemma it puts the reader in. 

As any tagline should, it is the heart and soul of the story, and it makes you stop and think. 

Both friendship and freedom are so vital to life that one should never want to be put in a situation to decide between them.

Do you plan a book or do you go with the flow?

I’ve been asked this before. I am more of a hybrid writer if there’s a term like that, and I doubt there are writers who plan a story to the last detail before they begin penning it. In my case, I usually have the idea/premise of the story firmed up in my mind before I start writing. For example in crime fiction, I’ll know what crime is going to be committed in the beginning (burglary, theft, murder or any other) and how will it unfold for the investigator (police, detective, lawyer) and the reader. Or, if it’s a crime caper and the protagonist gets away, how will s(he) do that. The rest I decide…as I write.

When did your connection with crime fiction begin?

To be honest I was fascinated by crime fiction before I was even aware I was reading them. 

Like most of my friends at the time, I started with comic books. 

The earliest ones were Indrajal Comics (Phantom and Mandrake), and then Tarzan before moving on to Tintin and Asterix and Obelix. Do you see what I mean? I was enjoying these comics without knowing I was reading crime fiction in this format. Mysteries from Enid Blyton and Hardy Boys came next, followed by Agatha Christie and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Now I enjoy reading every sub-genre: legal & psychological thrillers, noir, crime capers, cosy crime, police procedural, romantic suspense… the list is unending.

When did you recognise the writer in you?

I don’t think I recognised that after the success of my first book, Nothing Lasts Forever, which was published in 2010. Writing a book was one of the things on my bucket list so when the book got published I thought I was done. But it just kept selling, readers kept asking when am I going to write my next one? And I had no plans to write a second one. Eventually, I wrote Bhendi Bazaar, published in December 2014. When that went to become number one on the Amazon Crime chart and featured among bestselling books in Crossword stores, I realised I had a calling. And now, with six of my books being signed up for adaptation to screen, and three of my legal thrillers becoming a subject of a doctoral thesis by a PhD student, it gives me the added confidence that I should keep going.

Tell us a bit about you(Your background, childhood etc)

I was born and raised in Ajmer, in Rajasthan. I went to Jodhpur for post-graduation in management. Then worked in various organisations in Jaipur, Chennai, Jamnagar and Mumbai before moving to Manchester to study MBA in 2000. The plan was to complete an MBA and return to India, but life had other plans for me. As they say in Yiddish: if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

From Nothing Lasts Forever to Prisoner’s Dilemma, how far do you think you have grown?

Ten years :) People who’ve read all my books tell me that my writing has matured. No one says I have matured. Jokes aside, as an author I like to experiment. 

I write across sub-genres of crime fiction.

I use various styles of narratives—I break chronology, I use a first and third-person or both in the same story, I use different perspectives (e.g. in The Mogul the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the ensemble characters—seven of them). With years of writing, I’ve grown and learned that there are various ways of telling the same story, and I spend a lot of time thinking about how I want to present it to my readers for it to be most impactful.

You have been in the industry for a decade now. How was your publishing journey?I finished writing Nothing Lasts Forever at the beginning of 2009. It took me almost 16 months to find the first publisher, so it wasn't easy. It became just a little easier, not a lot. You may have written a masterpiece, but the publishers have to put on their commercial hats and evaluate the work. In the end, if the publisher doesn’t think the book is commercially viable, they aren’t going to invest in the book.
Are you planning your next book?As I said, I didn’t have any books between 2010 and 2014 (almost 4 years), but I still wanted ten in ten, a promise (made to self) that I had to break due to the outbreak of Covid last year.
Prisoner’s Dilemma was due in 2020, but it
got delayed. But I’ve made myself a new promise: I’ll
have twenty books before 2030, fingers crossed. So yes, I'm always writing something. 

The next book should be out in early 2022. 

What is your advice to aspiring readers?

Read, read, read. Write, edit, rewrite. Don’t worry about the publishing deal, don’t bother what others say. Yes it is difficult to find a publisher, yes it is an over-crowded marketplace, but don’t forget publishers need new voices as much as you need publishers. Also, never undermine the value of a good literary agent. Find yourself one.

How can the readers reach you?

 They should join me on Instagram (@vish_dhamija) and message me. I always respond if I think the question/request is genuine, and I think I can help or guide someone. But remember, sometimes it might take a little time to get a reply. It’s Instagram, not Instant-gram :)

Vish Dhamija is the most down to earth bestselling writers I have ever come across. Without the air of a celebrity writer, he has been patient, cooperative and considerate. I have reviewed his books earlier in 2017 and then my reviews were as short as an intro. Further, I reviewed Lipstick and now Prisoners Dilemma. All through the years I could see a growing graph of this incredible writer. Adding the review of 

Realistic Filmy And Entertaining - Prisoners Dilemma By Vish Dhamija

Two childhood friends living together, disappointed with the failures in life decide to rob a bank in an inebriated state. This could be a punchline for a thriller Bollywood/Hollywood movie. Author Vish Dhamija, through his book "Prisoner's Dilemma", has sketched a compelling plot.

Romance and friendship:Three friends - Bipin, Anuj and Mansi- inseparable from childhood steps into their puberty. The boys nourish romantic dreams about the girl. As much as it sounds like a cliche, the plot introduces the scenario in a unique narrative. Without any melodramatic sequences, when the news of the courtship between Mansi and Anuj is dropped, the scenario comes across as natural and relatable. Moreover, the romance eventually becomes instrumental in deciding the final twist in the plot. 

Next door characters Among the unrealistically brave and goody-two-shoes protagonists, Vish Dhamija's characters are crafted with finesse. Each character has several shades which are exploited deftly by the author. However, Mansi's character could have been given more space to develop. Nonetheless, because the book is written from Bipin's point of view, Mansi's character is naturally pushed aside. Arfy Khan is yet another character. As out of the world as it seems, if zoomed into the larger crowd, people, rather policemen with a similar demeanour can be easily identified. 

Reader's imaginationThe plot takes off with Bipin in an interrogation cell with a state arranged advocate who has never made any lump sum in his career. With an undeniable offer from Bipin, he decides to help him out of the way. When Arfy Khan claims time and again that Anuj and his lawyer are nearly on terms with him in return for reduced sentence readers are left to guess if Anuj is present or not. This prisoners dilemma eventually transposes into the reader's dilemma.Filmy yet realisticIntermittent scenarios of the plot largely paint the scenes that resemble movies but the drawbacks of the crime carried out by amateurs is visible in the canvas. Inspired by real-life incidents the author had provided the readers with a close to life scenario. Disappointment of the failures, lack of decisive ability, impulsive action - every aspect of an average youth is portrayed in the book. Author profile Vish Dhamija is the bestselling author of ten works of crime fiction, including Unlawful Justice, Bhendi Bazaar, The Mogul, The Heist Artist and Doosra. He is frequently referred to in the Indian press as the ‘master of crime and courtroom drama’. In August 2015, after the release of his first legal thriller, Déjà Karma, Glimpse magazine called him ‘India’s John Grisham’ for stimulating the genre of legal fiction in India. Vish lives in London with his wife, Nidhi.

Relatable, Thrilling and Tangible - Saira Zariwala Is Afraid By Shabnam Minwalla

A teenage girl lacking self-confidence, with a history of anxiety, being constantly bullied by 'friends' and supported by two few real friends. Saira Zariwala afraid by Shabnam Minwalla is all about her - Saira. I know her. She is there inside me, you and everyone. The insecurities we breed.



Saira Zariwala is Afraid by Shabnam MinwallaSaira gets a new phone. But soon the happiness of having a new gadget fades because the number she got has been used by someone else, who is astounding, who had numerous secrets and a bunch of friends with a can of worms. Without any practical support from the police, Saira decides to start her search for Aakash.
Thenceforth unfolds an eerie, nail-biting, heart-thumping set of events. The book reminded me at several places, Nancy Drew. The brave smart girl who ventures into the most dangerous circumstances to find the truth. On the contrary, Saira is brimful of insecurities. Nonetheless how she overcomes the fear can be a guide and eye-opener to many teenagers out there who would be fighting similar demons.

The narrative is the protagonistThe plot is guided and kept in that by the style of narration. Quirky anecdotes of Saira would pull the readers to sail in a shaky boat anchored with humour amidst unrelenting rain and storms. Saira defines the people around her in a character craft that reminded me of Arundhati Roy.I can go on and on about the book because this is one piece of literature that made me lose my sleep over it. I read and re-read the passages to fully imbibe the beauty of it.
Saira's soliloquy proves the author's craft. Starting from the character portrayal of her brother Tariq the narrative keeps the plot on leash. There is a judgemental self-obsessed friend in everyone's life, whom we endure despite knowing that they despise us. Or is it just me and Saira.
Saira's obsession with Siddharth of class ten and nearly tangible apathy towards his interest in her is the passive portrayal of the inherent insecurities of the character.
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The suspense that is never lostThe suspense behind the mission of Aakash and intermittent jerks with an explosion, a psychopath listener, and the bunch of celebrities in Aaakash's circle whom Saira acquaints through he chats in the Whatsapp groups holds the interest of the readers till the end. The revelation in the climax comes out like a bolt from the dark. Coming to think of it, I think it could have been guessed if it was a visual media presentation like movie or web series. Despite the impeccable suspense, the sequences in the climax however succumbed to the overworked cliche and hence dipped the graph slightly. Having piqued the towering interest of the readers, this comes as a disappointment though not a major one.
Overall the book is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller. Despite being Children's fiction, it endears the adults alike.
I am in love with Saira Zariwala. Thank you, Harpercollins for this copy.Author profileShabnam Minwalla writes books for children.
These include:
`The Six Spellmakers of Dorabji Street'
`The Strange Haunting of Model High School'
`The Shy Supergirl'
`Lucky Girl'
`What Maya Saw'
`Nimmi's Spectabulous Schooldays'
and
`When Jiya Met Urmila'
Her short stories are included in numerous anthologies. She is also a journalist and columnist with a number of Indian newspapers and magazines. She is a former Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India in Mumbai.
Shabnam did her Masters in Journalism at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
She did her Bachelors in Economics, Statistics and Mathematics at St Xavier's College in Mumbai

Prescient, Ethereally Realistic, Haunting - Pull Of The Stars By Emma Donoghue

Julia power is off to work. The readers are intrigued to know what happens next. Is it a thriller? What is her present, past and future? Where is she heading to? In the background of WW1, amidst scary pandemic Spanish influenza drawing a sketch parallel to the COVID pandemic, Emma Donoghue crafted a prescient piece of literature for the readers. A relatable piece of magic.


Three women and a maternity wardNurse Julia Power, Social worker Birdie Sweeney and Dr Kathleen Lynn lead the plot and hold the readers glued to the book. The life in the ward is depicted with a brutally realistic narrative. The pain and tribulations of COVID patients are pulling the world apart and hence it is impossible to imagine a parallel situation in the Yester century.
Fewer characters, a closed background and a breathtaking plotIt is impossible to read the book with an undisturbed mind. How Emma has lucidly portrayed the swaying thoughts of Julia thereby bringing a spicy yet sour flavour to the otherwise bland yet bitter scenario is commendable.
If you are someone who is affected by painful and intense scenarios this book would haunt you. If you are a historical fiction lover, you would find it painful to keep thr book aside. Impeccable and ethereally realistic reading experience.
About the Author

Born in Dublin in 1969, Emma Donoghue is an Irish emigrant twice over: she spent eight years in Cambridge, England, before moving to Canada’s London, Ontario. She is best known for her novels, which range from the historical ( The Wonder, Slammerkin, Life Mask, The Sealed Letter) to the contemporary ( Akin, Stir-Fry, Hood, Landing). Her international bestseller Room was a New York Times Best Book of 2010 and was a finalist for the Man Booker, Commonwealth, and Orange Prizes; her screen adaptation, directed by Lenny Abrahamson, was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Arzoo-Arshan by Mukul Kumar - Fast paced, intellectual and short.

What is the chemistry behind attraction and love? Is there any chemical behind this mystery? If so, is it possible to attract the opposite gender with that potion? Arzoo- Arshan will give you the answer. It is the love story or rather hates story of two strong-headed individuals united and divided by choice.

Contemptuous protagonist:The USP of the book is that it doesn't have a goody two shoe protagonist. Even though Arshan is the main lead of the plot, the author has concentrated it on the misogynistic, egocentric traits of Arshan. While the plot gravitates towards the relationships of Arshan, the readers would abhor the man who wants women to fall for him but gets bored too soon.
This character trait has been portrayed in numerous books and movies, though not for the main lead the intellectual superiority makes Arshan stand out.
While he disdains other women, his attitude towards his sister and Arzoo is respectful or so it is conveyed to the readers. Nonetheless, the last conversation in the flashback proves otherwise. Female lead without development:While Arzoo represents the strong-headed women who give back insults with the same fervour, her character has not been given ample space to develop. The plot that develops from Arshan's skewed perspective makes Arzoo special just because she is not like "other women". This "other women" concept is largely misogynistic, which passively states that most of the women tend to revolve around their partners.When conversations become characters:Intellectual conversations in the plot are the classic Mukul Kumar style. The author adds value to the plot through these thought-provoking discussions. Nonetheless, the expectations from the author are manifold when it comes to navigating the plot while exploiting the emotional quotient.
The plot could have been more engaging had the perspective of Arzoo was also depicted.
The book is an easy read of 90 pages with an exemplary style of narration and intellectually nourishing scenes.

Death In Colaba Bay - A captivating blend of mystery, thrill, and drama.

If you have been to Bombay, you would have visited Colaba. The name Colaba brings the image of Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and more. But during the colonial times of Bombay, Colaba is not the least reflection of what it is now. Hence a book where the place is more or less the character must warrant extensive historical research. 'Death in Colaba Bay' by Ambika Subramanian is a captivating blend of mystery, thrill, and drama.


Readers go all agog: The plot embarks a slow tread through the mystery of three missing girls. Unable to manifest a connection between the girls, investigative officer Arun Rao is at the crossroads of his career. A chance encounter with Tara Bai changes the course of the investigation. Tara, with a strong bond with the staffs and teachers of the school where the girls are studying manage to extract more information instrumental to the case. Together Arun and Tara doff the secrets to lay bare the obvious reality. The author has succeeded in leaving the readers on the tender hook with one mystery sprouting after the other.
New mystery in the yesteryears:
The author has pulled off an enchanting murder mystery in which suspense becomes a character. Nonetheless, lack of details of the historical background dims the delight. Had the book been longer with the details of the colonial era, the book would have been engaging and all the more convincing. Another drawback is the suspect with a distinctive fragrance. Having executed a gruesome crime, a suspect would prefer lying low. Or I could not essentially wrap my head around it.I recommend:
The book is ideal for mystery lovers who don't want to read humongous books with plots that stat from 'X' and ends at 'P'

What the blurb says:
Death in Colaba Bay is a thrilling tale of Victorian Bombay, a city where dreams are realized, and nightmares are lived.
BOMBAY 1898.
In the bustling and modern port city of Bombay—home to great wealth and great deprivation—crime is ever present.
Three young girls go missing from a prominent ‘native’ school in the city. Their families are frantic with worry.
Tara Bai, a young widow and heiress, with strong social connections, is an alumnus of the school. Intrigued and alarmed by the case, at the behest of the school founder and principal, she agrees to help the grieving parents.
Arun Rao, a young and promising police officer, is assigned to the case. His track record of solving complex crimes has led to his transfer to the Bombay Police, from Poona. Soon, one of the missing girls is found dead on the shores of Colaba.
The current crime has uncanny similarities to older cases from Central India involving the royal family of Jaiwar. A chance encounter at the home of one of the victims brings Tara and Arun together and they join hands to unmask a murderer who has already struck once and will not hesitate to kill again.

Club You To Death by Anuja Chauhan - Unputdownable With Action, Mystery And Spices

A posh club with members who have a mini-celebrity status. Strike a bell? A quintessential Bollywood movie scenario with colourful characters when confronted with a gruesome murder. Anuja Chauhan with her classic satire and a matter of fact sketch contemporary pretence with a foray into a new genre makes 'Club You to Death', a delightful treat to the readers.

Anuja Chauhan style murder:
A space with motley members, a hegemonic lot, which create sparks of frictional ego contained with superficial pleasantries. A bunch of gossipmonger ladies who uninhibitedly goggles the sexy Zumba instructor. The hell breaks loose when they stumble upon the lifeless body of the man whom they have been swooning over. The plot gains momentum when Inspector Bhavani takes over the case assisted by Akash (Kashi).
The twists in the curve and turns in the tale makes the book unputdownable. One mystery leads to a curve where another unveils. The author has carefully submerged the seed for the mystery in the first half to sprout in the second. The unique style of narration makes the book all the more engaging.
When the suspect is the scapegoatThe author has portrayed the trend of media justice and pinning the crime on the suspect. She has subtly and explicitly called out the double standards of our society. While the climax is a cliché, it could be a reality as well.
Overall the book is unpardonable cliffhanger with the masala for the Indian readers.

Bahubalis of Indian Politics by Rajesh Singh - Explosive, Courageous and Honest

Politics and muscle power have always been hand in gloves with each other. Howsoever, the politicians deny their clandestine association with the musclemen, it is known to even a child that they are closely associated. But what if these musclemen become politicians? The image that comes to mind would be that of a full-throttle action-packed movie with an unbelievably powerful muscle man politician. The book 'Bahubalis of Indian Politics' by Rajesh Singh bring to the spotlight the real picture of the political jugglery.

Bahubalis of Indian Politics

Unbelievable reality:A politician under police custody being admitted to a hospital hires a floor of the hospital. Despite being under police custody he runs a parallel government in the hospital. Does that sound like a half baked fiction? If so, you are wrong. This is a reality, stranger than fiction. A politician flagrantly boasting about chopping off heads, another contesting the elections while cooling his feet in the prison - the scenario gets stranger with each story.
We would be flabbergasted to think about which era we are living in. The author has narrated the reality plainly without any filters.
Brave author :
The courage shown by the author in portraying the grim reality of rotten politics is commendable. He has shared the incidents in no uncertain terms. The author has brilliantly brought the victory of good over the evil message through the books. He deftly involves the readers in the real yet fictional world of the muscle men. The author has chronologically stated the events that clearly shows how these hooligans got what they deserve.
Overall the book is for the readers who are looking forward to political thrillers, though it is the original version.

Murder At The Muzaira By Raza Mir - A Classic For The Years To Come By

 I would start this review with a disclaimer - I am not qualified to review this book. History, freedom struggle, a murder mystery - On a personal front, this combination is like having a wholesome meal with starters and desserts. This coupled with exemplary, impeccable, unmatchable literature - I am swooning over Murder at Mushaira by Raza Mir. The author has amalgamated with the real persons and instances with his imaginations and prepared a cocktail of thrilling historical, investigative literature. Mirza Galib who is investigating the murder is a real person and hence adds credibility to the whole tale.

Real and fictional characters embrace the plot

The plot revolves around Mushaira (Poet soirees) conducted in the palaces of the Nawab. The mutual ego clashes between poets, the indulgence of the poets in the internal matters of the Nawab, seemingly uncharacteristic friendships - The book has it all. The plot is guided by characters, both fictional and real. While the narrative personifies to connect with the readers, it becomes impossible to distinguish between reality and fiction.

Know the real freedom struggle

A glimpse of the 1857 Independence struggle is imperative for the current generation that thinks that what happened in the 1940s was the only freedom struggle. Hardly do they know that a century before the foundation for the revolution was laid. The book gives a detailed account of how they have sacrificed their lives irrespective of their age and gender for the freedom of their motherland. Though suppressed with the muscle power of the British, the revolution of 1857 is forever the first revolt for independence 

Strong female characters

The female characters, real and fictitious are the firebrand women who will inspire the women in the current generation as well. I am in awe of the ladies. We need more female characters for contemporary literature to provide a new perspective to Gen Z.

All in all, if I write more it would be a sycophantic account of the author's finesse as I am blown with the impeccable piece of literature. This is a classic for years to come by. Just grab the book and start reading.

I Can, Sir By Pathak - Real, Painful And Unforgettable

The moment a child is born, the parent knit the dreams. The kids, grow up and spend their childhood and youth attempting to reach up to the expectations of their parents.But often, we parents forget the fact that I made to stand behind the line of life and death, nothing would matter. Come what may, if our heart is not in the right place, nothing could bring you success. On the other hand, if you are emboldened with determination, nothing could break you. I Can Sir, is the autobiography of a boy who faced the storm and came out undeterred with sheer will power.

 Dreams of Rohit:
Rohit is an ordinary boy who set out to fulfil his parents dream to make him an Engineer. But he did the business of bunking classes better than studies. He lost track to the point that his classmates contemplated meeting him in a hospital. As fate would have it, a challenge in his life, gave him what nothing could help him attain - determination and focus in life. 
The book is indeed a painful read, more so since it is an autobiography. I was totally overwhelmed that I could not bring myself to review it as howsoever I tried, I ended up writing how I felt while reading the book.
The author has sincerely started his feelings without pretence. No attempt is made to commercialize the book and the same makes it extraordinary. 

The book is well structured. The lucid narration and grammar that is in place make it all the more endearing. It is a 50-page long novella and can be read in an hour or two but the emotions that it convey could not be imbibed in an hour or two.
I dedicate the book to the fighters whom I personally know. Everyone should read the book to know the value of life and the importance of respecting each other.
You can buy I Can Sir by Pathak from Amazon: Click here to buy