Chanakya's Chant in bookGeeks

May 15, 2013 Abhinav rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013-reading-saga, popular-fiction, thriller, historical-fiction, love-cum-like-zyada

And with this book, I've finished reading all of Ashwin Sanghi's works. While I do not certainly consider that as some sort of achievement, it feels good to know that you've read all the books of some author, no matter how good or bad he is.

So, coming to the immensely popular 'Chanakya's Chant', a political thriller set in two different ages - in ancient Bharat & in the present day. Sanghi exults in using the 'history repeats itself' theme in all his novels & this one is no different, although I And with this book, I've finished reading all of Ashwin Sanghi's works. While I do not certainly consider that as some sort of achievement, it feels good to know that you've read all the books of some author, no matter how good or bad he is.

So, coming to the immensely popular 'Chanakya's Chant', a political thriller set in two different ages - in ancient Bharat & in the present day. Sanghi exults in using the 'history repeats itself' theme in all his novels & this one is no different, although I must say he uses it rather well this time.

The plot opens in a hospital ward at Kanpur as an aging Pandit Gangasagar Mishra watches his protege Chandini Gupta get shot moments after taking oath as the Prime Minister of India. Then we are zapped back in time to two & a half millennia ago, where we see how Vishnugupta sees his beloved father mercilessly killed by the king of Magadha & how he christens himself 'Chanakya' while swearing revenge. The tale keeps oscillating between these two different time periods as Sanghi traces a pattern (that's what this book is about, after all) in the rise of both these men, who eventually turn out to be master political strategists & ultimate kingmakers of their era - Chanakya mentoring Chandragupta Maurya & Gangasagar tutoring the beautiful slum-child Chandini Gupta.

What this book very well explores is how cold, cruel, cunning & calculating individuals both Chanakya & Gangasagar are - who will use the dirtiest tricks in the manual to achieve their ulterior motives. As a result, the characterisation of the protagonists is very good indeed, but the other key characters in this book seem to be mere puppets in their hands (which they are, actually). This kind of manipulation reminded me of Sidney Sheldon's bestselling novel 'Master of the Game', but the comparison is totally meant as a compliment.

Despite the author liberally distorting historical accounts from the time of Chanakya for the purpose of storytelling, I found it gripping throughout. What I also liked is how Sanghi takes inspiration from recent events in India's political sphere to create the present day scenario which Gangasagar considers his battleground.

The cliched characters, poor dialogue (sorry Mr. Sanghi, but supposedly 'witty' statements do not always come across as witty) & a couple of unbelievable sequences in the latter half of the book (one being an action sequence feat. the honourable Home Minister of India, reminding you of mindless Bollywood masala potboilers) mar this erstwhile engaging thriller. I really wish that the author had stuck to telling us the good story he had on his hands rather than trying to make it more 'filmable', if you can call that.

Still, Ashwin Sanghi manages to produce his best work till date in 'Chanakya's Chant' & I can see why it managed to rule the bestseller charts for over a year. My rating is 3.5 stars & upwards for this riveting political thriller (extra marks for the beautiful cover art!) & it is certainly one of the better books I've come across in Indian popular fiction. Recommended for those who like their dose of thrills with a splash of history in it. ...more

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Sep 18, 2011 Sundeep Supertramp rated it really liked it

Shelves: mew

this is one is not like any of the books i've ever read.. it has been a great from the first till the last page..

i couldn't get any fixed picture of the book at first when i read the description... but eventually after 3 chapters, i came to know the pattern the story was following and was very much involved in it.. i took me 4 days to complete first of the book and 1 day to complete the second half.. the thrilling tales of politics was so brilliant..

i am one of those people who hate and dont giv ...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Ravi Jain rated it really liked it

Shelves: indian-authors, fiction-historical, action-adventure

If you love History and Contemporary Fiction, then this book is ideal for you. The two subjects are poles apart and, to combine them and make the outcome interesting is a mountainous task. But, Ashwin Sanghi makes it look effortless and does a perfect job. The story oscillates between Ancient India & Modern India. The plot itself is very fast paced and is made even faster by the sudden changes in the themes.

Full Review here: Chanakya's Chant Book Review ...more

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