Heartquake-K.Vijayakarthikeyan

Book: Heartquake

Author: K. Vijayakarthikeyan

Publisher: Rupa Publications

All of us have questioned the workings of the political systems of our country. So much so, it has become a part of the regular conversations. The question still remains, what have done to improve the situation?

The protagonist of Heartquake, Vikram is an IAS officer, determined to expose a corrupt and powerful minister of Uttar Pradesh, Rudra Pratap Singh aka RPR. The book opens in the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussorie. We see Rakesh sneaking out of the hostel as he has other plans for his career, but persuaded by Vikram, returns to LBSNAA.

The next day, it is informed to Vikram that he has been chosen as the chief escort for RPR who was visiting the campus. Sensing an opportunity, Vikram decides to hold a QnA session with RPR. For which he gets the permission but only after he gets his questions approved. Vikram, being true to his self, bombards RPR on questions about corruption on the stage, which was secretly being live streamed by Rakesh on Instagram, despite no press being allowed into the event. RPR, angry and embarrassed, walks out of LBSNAA but the video becomes viral. Another friend of Vikram’s, Jaidev, had interjected as well from the audience during the session. Instead of getting Vikram suspended, RPR assaults Vikram’s family and gets him posted in Laxmipur, his backyard.

However, a new drama unfolds when Vikram gets to Laxmipur. A large number of unexplained heart attacks happen in the area in a short while. Though seemingly incredulous, it takes epidemic proportions and Vikram decides to take matter into his own hands and investigate. With him is Veda, a cardiologist and Raghu, a police officer.

Heartquake is a fast-paced thriller with 2 intertwined plotlines running almost simultaneously. We see tension brewing between Vikram and RPR at multiple times during the story. We also see Vikram trying to understand the curious medical emergency that has grappled Laxmipur. Utilizing his background as a medico-turned-bureaucrat, the author has given authenticity to the characters. Vikram is created as a perfect image of a public servant, working to save the people and to root out corruption from the system. His explanation for the epidemic is quite technical and well described. The book stays true to the genre and the thrill remains quite till the end. The other characters are crafted well as well. Veda as the medical professional and Vikram’s friend supports the second plotline of the story. His friend, Jaidev’s turn to activism after the incident in LBSNAA is quite understandable. The character of RPR is very relatable and can be placed easily in the context of electoral politics.

The book moves quite fast. Personally, I would have liked to see more altercations between RPR and Vikram. It would have added a bit more of interest into the story. Though the build up of the thrill is good, it does fizzle out quickly, again, I would have preferred a bit more of a buildup in this context.

But again, as a fast-paced book, it is crafted well enough.

Heartquake scores a 3.5/5 for me.