Lights! Wedding! Ludhiana!-Jas Kohli

Book: Lights! Wedding! Ludhiana!
Author: Jas Kohli
Publisher: Rupa Publications

Do you have some fun marriage stories?

Lights! Wedding! Ludhiana! By Jas Kohli is set in Ludhiana a city of big cars and bigger showoffs. The Rahejas are different, at least one half is. Reeti Raheja is the free-spending stunner, while Kushal, her industrialist husband is a fanatical environmentalist and a misfit in the high-society. The story starts with Reeti, who is preoccupied with planning her outfit and make-up in order to dazzle the invitees during a wedding celebration. However, things soon go awry when her mischievous son Lakshya uncovers a secret that sets off a series of mis-happenings and also threatens to create a big turmoil in the family. After they reach the wedding venue, there is not a single dull moment. Will the Rahejas be able to weather this storm?

Dr. Kohli’s writing has a certain level of wit and humor which has almost become his signature. The plot of the book is a collection of one day in the life of the Rahejas, a family where each of the member has their own quirks. The plot of the book is engaging and keeps the reader hooked to know what happens next. The story moves with a pace that is comfortable and the author takes his time to set the premise of the book. The incidents are described in detail and that is something that works in favor of the book. the descriptions, sometimes from the characters’ POV and sometimes from a narrator perspective help us understand the satire that Dr. Kohli wants to put in front of us. Using the background of a Big Fat Indian wedding, he ensures that laughs are something you take away from the story. The climax is interesting, and I loved the twist that emerges on the last page.

The characters are what make this story what it is, and the author manages to tread the thin line between too much and too little in the character descriptions. The details of the characters help us connect with them, and relate with them on a deeper level as each one of them bears a resemblance to someone we would have known or met at some point in our lives. I loved the quirks that come with each character that ensure that the smile does not wane away and keep the reader turning the pages. From the banter of the old people under the influence of alcohol, or the crazy wedding rituals, each of the character in the book can inspire a spin off.

Overall, a book I would recommend for sure in case you love weddings and have a set of crazy family. This book scores a 4.88/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book on Amazon India here.