The Black Orphan-S. Hussain Zaidi

Book: The Black Orphan
Author: S. Hussain Zaidi
Publisher: HarperCollins India

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like reading fiction based on real-life events?

It's love at first sight for DIG Ajay Rajvardhan of the National Investigation Agency when he sees attractive young lawyer Asiya Khan in court, defending a young woman the NIA has arrested on charges of terrorism. They are on opposite sides - he specializes in taking down terrorists while she defends those wrongfully arrested by the authorities - but he finds he is unable to get her out of his head. Even as Ajay and Asiya are drawn closer, a web of crime, deception and intrigue weaves itself around them and threatens to take them down. A serial killer is on the loose, murdering India's most famous nuclear scientists one by one. And something far worse is brewing in the bylanes of Mumbai. Time is running out for Ajay and his associates, Deputy Commissioner Sagar Pratap and Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, to find the mastermind behind these incidents and stop them. Inspired by true events, this riveting tale of love, terror and revenge is Hussain Zaidi at his best.

Based in Mumbai, Zaidi takes the events of Operation Neptune Spear of the Navy SEALs and sets the tone for the book. The story is told in a linear manner with a few flashbacks to set the tone of the plot. The core idea that Zaidi explores is the cooperation of the various Intelligence agencies and how there are events in the background that a lot of us do not understand. The primary plot in the book is that a serial killer is on the loose in Mumbai and after famous Indian Nuclear scientists. The responsibility comes to DIG Ajay Rajvardhan of the NIA, as well as Deputy Commissioner Sagar Pratap and Commissioner Neeraj Kumar of the Mumbai Police to find the person responsible. As is with Zaidi’s works, you’ll find pieces of real-life events spread out in this story. There are names, places and events that you recognize, and the author binds them in this fabric of fiction quite beautifully. The story is quite fast paced and events take place in quick succession, leaving never a dull moment in this book. The spy craft has been explored well, and there are minute details that he has provided, which add a good flavor to the story. The intricate detailing which lets the case unravel was explored in an extremely well-planned manner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. While the overall reading experience is enjoyable, Ajay and Asiya’s plotline was quite predictable, which, while told nicely, did not work too well with me. Secondly, the conflict in the thriller was a tad bit mellow for me, and having read his other works, I expected a bit more from his storytelling. The climax is executed nicely and brings the story to a close perfectly.

The characters are the elements who drive this story. Basing the primary characters on real-life people is something that the author does with ease, and that is what works in this book as well. The character of Ajay has been layered and the way he builds in the individualities of the characters, which is a major plot point, was something I really enjoyed. Another aspect of the characters I liked was that there is not much fluff provided to set up the characters. The information provided is just enough for you to imagine the characters, and the plot takes care of the rest.

Overall, the book is a good read for readers of spy thrillers. The book scores a 4.38/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book on Amazon India or your nearest bookstore.

The Way Home-Shalini Mullick

Book: The Way Home
Author: Shalini Mullick
Publisher: Readomania

I was provided a media copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

How would you define the idea of “Home”?

Anya is grieving the loss of her beloved sister and is desperately in denial. Neel is consumed by the shame of not living up to the accomplishments of his overachieving parents. Roy’s Impostor Syndrome and a crushing heartbreak have depleted his self-confidence, making him give up his career as a surgeon. Seeking refuge from their inner demons, the three millennials flee to Goa, where they become friends. Will their friendship help the trio shed their demons and reclaim their life and happiness? Can this camaraderie give them the connection they need to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing? Or is it too little, too late? The Way Home is a relatable tale of bonding and self-discovery that will touch your heart.

Not a lot of stories make you pause and wonder about life as you know it. The Way Home is a book that explores the idea of home and self-discovery through its three protagonists-Anya, Neel and Roy-each of whom is dealing with their own demons. Shalini, through her characters, tackles the concepts of grief, self-discovery and self-doubt in this story. The book is written primarily in a linear form in the present time, with a few instances dwelling into the past to establish the characters’ lives. The book also explores the theme of mental health and the need to address it professionally and how it can impact you positively. What I loved about the book was that Shalini has created these three distinct personalities that ideally would not have crossed paths, but yet they meet and form a bond of friendship. It is then this friendship that helps them build each other up, helping them find their paths in life. Another concept that is explored in the book is that of societal expectations and how they can impact the psyche and life of a person. I really liked the manner in which the author puts this forth in the first part of the book, and then also addresses it in the second part, both with Neel and Roy’s families. With Anya’s character, Shalini highlights how grief can impact our lives and take a toll, both in mind and body. I specially loved the moment when the pent-up feelings are released and the description of the calmness that follows was something that was penned beautifully. Coming to the climax, Shalini creates this order from chaos scenario that was very visual and the romantic aspect of it was just perfect.

The storytelling in the book is extremely engaging and keeps you turning the pages because there are no moments where the story lags, or the events don’t make sense. The medical terminologies used are explained as well as they add quite a bit of authenticity to the plot when the doctors are conversing. The descriptions in the book are vivid and help you visualize the moments as they occur. Another aspect of the book I truly liked was that she does not let the spotlight stay on Anya, Neel and Roy. In the second half of the book, we meet the three sets of parents, and I liked how she describes the Diwali night and the subsequent morning at the three houses. The misunderstandings, the regrets and the questions are some points that we have all seen in our own families and that was one of the highlights for me. This brings me to another point that Shalini has addressed, and that is of choices that we make for our families. While we talk about the three protagonists finding themselves in Goa, each of the three families also find something, and that was a red herring that made me smile.

The characters in the book have been created in depth. Each of them has an individual storyline which is unique and has led them to the doors of this hospital in Goa. She has given them unique traits and that was something truly wonderful to read. From Neel’s cloud watching to Roy’s passion for football, the character traits have been allowed to manifest, and in a way that helps the character develop along with the plot of the story. If I had to choose between the three, I would pick Neel as a character with whom I could resonate with the most.

Overall, The Way Home is a book that is highly recommended if you are looking for a book that would inspire you to look for something you can call home. The book scores a 4.88/5 for me.

Get a copy of the book from your nearest bookstore or on Amazon India (Associate Link).