R&AW. Material-Arpit Agarwal

Book: R&AW. Material
Author: Arpit Agarwal
Publisher: Papertowns Publishers

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

What if you unearthed a conspiracy that could change history?

Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fuelled journey into treachery and deception. An electrifying tale of revenge and espionage, where a relentless spy chief places his half-brother and head of a rival spy agency in a vice-like grip of blackmail to surrender proof of his complicity in a rogue bio-weapons project, the genesis of the COVID-19 outbreak, all set amidst the perilous backdrop of Tibet, China, and India. In this pulse-pounding thriller, loyalties are tested, alliances shattered, and the reputation of a nation hangs precariously in the balance. Will the truth the world has been waiting for be unveiled? Will hard-won reputations be destroyed? Hold on tight as you dive headfirst into a whirlwind of action, suspense, and intrigue.

Arpit’s book is a brilliantly written spy thriller that explores the Indo-China relationship through a fiction lens and the COVID-19 scenario. The writing keeps you hooked and looking for answers that the characters get asked time and again. The thrill is maintained till the last page and you are drawn into this intricate web that spans borders. Another aspect that I liked was that how the author blends the story of how the Tibetan government in exile came into being, and how that forms the foundation of this thriller. Arpit’s research into the geopolitical tensions forms a good basis for the story. The storytelling feels like a movie unfolding in front of your eyes and the scenes are written in a very visual manner. As a reader you feel that you are in the thick of things, be it the cold passes of the Himalayas or the evenings in Dilli Haat. The complex nature of the story adds to the overall charm of the story. The climax is partially predictable, but the reveal does justice to the journey you take in the book.

Coming to the characters, I liked the complexity that Arpit brings in with Vijay, Wei and Pema’s characters. The character development is nuanced, and there are aspects to each of these characters that come out nicely in the storytelling. The way Arpit sketches Wei’s character causes you to admire and hate him with equal measure. The entire character arc forces you to question the entire scheme of things that take place. Vijay’s character as a “straight as an arrow” shines through the story. His dedication to truth is exhibited well and forms an integral part of the storyline. Pema’s character forms an important aspect of the first half of the book, and sets the foundation of the book. Her resilience is well written and you are inspired by the risks she takes, yet never gives up on hope.

Overall, the book is a definite recommendation for anyone looking to read a well-written spy thriller that will keep you engaged right till the last page. The book scores a 4.69/5 for me.

Grab a copy of the book from a bookstore near you, or on Amazon India.