Book Review: Pokhran: A Novel (Books and Beard Review)

Title- Pokhran: A Novel

Author- Uday Singh

Publisher- Srishti Publishers

Length- 232 pages

Format- Paperback

Year-2020

Rating-4/5 stars

Introduction and Background-

An engineer by profession and an author by heart, Uday Singh's debut work of fiction 'Pokhran: A Novel' is a tale of determination, disillusionment, revenge and love. The story is set in Pokhran, a well known near Jaipur known for nuclear testing, particularly the 'Smiling Buddha' project which helped India emerge as a nuclear state. The story revolves around Chaitanya, one of those unfortunate child who were born just after the famous nuclear test. As a result of exposing himself to the radiation, Chaitanya has deformed limbs. This is his story, his battle for existence and his jounrey to reclaim the basic human rights every inhabitants of Pokhran deserves. With the help of his loving sister, father and his friend, Chaitanya continued his battle against all odds and finally be able to reach MIT as an academician. His mother who died at childbirth, made his dad determined to expose the people in power who suppressed the after effects of Pokhran survivors. Despite of being a disabled person, Chaitanya has achieved so much in life, but will he be able to fulfil his father's dream?

What will happen if the people in power decides to use their influence to make his life miserable?

These are some of the questions which you have to solve by going through the work.

Review-

The first thing I liked about the novel is the treatment of disabled people. Unlike popular narratives where disabled people are shown as evil and always portrayed as side characters, Author singh has given his character a central position. To some extent the novel reminds me of Indra Sinha's 'Animal's People' and the character named Animal, a victim of Bhopal Gas tragedy. But unlike Animal who lived a life of ridicule and shame, Chaitanya has painted as an respectable, knowledgeable person.

I also liked the topic of the novel. In a time when healthy criticism in India is at the verge of death, Author Singh in his debut work has taken a sensitive topic and presented it so well with the mastery of his writing. 

As far as the writing style and narration is concerned, it is far better than most of the current so-called 'bestselling' Indian authors. The character construction is commendable and the way the author has shown the familial bonding is truly amazing. The storyline is engaging and it provides a wonderful reading experience.

Now if I talk about the title and cover page of the novel, I am a bit confused. If I judge the title and cover page from the point of view of the plot, the title is apt. But from the point of view of a buyer, the title and cover page creates an illusion that the story is all about the Nuclear testing at Pokhran, though the blurb at the back of the novel contradicts the view. That's why I would suggest to kindly go through the blurb first and if it suits your taste,  then only purchase it.

Overall,  it was a fascinating read. I give this novel 4 stars for the storyline, writing style, narration and overall presentation.

Happy Reading