No of pages : 202
Published by Notion press
Published on: November 1st 2018
Genre; YA FICTION CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE DRUG ADDDICTION
Book links : GOODREADS AMAZON
Author's links Goodreads Amazon
My take
I thank Dr Govind Sharma for having sent me the free copy of the book for my review. When I have gone through the blurb I could grasp the theme of the book namely addiction to smack. Very rarely we across books on the same and this book handles it in a plain and heartening manner so as to strike the slogan SAY NO TO DRUGS in a louder tone .
The plot
The amazing book starts with a Prologue captioned HARIDWAR MAY 2018. There are 18 chapters and the backdrop is Rajapur during the period between 2016 - 18. Aakash who lost his mother within a few hours of birth is abandoned by his father. His grandfather a priest in
the Somani temple takes care of him.He lives in one .quarters allowed by Sharan Chacha. When he is studyingg in a Public school he falls a victim of a bad company resulting in doing drugs and betting on cricket matches. There he meets Aarti the youngest of five sisters in a very poor family. There develops a friendship between them .
After finishing school studies Aakash joins a college whereas Aarti joins as a caretaker of Somani house. Basant Somani the industrialist falls as a prey to Aarti and she takes advantage of her ambition of becoming richer by shortcut route. His wife Rajeswari beauty queen of Kolkata has got a soft corner for Aakash and she tries to help him come out of his shackles of addiction to drugs.
There are so many knots to connect the Mcs with many incidents associated with drugs and sex. Questions arise as to whether Aakash comes out of his addiction and what is the fate of Aarti and others caught in the web of destiny.
The pro
This is definitely a coming of age story of both the protagonists Aakash and Aarti who are the at the threshold of their youth. Their mysterious and secret trajectories would make a great impact on our mind.
This fast-paced tale of friendship, greediness, vices, and virtues would take you the real dark world wherein most of the activities of Mcs happen behind the screen. An interesting and engaging thriller with a strong connection of action and suspense giving an account of miseries they encounter.
It is a great challenge to the author to have a drug addict as the hero of the social drama and he is very much successful in creating sympathy for him in the reader's mind. There is a lot of power struggles, other supportive characters are feeling helpless. Acclimatized to the realm of opulence the characters get intertwined to move the story with all its messiness and intricacy. Memorable characters are the bright spots in a powerful plot.
The narration skill and the storyteller in the author are plus points which make the readers hooked to the novella. The twists and turns with unimaginable and impeccable knots serve as a sure page-turner.
Language is fluid and crisp. Charterers blend with the plot so nicely we can relate with their emotions.
This book is a fitting tribute to a drug addict and holds great messages which would touch the hearts of the readers, creating a new perspective on drug addicts. This great story of redemption, Character growth wherein the side characters also shine.
As this book targets the youth and elders there are many scintillating scenes which are not suitable for children.
This book tells the story of a down to earth person to reality.The book gives a good insight into the workings of Hindu temples and rituals and cultures.
Needless to say Of Aakash and Aarti is a classic page-turner loaded with entertainment with a contemplative and absorbing concept with hidden depth.
My favorite
Three important guidelines the book conveys for the drug addicts to come out of their addiction.
1. Change the environment
2. Go for professional help or get admitted in Rehab centers meant for it.
3. Engage in alternate activities which are good for all.
What I feel
The mention about the sale of kidney in the story does't fit logically. For the powerful message novel the cover is not so appealing.
My verdict.
As the book end with the slogan Say No to Drugs this book is a good read by parents , teachers and youth. You can buy the book from the above link.
Score: 5/5
Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange of my honest and unbiased review . I have not received any monetary compensation for the above review.
AUTHOR DR. GOVIND SHARMA ,IAS Retd.
Photo taken from GoodReads